#asktheexpert

dinner options for 1 year old, he doesn't chew much and whenever I give a chunk of food he throws up or does vomiting.

Question

#asktheexpert

dinner options for 1 year old, he doesn't chew much and whenever I give a chunk of food he throws up or does vomiting.

Accepted Answer

Helping a 1-year-old baby learn to chew and swallow food is an important developmental milestone. Here are some tips to assist in this process:

1. **Texture Graduation:** Start with soft and mashed foods and gradually introduce textures. This allows your baby to get used to different consistencies.

2. **Finger Foods:** Offer bite-sized, soft finger foods that your baby can pick up and explore. Examples include small pieces of ripe banana, well-cooked pasta, or soft cooked vegetables.

3. **Model Chewing:** Eat with your baby and demonstrate chewing. Babies often mimic what they see, so having them observe your chewing can encourage them to imitate the action.

4. **Praise and Encourage:** Offer positive reinforcement when your baby attempts to chew and swallow. This helps build their confidence and makes the experience more enjoyable.

5. **Avoid Force:** Don't force your baby to eat or swallow. Allow them to set the pace, and be patient as they learn to coordinate chewing and swallowing.

6. **Offer a Variety of Textures:** Introduce a variety of textures, from purees to soft chunks. This helps develop different chewing skills.

7. **Supervision:** Always supervise meals to ensure safety. Make sure the food is an appropriate size to minimize the risk of choking.

8. **Limit Distractions:** Create a calm environment during meals. Minimize distractions so your baby can focus on eating and developing their eating skills.

9. **Small Bites:** Offer small, manageable bites to prevent overwhelming your baby and make it easier for them to chew and swallow.

10. **Consult with a Pediatrician:** If you have concerns about your baby's ability to chew or swallow, or if they seem to have difficulty transitioning to different textures, consult with your pediatrician for guidance and reassurance.

Remember, every baby develops at their own pace, and it's normal for there to be some variation in how quickly they master chewing and swallowing skills.