On Thu, 20 Nov 1997, Kathy Rehmert, RN, Labor and Delivery wrote:

> I am in the situation too, My son seemed hungry for solids but he hated the
> spoon!
Often a baby seems to be "interested" in solids but really isn't.  One of
the reasons for this is the increased sociability of infants at 5 - 6
months.  They suddenly become aware of the wonderful toys everyone has:
shiny spoons, interesting shapes and colors of the dishes, unusual smells
etc.  This does not mean that they are hungry.  Often giving the baby a
spoon or two and an unbreakable plate and cup will totally satisfy her.
There is also no need to spoon feed.  There are many table foods that
babies can finger feed themselves- cooked brown rice, bananas, well
cooked carrots and other vegetables, cooked rice, pasta, meatballs, stews
etc.  that completely eliminate the need for spoon feeding.  Since iron
is the nutrient that most babies need before the end of the first year an
iron source is probably a good idea as well.  With that exception
breastmilk alone can be enough for even more than the first year assuming
an ample milk supply and adequate access to the breast.

Sarah

Sarah Friend Barnett   LLLL, IBCLC
Bronx (New York City), NY  -  [log in to unmask]
" You are not obliged to finish the task,
 neither are you free to neglect it."       R. Tarfon