Finger foods question re: swallowing

jessicah628

Okay, so until a few weeks ago, DS was very disinterested in finger foods. He'd eat some puffs here and there, but that was about it. He's now taken a much stronger interest and is really good about picking things up and putting them in his mouth. Last night I cut up grapes (into non-choking-hazard sizes) and cheese, and he was shoveling them into his mouth.

But, he doesn't swallow much, if any. He chews and sucks on it all, and then eventually spits it back out.

Did anyone deal with this? Any brilliant suggestions? I'm not terribly worried, because he tends to start doing things eventually when he feels like it, but I would really like to be able to move away from purees more, sooner than later.

And for the record, I've tried a ton of different foods, and while he is happy to chew/suck on things, there doesn't seem to be any difference in him actually eating/swallowing. 

tracyd21

Maybe try softer foods that are easier to swallow?  Could it be a texture thing?

Assuming you haven't tried avocado, super ripe banana, mashed potatoes/cauliflower, cottage cheese, etc...less to suck on.  DD doesn't spit food out; instead she stores a ton in her cheeks for later

 

letranger

We went through this but since we did baby led weaning it happened at 6 months. I'd just start eliminate the pur?ed food so he will attempt to eat solids more. 

alibat421

I am a pediatric speech therapist so I have some experience with feeding.  The best thing you can do is model what he is supposed to do with the food and show him how you swallow after you chew.  Talk about it while you are doing it.  "Look mommy is chewing, mommy is swallowing and then show him its all gone, etc.  The fact that he is trying the food and liking it is good. He will probably start to swallow when he is ready.  Does he overstuff his mouth? If so maybe give him one or two pieces at a time.  He is still learning the process of eating so I wouldn't worry unless this goes on for a while.  Keep it up with offering him lots of different foods!  For now try and relax and you can always bring it up with you pediatrician.  

eSynergy

I don't have much advice other than keep trying...he'll get the hang of it eventually! Some things we tried when Oliver was that age: small pieces of banana rolled in crushed cheerios (easier to pick up, but a pain to "prep"), small/mini pasta, peas, shredded cheese (it's much smaller than what you would cut yourself). 

KLF01

We had the same thing happen- comes in phases DS likes one thing one day and the next day not interested. DS enjoys sweet potatoes- cut into pieces and steamed and ripe bananas. Those things are what he is most interested in eating on his own these days.

jessicah628

Thanks for the suggestions, ladies. We're going to be persistent and I'm sure he'll figure it out sooner or later. Talked to the pediatrician and she's not worried at this point.