Should I be concerned: toddler eats "on the go" more willingly than at the table

[donna-nb]

As my 13month old son gets better and better at walking and exploring and playing, he seems less interested in sitting at the table and eating (no surprise there, right?) I have found that feeding him at the table requires greater and greater "entertainment" on the feeder's part in order to keep him interested in eating, and his frustration at being confined eventually wins over before a half-dozen mouthfuls.

However, when he just roams the room and I sit in a chair with bits of food or a spoon waiting for him, he loves walking to me, eating, then he keeps going. A few moments later, he eyes me again and comes over, mouth open and ready to eat again. I worry about choking (he still trips easily) but for the most part he's safe. Anyone else with similar experience? Is this not liking the table something to be concerned about? What about the choking thing?

[Ruthla]

That sounds like completely normal toddler behavior to me.

I'd suggest that you continue offering food at the table, in something resembling a normal meal situation, at least a few times a week, so that he learns that people can eat at tables. Also it's good if he sees you eating at a table. But I wouldn't worry if he doesn't eat more than a few mouthfuls at "meals" and eats more when toddling around playing. Table time is to teach him what mealtimes are, not for nutrition.

Alternatively, you can only offer solid foods at the table, but be prepared for him to eat very few solids and rely on more nursing (very likely overnight) for nutrition. Some parents really don't want to start "eating all over the house" habits, and are willing to wait until the baby is ready to sit still for meals before the baby eats many solids.

Once he gets better at moving around, the novelty will wear off and he may be more willing to sit still for meals.

[donna-nb]

thanks ruth. i like the idea of still maintaining some kind of time at the table, even if it's just a couple bites and being social with the family. he is still nursing a lot, so that is also helpful to remember, nutrtition-wise.