Tough decision

Our OT gave us completely opposite suggestions. She told us that we were to feed Noah purees first so he could get all his calories. Then after his purees, we are to allow him to self feed table food. She wants him to get the practice of self feeding, but not until after he has gotten the bulk of his calories from purees.

I agree with Karen though, what about his current weight and can he stand to lose any weight if he completely self feeds?

I find it so frustrating that all of these therapists give different advice about when and how to give purees and finger foods.

Sharon, as I’ve mentioned before, we were also told that when we challenged Hailey to self feed only she will lose weight, up to 5 pounds we were told. I wanted to make that shift when I feel that she has enought desire and interest to self feed, as well as the needed fine motor and chewing skills. I also wanted to make sure that we were over a lot of the sensory issues related to food and that she has had exposure to a variety of solids. For us, since she doesn’t do purees, the challenge will be to drastically cut back bottle intake and see what she does. I’m not ready to do it yet, because of the above reasons. I’m not sure where Brian is in relation to some of these issues. You also have to consider his current weight. Just some food for thought…. It’s a hard decision.

How about supplementing his diet for nutrition and calories? What are they called? like next step formulas? or pediasure?

My 15 mth is still on mostly purees. We struggle with his weight as well. It’s a heck of a job, but once a week, I make all his food and freeze it in cups. It’s time consuming, but it’s easy to heat up for him. What we do is put whatever it is in the food processor and pulse to consistency. I’ve been trying to add more texture to his foods this way. It’s working wonderfully and he’s really enjoying it. If we have a roast or turkey or chicken, I’ll take the leftovers – I make extra most times- and pulse it to a good texture and freeze that as well. Then I’ll just get in the freezer and grab a chunk of whatever sounds good that day. EX– a chunk of each–sweet potatoes, squash, grn beans, carrots or peas and then maybe some rice and one chunk of the meat. Throw it in a bowl and voila- a great meal with good texture for him. Make sense? For breakfast, I make a huge batch of rice cereal- he’s on a pretty limited diet- and add pulsed up fruit. I freeze that in 9oz. cups cuz he really eats that up:)

I never thought I’d be doing all this for my son, but I’m having a lot of fun creating new food for him and I feel great knowing that what he’s getting is fresh.

Inbetween meals he snacks on rice cakes, dry cereal, pancakes- I make twice a month and freeze. Sweet potatoe chips- I’m surprised at how well he does with these. Soft fruits- cantalope, watermelon- bananas. What I find myself doing is putting little pieces of food in a place easy for him to reach- like on a chair- and just letting him get to it when he wants. He eats quite a bit without even knowing he is. Sneaky mommy He just runs around doing whatever it is he does around the house, comes to the chair, grabs a piece and eats it, then runs around a bit more. It’s kinda funny to watch. And he thinks he’s really “getting away” with something. That makes him want to eat more.

What about scrambled eggs? I’m just amazed at how much they can mash with their gums. My son only has two tiny teeth in front and does a lot in spite. he even mashes on cut up sausage or hamburger.

Despite what my son eats, we struggle to keep him at the 25%. He’s up from the 10%. So I’m happy. I feel your pain on trying to keep the weight up. Some days they just don’t feel like eating. Other days, they can’t get enough. Who knows why. The weather maybe:)

I truely hope this helps you. Let me know if you need more food help. I’ll be glad to offer other things we do as well.