Feeding the 11 month old growth spurt (1051)

If your baby is very active, you may notice a slowing down of weight gain. That occurs because your baby is using more calories for her constant activity. The fact that your baby may not be gaining as much weight as before doesn't mean he isn't healthy. A fat baby is not necessarily a healthy baby. At this age, babies should be developing muscles, not fat.

Worrying about what your baby eats or doesn't eat will only make both of you nervous. Don't expect your child to clean her plate or eat "just one more" mouthful. Trust your child to be the best judge of how much to eat.

As baby moves around and explores, he is becoming more independent. Baby may insist on feeding himself. Or, he may be a little scared by his new abilities and cling to you at mealtimes. Baby may even refuse to hold her cup or spoon and demand to be fed.

Whether your little one is a clinger or a self-feeder, try to be calm and patient. It will pay off in fewer feeding problems now and later.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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