Need ideas for high caloric foods as milk intake is decreasing.

[lilmonkey]

I hope this is the right place to post this.

DS is close to 11 mos is bf and ff and on solids for over 5 mos.  He likes his solids, loves feeding himself (BLW) and his taking a small amount of whole milk in a straw cup about 3 oz/day.  Lately, he has decreased his baby milk (bm & formula) intake but has not really increased his solids.  For example the last 4-5 nights, he would only take about 3-4 oz of ff where he used to take 8 oz.  His baby milk for the day is roughly 12-14 oz.  As the result of this, he is taking night feeds again.  I'm not very happy about that.  I have tried cutting back on the solids but the milk intake has not increased at all.  I have ruled out teething and illnesses.  He did this in the past and I was able to increase his milk intake by cutting back on the solids but this time he is cooperating.  Any ideas or suggestions?  Surely he can't be slowly down on his appetite/growth already, I though this doesn't happen till they are 12 mos or so.

[emmas]

Hi Mimi,

Have you tried milkshakes or smoothies?  The only things I can think of are dairy products like yoghurt/fromage frais etc.  Do you think the whole milk maybe playing a part?

Sorry I can't be of more help - I'm sure it'll be my turn next week LOL!

[lilmonkey]

Thanks Emma,

I have tried yoghurt/fromage frais and smoothies but he wouldn't take more than usual.  I wonder if I'm on the same path as Fiona. 

[Freya'sMum]

I guess I have to stick to my usual response and encourage you to trust ds's appetite - babies don't starve themselves, and their appetites are affected by all sorts of things, not just pain and illness, but also tiredness, distraction, changes in routine, developmental phases etc...

...ideally you want ds to still be having 20oz minimum of babymilk until 12 months, but 14oz plus other dairy isn't disasterous, and if his overall appetite is small at present, then just get as much into him as you can, and then just let him dictate the rest. My dd2 fed in the night until she was 14 months I think as long as you control what is offered, he has to decide how much and how often, and you'll have to trust him and not let him see that it's concerning you when he has nothing.

Ride it out and I reckon it'll soon change to some other pattern, especially if you keep what you are doing consistent

Ax

[lilmonkey]

Thanks Alison.  I was afraid you might say that: "Ride it out."  I just hate to go back to the night feeds.  When ds gave up the night feeds at 8.5 mos and I was so happy.   I truly hope that it is a phase and it will pass quickly.  14 mos, eh?  Oh boy, just what I need.  The 2-1 nap transition and night feeds and a 3.5 yo going on 16. 

[aidliz]

I also have an almost 3 yo going on 16 to, ugh!

When I took ds off the bottle he stopped drinking as much milk, I tried new cups, I even put milk in a water bottle, that worked well.  I even used dunkin donuts coffee cups, he loved that.  Its not ideal but the different cups made him drink more milk.

[lilmonkey]

I even used dunkin donuts coffee cups, he loved that.  Its not ideal but the different cups made him drink more milk.

Good idea!  DS is always eying and reaching for my coffee mug.  I'll give that a try tomorrow.