Lillian 07/16/2010
Question:
My baby girl is 10 months and she still doesn't eat much baby food. She isn't interested in things like pureed pears and green beans. She will only eat these things once in a while. She still drinks several bottles each day. Should I be concerned or will she learn to eat more on her own?
About 1/3 of toddlers are described by their parents as picky eaters, and 2/3 of parents report one or more problems in eating with their toddler. If your child is growing well and generally healthy, the likelihood is that eating is something to work on rather than something to concern you.
Children may need to be exposed to a food ten or more times before they are accepted, and often respond to the social cues provided when food is eaten by peers or family members. Eat meals together in a social and relaxed atmosphere.
On the other hand, if she fills up on milk then she may not get hungry enough to eat solids. Also, at 10 months, she should be ready for finger foods that she feeds herself (banana, soft bread, cooked veggies) and may do better with the independence that allows.
