We found out that Ty- Ty -(aka tu-tu buns is retired= see note at end) had a texture aversion- this means- issues with texture, taste or combo of both plus difficulties with chewing and swallowing. But, it was more complex then just texture issues because Ty Ty was small and close to being off the chart. At 15 months Ty-Ty was 17pounds or so, but had not been gaining for sometime. I wanted to prevent them from putting in a g-tube (feeding tube) if we could.
We really needed Ty-Ty to eat and to move past this hurdle fast and quick (in the middle of preparing to move, learning to crawl,etc aka life). I tried it all and made it a priority to prevent failure to thrive. Nutrition is huge for kids during their developmental stages.
Eating for Ty-Ty took making sense of the sensory issues orally. We needed to help him connect the brain to mouth wires in his central nervous system. He really needed to figure this process out. Ty-Ty never told me he was hungry or wanted food. He was completely quiet to some degree. He was super EASY GOING. Too much so. But, the development in this area is crucial for more then speech, but all areas.
First thing first, the tools--I got the weirdest things from the Speech and OT - I got these items which I regret I have since donated, but they work. The first one was the teething vibrating tool by first steps.
Next we used this -
Then we added vibrating tooth brushes, lollipops, whistles, every spoon made it seemed like, but take and toss was the best. Ty Ty had swallow studies to find how he swallowed and made sure he was not aspirating. So, make sure you check all of this out. He pooled his food so he had to be fed slightly tilted and I had to feed him. We use a high chair until he was 2.5 years. Getting him to eat his food without help will be a different post as this came a little later after we showed him food was fun.
Then I got very creative- Ty Ty only ate jar food that had no chunks, anything smooth and oatmeal/baby cereal. It was a little of a game for him at times when presenting new things. I had food all over the floor beneath him and on him. He would refuse and throw his head around. Really he could care less about eating.
So, I decided to try whip cream on Graham crackers since he liked whipped cream. Hm mm, he ate the whip cream and flung the cracker. I then found Graham cracker crumbs at Publix and began putting this with whip cream mixed. He liked it. Then I crushed anything I could find with whip cream. Pretty soon he tried eating crumbs with pudding, oatmeal,etc. Eventually he moved on to bigger and crunchier crumbs and did well. I would get through this without feeding tubes and swallow studies (which are annoying).
Next, I tried giving him little chunks of smooth things -- enter Ty Ty's obsession for strawberries, blueberries and every berry!! We took Ty Ty to the strawberry farm shortly after our move because Ant poked husker on accident and he had a eye injury. Since Husker needed rest I took everyone for a special outing to pick strawberries. It was all accidental, but it worked. Ty-Ty finally explored the fruits beyond applesauce. While I was paying for what we picked, he reached out of the stroller and tried to grab a strawberry. I then picked a baby one and put it into his mouth. He gummed it, but ended up eating it. Woo Hoo!!!
Then, the doors seemed to start opening. Whenever I found something that worked I worked it. Enter the Mac and Cheese. Its weird though Ty Ty had to have a certain brand and liked the Velveeta kind. From the time he took to some other texture then smooth he just blossomed. Broccoli in cheese, broccoli and mayo, corn,etc.
Finally, Ty Ty likes strong tasting food. Broccoli, carrots, Craw fish tails, pepperoni, anything salty and spicy. I picked this up and started trying to make sure what he ate was strong tasting and chunky. It really is all just trial and error and some tough love. You got to make them push. I pushed Ty-Ty to eat something other then pureed foods. But, in the end it is so he could get to where he is now.
He started eating what I say is easy foods- waffles, cereal, chicken nuggets,etc in Summer of last year. He loves sausage and hot dogs. I think too many nitrates are not healthy, so I buy the nitrate free kind.
I guess the thing is you have to find a balance and prioritize what matters most for your special needs kid or any child. Make a list of everything they like and eat. Then fix meals creatively with them one and try to introduce one thing at a time. They say it takes 11 times before a kid will actually try something.
In regards to eating fruits and veggies they can be canned, frozen or fresh. There are endless possibilities and many to choose from.
We were told to putt butter on everything to help Ty-ty, but I really prefer the healthier oils. I use olive oil with everything. I do not find it burns any faster and it tastes better. With butter- check out Olivio, Smart Choice and Brummels and Brown. Pj loves sugar and butter toast, but she uses what I call butter. Get smart- what your kiddo does not know won't hurt them ... change the packaging. When we tried the GFCF with Ty ty I had to use an old milk carton for the soy and rice milk.
A final note- you are the mother/caregiver and you are the one buying the food and overseeing their care . When there are suggestions - try it. If it works great if not keep trying. I think its frustrating because as a mom you are the one who will make sure it happens, so voice your concerns, but be willing to check the block as Husker says.
Diagnosis update- Still nothing. Ty-Ty as I type is alphabetizing my book shelf aka making a mess of my books. But, I look at the bright side--he's quiet and not hurting the books or throwing them. It makes me laugh that he used to be super easy and I worried... haha. Wow, now I get exausted at the amount of care he requires. Ahhh, how life can change, but only for the better :). Ty-ty is
PS- the jury has decided to call tu-tu buns Ty-ty. Thanks mom-mom and pop-pop seeing that soon he will be four.
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