Two year old refuses to eat solids

[MichelleCSmith]

What do I do when my two year old refuses to eat solids? I still have to give him baby food, stage 3 because he refuses to put any type of food in his mouth. And even with the stage 3 baby food with the small chunks that it does have, he just swallows it. Therefore, at times causing him to gag. I have noticed, it is not a flavor or texture issue with him. It's that he has not figured out how to chew on the little things that does get into his mouth. For example, he will attempt to eat fruits and fruit snacks, but doesn't quite chew it up. It's like he waits for it to either dissolve or simply swallows it whole. Fruits like bananas he even still has an issue with b/c he will bite it off, but still will not chew it up in his mouth, more so just mushes it around and then swallows. I have tried and tried over the last year and a half to teach him to chew by example and he still does not get it. He is extremely smart with everything, but when it comes to this, he is simply not catching on. I don't know what to do anymore. I am expecting baby no. two and am fearing I will have two kids on baby food almost 3 years apart. Keep in mind, I have tried all the bits of advice my family has given me.. trying all different types of food, mashing it up, allowing him to do it on his own, feeding it to him, showing him how, and the chewing part of it does not work get thru to him. Could this be a medical issue? The doctor that I was seeing prior to moving to a new area said not to worry, as long as he is eating well what he does like and not under weight, etc.. then he would in due time. And that every child is different, and while this is not common, it does happen to some children. But if he doesn't know how to now at 2.. at what point does it begin to not be ok? Please help! I will try just about anything that makes sense.

[Super_sally888]

hi,

this could be a sensory thing.  if you can look for an occupational therapist that deals with sensory integrative issues.  you may need to work with him helping him explore things with his mouth. tapping, brushing, vibration, playing games with his tongue, hot and cold etc.....

he should also be seen by a paediatric ent to make sure there is no physical cause if this continues

Don't make a big deal about food for now just work round it, but keep offering him ...

[allmymarbles]

Listen to you pediatrician. He sounds wise. I have four children, 11 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. They were all different and they all are turning out fine. Your child is not abnormal. He is just different.