I experienced the same thing too. It was very frustrating. I tried all methods for baby to eat including blending food into milk bottle. It is common for some babies to take several months to take solids well once it have been introduced. Babies who are slow to teethe and babies who have food sensitivities are often the ones who are slower to begin eating solids. This “slowness” may be their bodies’ way of protecting them until the digestive system is more ready to accept new foods. As long as your baby is continuing to gain weight and grow as he should, milk is meeting his needs well. Milk should still be the primary source of nutrition for most of the first year. All you need to do is to continue to *offer* foods. Don’t worry if he’s not interested or takes very small amounts. Note that trying to force, coax, cajole, etc. his into eating is never recommended.
Honey, your baby is still practising chewing and swallowing skills. He is also developing his tongue and muscles' strength to bite, chew and move the food in and out from his mouth. Also, he is developing his senses: the taste, the smell and the color.of the food...all of that are a lot of info for little baby to process. He looks like playing with his food, but naturally, that is the way baby learns. Hence the messy bib and spilled food. If it is any comfort to you, my baby is 8 months, the mealtime is messy too. Ps: for babies under 1 y/o, the main food is still milk. So weaning process is not about making them feel full, but developing the skills as I mentioned earlier.
Big hugs for you! Babies are unfamiliar with food entering their mouths during the first few days of weaning as they drink only milk since they were born. Keep trying to give them a few baby spoons every few hours to help them practice eating. Don't give up even if baby keeps on rejecting the food. Try to remind yourself that baby is learning something new and he got only you to depend on for proper nutrition - stay strong mummy! I once felt so alone like you too. Like Grace, i will eat his leftovers to prevent food and effort wastage.
Please dont feel bad. My son whom is now 3yo is still giving me headache every meal. Since young, he refused fruits and veges purees, porridge, and many other things I make for him. I felt totally disappointed like you. Now, as time flies, I am more immuned to his rejection of food. What he can't finish, I will eat it to avoid food wastage. Picky eaters will get better as they grow up I hope. You are not alone mummy