baby playing with food

[jaxgran]

i look after my 11month old grandson and am finding it difficult teach him to  feed himself

he mostly prefers to play with his food or throw it on the floor, but when i put the spoon in his mouth he will eat

i have had a little success in putting food on the spoon and giving the spoon to him to put into his mouth, but not much.

i keep reading about 'finger food' and cook things for him that would fit this category but he just throws it on the floor. however if i put it in his mouth he will eat it, so its not as though he doesn't like what i'm giving him.

please help.

[April2]

You just need to be patient and keep working with him. This can take a long time. He's only 11 months old so it could be several months before he really gets good with the coordination of using a spoon or even getting the knack of using his pincher fingers. This all takes coordination and using the fine motor skills which can take a long time. Keep practicing with him but don't get impatient. He isn't deliberately trying to annoy you. He wouldn't understand that at this age, probably not until he's 2 years old.

I am watching a 13 month old right now who can't use a spoon yet. He's getting better with the finger food, though. And yes, he throws things on the floor too, including his cup. That's why my dog likes to lay by the high chair! :)

Good starter finger foods are things like cheerios, toast strips (without butter), soft veggies and fruits like canned carrots cut up, peas, pears, peaches. Avocados are a good first food. Bananas cut up, waffles. Once he's 1 year you can add more things like scrambled eggs.
Just keep working with him and helping him. He'll get it with plenty of practice! In the meantime be prepared for him to get messy. That's the joy of having a toddler! :)

[91004]

How long have you been working with him.