I am keeping my nephew's little boy; he is a year old, actually 14 months now. They bring him baby food for every day. Only a vegatable and a fruit jar. No meat. He eats yogurt and applesauce, but will not even attempt anything solid. One day he got a tiny ( I mean TINY) piece of fruit in with his yogurt and I thought he was choking.

His parents have not mentioned this to the doctor, but I'm worried about the little fella. He is really small and still very baby-ish (wanting to be held a lot and having his cup held for him)

Should I keep my mouth shut? Should I risk offending the parents and express my concerns? They are very defensive and I certainly don't want to upset them.

Anyone else with experience with a "late bloomer"?

I keep my niece once a week and she's eating and walking and saying words. They're the same age.

Thanks for any advice!

Tammy

Oh goodness Tammy, that is kind of a touchy situation but you know what, I would kind of mention it to them in a round about way. Perhaps you could just mention to them that he is not eating much at all and you are wondering what food he likes or if they have tried him on everything. He may just be a very picky eater but at that age my little ones were eating three full meals and snacks -- oatmeal and fruit at breakfast, meat, fruit and veggies at lunch and dinner (sometimes they would skip the meat).

To me it is just strange that he is not eating more. Does he act hungry? Does he rest well? I don't know but I think I would mention it to them.

Best of luck!

Stephanie :D

I had a few parents that insisted upon feeding their toddlers baby food..We at the daycare would occasionally try to introduce the child to some food but they'd always choke...They don't know how to eat...Some parents just refuse to feed a child real food until they have a mouth full of teeth and the book tells them too....It is a touchy area though..Maybe if you just ask them about it they'll let you know why...I wouldn't mention that part about the fruit though..

Thanks for the ideas. I guess he seems to choke because he doesn't know what to do with food. He only has two teeth. And since this is their first baby, I'll wager that they are going "right by the book". I remember doing that with my daughter to some extent.

I think I'm just gonna get my nerve up eventually and ask them if he does the choking thing with them too. That should open the conversation up and I could ask if their doctor thinks it's time for some solids.

He is such a sweeeeet baby!! He is a joy to keep and I guess I've just fallen in love with him and worry about him like I do my own. It's funny; I prayed that if God wanted me to work to help my husband with bills, He would allow the job to come to me. The next week, this couple approached me about keeping their baby. I remembered my prayer and agreed to give it a try, although I dreaded it. I haven't had a baby to take care of in five years. But HIS ways are always best. I am enjoying this so much. And the money isn't great, but it helps out on groceries.

Ain't God good????