Gumming Fruit

[amelia23]

Hi everyone
My baby will be 22 weeks on friday, I breast feed and haven't started weaning yet. My baby has a big appetite and refuses the bottle and I just wanted peoples opinions on letting her lick and gum fruit (no eating) like apples, pears and such. The thing is at the moment because she wont drink from a bottle it makes it really hard for me to go out without her even for an hour or two and I think if she could lick a bit of fruit that might help occupy her . She hasn't got any teeth yet, but she may be teething.
Thanks

 

[amelia23]

anyone got any thoughts on this. Do most people think its better to hold off as long as possible or do you think its ok given the fact she isn't swallowing any solids.

 

[k4th]

If you want to just keep her occupied I don't really see the problem with it. Apple is a choking hazard though if lo bites any off, so maybe steer clear of that. I'd be tempted to give her a whole piece of fruit so she can suck it but isn't likely to bite anything off iykwim? That way she'll just get an extra bit of a drink from it.

Have you tried giving her liquids from a cup rather than a bottle?

 

[amelia23]

Thank you for your reply, I would have thought that apple was quite safe given the fact that its hard and she has no teeth so glad you told me, not really sure what to give her then as I think there is a chance that she could gum her way through soft fruit like a peach. maybe I could squeeze the fruit to let the juice drop in her mouth.
I did try with the cup, but she really hates it, she makes a face like she is smelling rotten fish and refuses it! thanks again

 

[k4th]

she's got personality!!!

You could try hard-ish pear, some aren't as ripe as others. Or maybe prick the skin of a soft fruit so as she gums it some of the juice escapes - messy but fun? Plums might be good for that?

 

[amelia23]

Thanks I think the pricking fruit idea is really good, will give it a try (hopefully she wont turn her nose up at it) Thanks again