2 year old still eats mush!

Question

Wasn't quite sure whether this is a behaviour or developmental problem. My daughter turns 2 in a few weeks and she is still eating some baby food (stage 2). This is because she doesn't actually 'eat' finger food and I am so restricted in what I can offer her - only food that can be mashed up. She is in 25th percentile for weight and 50th for height, has followed this pattern since 3m old - so growth is OK. She was low birth weight at full-term (4lb 12oz) and was in Special Care for over 2 weeks due to a traumatic birth and feeding/breathing issues. But quickly became physically fine. Her appetite is good but she will only eat mushed up food (no large lumps). As a baby she didn't mouth toys and she was very easily upset (appeared 'overstimulated' a lot of the time). She walked late (19 months) but is doing fine. She is a happy, sociable child and her speech seems to be developing normally. The pediatrician she is under is about to discharge her after a final checkup in 6 months and is happy with her - he puts the feeding issues down to behaviour but admitted that he wasn't an expert in these matters. I have had an initial consultation with a speech therapist who thinks she may be 'tactile defensive'? But it is frustrating that there appears to be no 'quick fix' to deal with this problem. We do all the suggested things involving messy play but she still won't bite, chew and swallow food. She will suck and lick food but if a piece falls on her tongue she will gag or spit it out and complain. She also drinks from a bottle - puts a sippy cup into her mouth but doesn't appear to know what to do with it. It's like feeding doesn't come naturally to her. I know it should be all about small steps - but her feeding is at the same stage as a typical 9month old. She has now started using her mouth to explore and will hold a spoon and lick food off it but if I didn't spoon feed her she will just go without - doesn't appear that interested. Mealtimes are a nightmare if I don't sit and feed her and distract her at the same time. If anyone else can relate to this, I would love to hear from you - advice welcome!

This discussion is related to Eating problems.

mum2beagain · Answer

Yes my son has sensory issues. He was a preemie baby and has some other health issues too; but yes his sensory problems were not limited to food. Sounds like an OT would be very beneficial for your daughter to help with all her sensory sensitivities. I hope your doctor listens to you on this one and gives you that referral.  A good book I read was "The Out of Sync Child", it was very helpful.

nikki787 · Answer

Thanks for your comments.  Her second birthday is round the corner and I will pursue OT appointment for her.  Can I ask you mum2beagain, does your son still have any sensory issues or does he seem to be like all the others at school?  My daughter still won't touch certain fabrics (i.e. microfibre) and will shudder when she touches them.  Still highly sensitive to certain situations. So really there are other problems but feeding is the only one I find hard to deal with.  For her birthday party at the end of the month I will avoid crowds of people and just limit to one or two at a time. Thanks, nice to hear from someone who has been through this.

mum2beagain · Answer

I'd agree with Rockrose. My oldest had all the problems you describe. An occupational therapist has been very helpful in our case. It took a long time (until he was almost 5) before he was okay with different food textures but he got there in the end. As a toddler my son would only eat if we read to him and spoon fed him "mush", he didn't have the skill to use a spoon himself. Assuming something is behavioral when in fact the problem is sensory must be stressful for a child. Go with your instinct on this one, if you feel it is not behavioral challenge your doc and ask for that referral to the OT. Best of luck.

RockRose · Answer

I agree that she sounds like she has tactile defensiveness.

I also think she may have trouble coordinating chewing swallowing and breathing.  The fact that she had that trouble at birth,  and she walked late,  it seems like she may have some problems with motor planning.  

Have you tried getting her evaluated by an Occupational Therapist?