Worried about 13 month old development

Hi Mama's, So my boy is 13 months old and I'm a bit worried about his development, he doesn't wave, or clap, or nod his head for yes or no, he doesn't walk yet and seems to show no interest in walking, he only walks a little if he holds the sofa. He still doesn't know how to chew properly, he still is gagging on his food. I try to give him finger foods and he literally just keeps chucking them on the floor without even attempting to try to eat it. He used to hold his own bottles and cups and now he doesn't want to, he just wants to chuck them all on the floor. I just feel like he's moving backwards rather than forwards. Please can anyone give me some advice? X
Like
Share Mobile
Share
  • Share

Show your support

Has he been offered his 1 year developmental review? Regarding walking - it’s not usually a concern until around 18 months. So him cruising and holding on to furniture is acceptable. Regarding meal times / do you eat together? Are you offering him foods that the family eat etc? Sounds more behavioural - does he do this for attention do you think? As children grow they do test boundaries and are constantly learning. Remember every baby develops at their own pace so try not to panic.

@Dianne hi Dianne We always eat together and I even show him that I'm chewing food but he still keeps gagging and choking, it's odd because he knows how to chew biscuits and oat bars etc but it's like when it comes to food, like rice and chicken, he won't eat it unless it's mashed x

@Saamia do you feel like he drinks more than he eats?

@Dianne no he's definitely reduced his milk as he prefers his solids more x

Aww bless you both, my little girl is 18 months, doesn’t say a word, but can scream to the top of her lungs, just like 2 days ago took 3 steps but refused today, claps but only from prob 12 months doesn’t nod, eats only if I feed her other than that she will throw all her food, all babies are different but if you feel really worried check with health visitor

What about his speech? Does he say any words? Discuss it with your HV and possibility of an assessment.

@Saamia is would make contact with your health visiting team so he can have his one year review. In the mean time - continue doing what you are doing. Read to him; narrate the day to him - what you are doing etc. when you are out and about explaining things to him; pointing things out to him etc. When he does throw food continue to reiterate to him - “food is for our plates” “Food is for your mouth remember” and where you can lots of praise when he isn’t. My LO can start off eating and then decides that he’s done and just tips the plate upside down and proceeds to try and leave the high chair.

@Saamia My daughter did this too. She always gagged out rice and chicken but was fine eating chocolates & biscuits. What i did was start rice with lentil curry first. Little bit of Rice and more curry gravy so whenever i spoon fed her she’d swallow the curry gravy first in her mouth and she’d have no choice but to chew on the rice and swallow. Thats how she learnt to chew. You can also try giving him potato from curries, wash the spices off first if you need to and see if he eats potato. My daughter’s 19 months now, still cant have meat and gags on chickpeas too x

@Saamia my LO Zayden would do the same he started walking after birthday and the eating part they grow out of it, maybe do more bonding times e.g go to some playgroups in the area and perhaps see a speech therapist, that’s what I’m considering x

Read more on Peanut