Nearly 7mo refusing all solids...teething? Something else?

[arabesque]

Hi everyone

DS2 will be 7 months old in a week. He's been on solids for a long while (following paed's advice to help with reflux) but he has never really seemed to enjoy solids. For he past several days he's been very irritable, refused all solids in any form (including handheld food) and seems to vomit up most of his milk feed (as he takes his Losec with food, he hasn't been getting much as I have to force feed him!!). He's got tiny lumps on his bottom gums but I can't see his teeth emerging any time soon (none so far).

Is it normal for some babies to refuse all solids when teething? When should I start to get worried? I'm still feeding about 4.5hourly (BF) with formula DF. I've been trying all the usual teething remedies - cool teething toys, wet washer to suck, Hyland's teething tablets, pain meds, etc.

Thanks

[~inbalance~]

Teething can most certainly be a horrible appetite buster.  If you can see the lumps then it sounds like the teeth are on their way.  I would keep offering but not worry too much about it if he's not interested at the moment.  Definitely don't force the issue, his appetite will probably return after the teeth have cut.  I wouldn't worry so long as he's still drinking enough milk and is gaining well.  Have you asked his doctor about the vomiting?  I've heard that teething can also cause reflux to flare up so I wonder if that is why he is spitting up more.  If some more time goes by and he's still not eating, it wouldn't hurt to ask at his next doctor's appointment. 

[arabesque]

I'm so sorry I haven't been on until now to thank you!!

Firstly, a little toothy did arrive this week

DS2 also got extremely sick, and has refused solids since then...about 1.5 weeks of no solids.

I don't want to force him, but I also want to do what's right by him...so do I increase BF?? I've been feeding approx 4/4.5hrly, do I feed him more often to make up for his reduced solids?

Thanks xx

[~inbalance~]

Is he looking to be fed more?  I would stick to 4hrly.  More frequent feedings doesn't necessarily equate to more quanity, kwim?  If you start feeding him more often, he may start snacking, taking smaller feeds to top himself up but not actually taking a good long one.  If you stay at 4hrs and he is hungry, he should be taking good, filling feeds each time.  But you know him best, if he truly is genuinely hungry, then sneak in another feed.  Afterall, milk is still super important and if he isn't eating his solids because he's not feeling well, then he will want to take comfort in mommy's milk.