Your baby is in charge of how much he eats or does not eat. Worrying about what your baby eats, or does not eat will only make both of you nervous. Don’t expect your baby to clean his plate or to eat just one more mouthful. Trust him to be the best judge of how much to eat As your baby moves around to explore his world, he will become more independent. He may be eager to try out this new independence by insisting on feeding himself. Or he may be a little scared of his new abilities and may cling to you at mealtimes. He may even refuse to hold his cup or spoon and demand to be fed. Whether your baby is a clinger or a self-feeder, try to be calm and patient. It will pay off in fewer feeding problems now and in the future. If you are really concerned about your baby's health or your baby does not seem to be gaining the appropriate weight for his age, speak to your baby's doctor about what you need to do to ensure your baby is gaining the appropriate weight for his age.