Reflux, texture issues, food intolerances

[gr8tful1]

DS has had major eating issues since he was born. He has seen a feeding specialist since 6 months old (11.5 months old now) and, though things are getting better, we had to feed him while going to sleep for a long time. Now, he is on solids in addition to his formula, but quite far behind. He has reached the stage where he does not want to be fed purees, but most solids he either cannot eat due to intolerance or won't eat because he doesn't like the texture. We are trying lots of things, but he will not touch fresh fruits, veggies or meats (anything soft and wet). Therefore, he is not getting the range of food he needs, nor the calories, even with a bottle during the night  .

Does anyone have any ideas or advice?

[Buntybear]

What intolerances does he have? I will move this over to Feeding Toddlers board as you may get some more advice there.

[Canwi]

My first thought is to question the feeding specialist, or ask for a referral onto a dietician or speech language therapist (to help with texture issues) who specialises in LOs.

[lilisuze]

agreed about a dietician.  in the meantime, can you also post what things and textures he will eat, and we'll think of some ideas

[gr8tful1]

Hi,

Thanks for all the responses!

We are seeing a feeding specialist as well as an OT. But not much has helped. We are also seeing a nutritionist, although she doesn't specialize in LO's.

He eats things that are hard and dry...Puffs, Veggie Straws, things like that. He won't eat anything soft, wet or mushy except an occasional tiny bite of meat. He doesn't want us to feed him purees any more...will eat them on occasion, but that is it.

[Canwi]

I really think you need to ask for a referral to a Speech Language Therapist. They may be able to help more with the texture issues that you are having. Sometimes just having a new set of eyes on the issue means the person has new ideas or sees something no one else has so far.
I would would also be asking for a nutritionist or dietician that specializes in LOs now. You need someone who understands LOs and how they work/eat and has experience with LO feeding issues

[lilisuze]

can he have wheat? Will he eat toast? if so could you sneak stuff onto the toast, hummus/lemon curd/honey/fruit puree/jam?

I'm guessing he wont do pasta yet? Keep offering it though, because thats an excellent staple where you can add in sneaked veg etc. It might take a while for him to accept things so dont get dishearted.

Would he try veggie burger/lentil burger/home made pattie type things?

Would he try hard-ish roasted veg sticks like carrot or parsnip. Once oven roasted they tend to have a hard outside, and he might tolerate better than boiled.

Just some ideas, let me know if anything seem possible and then I'll think more along those lines

[Lemonthyme]

You don't say where you are but in the UK anyway, dieticians are specialists but nutritionists require no training to call themselves that. 

I'm just really wary when nutritionists diagnose intolerences (allergies are a different matter) because it would be sad to limit their diet so much if it's not needed, especially if that nutritionist turns out to be unqualified.  I'd definitely get a second opinion on his diet and his medication.  To be honest his limited diet sounds more fussiness which is typical for his age? 

On the dry foods front will he eat hard uncooked vegetables at all?

If it is a question of fussiness, have you tried sitting him on your lap while you eat and allowing him to pick up what you're having?