My children actually have teeth! Well, at least I can see that Chana is getting her two bottom middle ones...I have yet to see any from Dovid, but our au pair insists she sees some coming in on the upper row. Poor Chana has been miserable, and she's not going to sleep quietly like she used to. During the day it doesn't seem to be a problem, but as soon as you put her in the crib for nap or bedtime...well, her screams could wake the dead.
Even after the pediatrician INSISTED that I start pureeing the twins food so they'll learn how to swallow food, I am continuing to give them pieces. :-) According to Molly, who is my personal Baby-Led Weaning expert, swallowing mush and learning to chew and swallow food pieces are two totally different things. Giving them mush will not help them to learn about chewing and swallowing other foods. If they know how to dip (say a green bean into hummus), then you can have them do that or dip it for them so they get something that's supposed to be mushy. I've been doing that and they seem to like the hummus. But more importantly they CAN swallow it. They had some applesauce a few weeks ago in Rochester that didn't cause trouble either. It's a learning process. They have to figure out themselves that chewing is an essential part of eating solid food. Once they figure out how to chew it enough that it becomes mushier, they'll be able to swallow with no problem. And then swallowing bigger things shouldn't be an issue. Until then, I have to put up with Dovid's gagging/throwing up/coughing fits during meal time. Let me tell you, there's nothing scarier for me than meal time with him, but I have to pursue or the kid will be taking formula with him to college.
I don't know if Chana has actually gotten to the "swallowing" stage. I think she's still just exploring food, because she doesn't gag nearly as much as Dovid does, nor is she as into her food as he is. She'll put it in her mouth, but it doesn't stay there long. She'll get it! And it'll probably be easier for her when she does get into it, because she'll already have some teeth to bite with!
Molly also says that the pediatrician is overreacting about needing them to eat a ton and wean off of formula. At this point I do *not* need to worry about the twins solid food intake. This is why it's called BABY-Led Weaning and not Mommy-Led Weaning. The twins will figure it out when they are good and ready developmentally. Even if that's not until they're a year old, it's fine. They'll get it, and they'll be just fine.
They will get the hng of it! I started my little one on pureed food around 6/7 months and we were there for awhile. He wouldn't even tolerate lumpy food until much later. I was concerned that maybe he'd be eating his food pureed at 5. And then very suddenly he stopped eating his food and only wanted food off my plate. Voila! Chewing and wallowing like a pro. A suggestion, maybe try cottage cheeese or other soft cheese, they'll still need to chew it, but it will be soft enough for their gums.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a very long time since our kids were were yours are now. Man, do I remember those days though. Thankfully, I can say all the ages and stages, even today, were/are a treasure. Peace and good IComLeavWe blogging be with you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, comparing my older one (successful BLWer, progressed to well-mannered toddler) to your babies, he was under 6 months when he cut his first tooth. He was also born full-term, and it really does take a few years for babies to catch up if they aren't. So perhaps the appearance of teeth will also improve the maturity of the swallowing mechanism.
ReplyDeleteIs your pedi really trying to get you to up their intake of solids to get them off formula?! :-O If so, she is wrong! Up until 1 year, solids (whether purees or little bits) are just for tasting and practicing! Argh. Keep doing what you are doing... It sounds like you are on the right track.
ReplyDeleteHaving had three children, people are always full of advice. In the end, it is always mama's instincts that I go with. I think that's why God gives them to mommies.
ReplyDeleteMy pediatrician said there is a big difference between choking and a child learning how to gag and ~not~ choke. It would be very scary as their mother, but they will get there. Be strong!
ReplyDeleteYour blog post took me back to when the boys were learning. I just gave them food and let them lead the way...on everything to potty training now.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the Hebrew terms that you use and that you give us. I have quite a few Jewish friends and while I know a lot of Yiddish phrases, it is really great to see another language thrown up there. My kids are bilingual Greek/English. Are you raising the kids bilingual?
Good luck with the kids... you are going to love every age and stage. There isn't one stage I haven't loved yet.
You are doing it perfectly. I can't believe your pediatrician is stressing about them weaning and they aren't a year old. Wow.
ReplyDelete~ICLW
I can't believe how quickly they are growing up! Teeth? Have I told you lately what a wonderful film producer you are? Please please please pick up your video camera soon, and often, and let us see those adorable babybugs in action!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they will get the hang of it, I think you are right for getting them to chew.. they can't be babies forever...
ReplyDeleteICLW <3
Every child is different, for everything. My youngest didn't eat solid foods until after 6 months while the other two were great with it all at 4 months. I was starting to get concerned about the youngest but the pedi assured me the breastmilk or formula was all she needed until she was a year, everything else was just for practice.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Stick with it. I can't believe your pediatrician wants you to wean them already.
ReplyDeleteWait till they start finding interesting things to chew on. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy IComLeavWe.
Teeth are good no? Great that they have landed in their mouths :)
ReplyDelete(ICLW)