Question

My son is 8 months old and weighs 21lb. How much should he be eating in a day? Also, he won't eat lumpy food - he just spits out the lumps but he will eat finger foods like toast soldiers and baby biscuits. How can I help him to accept lumpy food?

Answer

I know how confusing it can be working out how much food is enough for your little one.  It's important to remember that all babies are different and grow at different rates. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. If your son is the right weight for his length and is eating 3 meals a day with 500ml of his usual milk, this is probably the right amount.

 

Don't worry if some days your little one is really hungry and others not hungry at all - this is completely normal. Never try to force him to eat more than he wants but if he seems hungry for more, try offering extra snacks like fruit pots.

 

Have a look at my menu planner for some inspiration on what meals and how much to offer.

 

It's quite common for little ones to reject lumps, so try not to worry, especially if he's happy to eat finger foods. Do keep offering mashed up foods, as it's an important part of his development but also try offering a wider range of finger foods such as steamed carrot sticks or broccoli florets, cubes of cheese and banana slices. These will help him learn hand-eye co-ordination and also help him learn to chew.

Good luck and do please let us know how you get on.

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