How do I get her to eat more?

[nattymarsh]

My DD is not a very big eater.  She may eat 2-4 tbsp of cereal, 2 tbsp of fruit, and 2 tbsp of veggies total in a day (on a good day).  This is only half of what our public health guidelines say she should be eating.  How can I get her to eat more?  I tired holding out the boobie on her today so our day went like this:

7:30 am bf, 9:30 am cereal and fruit (about 4 tbsp total) and then I tied to feed her lunch around 12:30 but she wasbn't having it.  I finally gave in a bf her at 4 pm  because she wouldn't eat anything else in that time (and she wasn't crying or whining for food, I fed her because I was worried she wasn't eating enough).   

[sophiems]

I would say just stick to the routine.  Don't breastfeed or bottlefeed her at times you wouldn't normally just out of fear that she's not getting enough.  Just stick to the routine, give solids at solids time and breast/bottle at their time.  I do think that for some babies it takes a long time for them to like solids and really want them.  Just keep offering new things as you can, experiment with textures, tastes and ways that you offer them.  She'll eat when she's hungry, don't worry, she won't be starving herself!  I personally don't get too concerned with national guidelines and such.  Your lo just may not need as much.  Sometimes they just go through dry spells where they hardly eat anything, too busy doing physical developments.  Then they will switch and eat like hogs!  I think it's just most important to stick to the routine and as long as she's happy, growing, and all don't worry! 

[tylersmommy]

Keep in mind that those are only guidelines...every baby is different. Some babies eat waaaaay more than the "average" and some eat less, and that's okay as long as they're healthy and thriving. I wouldn't try holding out on nursing to get more solids into her. Breastmilk should still be her main source of nutrition for now, and solids are just a supplement!