Author Topic: My baby won't eat solids anymore (Read 22617 times)

hlc662 · « **on:** January 31, 2006, 17:58:29 pm »

My daughter will be 8 months tomorrow. For the past few months she has been a great eater! She would eat almost 2 jars of babyfood at each feeding. For the past two days she will not touch babyfood and will only take a few ounces from her bottle. She has no other symptoms.

What could be going on?

colenliam · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2006, 23:48:11 pm »

hi,
I just went though that with my 6 month old(I know it is a little different with an 8th month old)
It was really fustrating for me and meal time became a big fight, then I thought that he is going to accociate meal time with unhappy time.
with some advice from other moms on this forum, i backed off and let him run his own coursr, although not stopping what I usually did, meaning, I still offered him his food at the same times, and laughed a lot at him, and pretending I was eating it to. i also made a point of eating my meals in front of him, and let him try food of my plate(mashed potato say)
It took about 1.5-2weeks for him to start eating again and we ar right back to happy meal times.
don't know what caused it, thought maybe teething but wasn't really showing any signs as he had cut 2 teeth the week b4.
stange little creatures they are

hth

Lucysmom · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2006, 00:26:12 am »

I don't know if it is any consolation, but my 8 month old dd is doing the same thing. She was never a fantastic eater but she loved her bottles. Today she has barely had anything from her bottles. Her last bottle of the night she drank an ounce and a half. That is it. She has been waking up between 3 and 4 am and downing an 8 oz. bottle.

We're stumped and don't know what to do. I will be curious to see if anyone has any advice or if this is just a phase 8 month olds go through?

You have my sympathy!

cwolff · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2006, 03:47:52 am »

We are having the same problem with her bottles! Today she barely touched her bottles, and wasn't even crazy about solids either. Lately it has been a struggle for some of the bottles, and we finally decided just to drop the 4pm bottle and see if she would eat better at bedtime. This worked, but I worry all day long that she has to drain her 3 bottles or she won't be getting enough nutrients! It must seriously be a phase, because my DD wants to be on the move all the time and I think sitting still and staring at me or whatever is just way too boring for her. Hopefully this will pass.

C-line · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2006, 03:56:21 am »

Wow - my son just turned 8mo old 2 days ago and I'm having the same issue! He does take his bottles still and will eat yogurt but that's it. He used to eat virtually EVERYTHING. So wierd! I'm thinking its a phase as we are getting more into finger foods (like cheerios, cheese, etc.) but also that its some sort of exertion of independence? I wish I knew for sure. There seems to be so much change going on right now (teething, crawling, etc.) that its hard to say.

I wish he'd eat, but its nice to know we're not alone

cwolff · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2006, 04:30:16 am »

I think it's an independence issue myself. And she's just so interested in other things. Like today I had to give her the remote control to pound on while she had her bottle in order for her to sit still. I'm already resorting to bribery! Of course then she had to see what fun it was to bang it against the bottle, so we had to put it away again.

tylersmommy · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2006, 05:08:31 am »

I'd imagine that it's either a phase or teething discomfort. Around 8 mo, you'll start to see lots of budding toddler behaviors, and food is a pretty common battleground. Your best bet is to try not to force the issue or make a big deal out of it. Appetites and preferences can change almost daily, so this probably won't last long. The novelty of mobility and natural curiosity about what's happening around them make mealtimes a real pain...they're waaaay too busy to sit still. In the meantime, try to respect your LO's appetite and remember that healthy babies don't starve themselves (there are STILL days that I have to repeat this over and over!). Offering finger foods can often give them a sense of independence, and ending mealtimes when it's clear they aren't going to eat any more can help them feel more in control. Of course, if you see a significant drop in weight or signs of illness, that's another story. Hang in there!!

Lucysmom · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2006, 13:42:55 pm »

ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just need to vent here! It is just sooooo annoying to me that she will drink a bottle like a champ in the middle of the night and yet not do the same for any of her day time bottles.

She woke up last night at 2:30 fussing, not crying so I left her. Well, finally at 4 am (yes, 1.5 hours later

) she does a real cry so I go in with a bottle. It is enough water for 4 scoops of formula but I only put in 3. I read in the nightwakings forum that gradually decreasing the amount of formula in night time bottles is a way to eliminate the night feedings. Anyway, she drank the bottle and eventually went back to sleep. Just now (4 hours later) she will only drink 4.5 ounces.

Good thing I came here and read Melissa's advice as I did kind of get angry with Lucy just now.

How is everyone else getting on? Thanks for "listening".

Mom2X&F&V · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2006, 14:02:37 pm »

Geee!!!!

I hate milk!!!! My baby now does not want milk at all!!!! She used to have 6 oz in the morning... now... none, but worst of all she used to have 8 oz at night for sleeping...now... none!!!!! She really cries out loud! So the only way she had her milk was putting her to sleep and then 10 min later I went to pick her up and she drank her milk asleep... all of it! Guess thats the only way she´ll eat now...

Solids are OK but I hate giving or even trying her milk. The thing is that this started exactly when she became 8 months... 3 days ago!!! Hope this pass and she takes milk back again... And I thought I was alone too! Good Luck!!!

Lucysmom · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2006, 15:15:15 pm »

Perhaps we should start a support group called "Freaking out Moms of 8 Month Olds on Eating Strike"!

It really does help to know that I am not alone!

C-line · « **Reply #10 on:** February 03, 2006, 16:16:02 pm »

LOL Melissa! I'd join the group

I have a bit of an update: Caleb at a whole jar of rice/lentil last night and some squash - I'm very encouraged. So we have a diet at the moment of oatmeal, fruit, yogurt and "maybe" some rice/lentil and a little veggies. He ate the least from his bottle in a really long time yesterday and was also really cranky so I'm thinking teething is the culprit and still feel it's also and independence thing. Anyway, this too shall pass right?

C-line · « **Reply #11 on:** February 03, 2006, 16:20:43 pm »

Oh and THANK YOU Melissa (tylersmommy) for the info and encouragement!

Lucysmom · « **Reply #12 on:** February 03, 2006, 16:42:40 pm »

When Cwolff mentioned giving her dd the remote control while having her bottle, I decided to try the same sort of thing. I have been giving Lucy a stuffed animal to play with while I give her her bottle. And so far it has worked!

So I think she was just bored with laying in my arms while drinking. Solid food is still not going great. I did give her the spoon with food on it so she could taste the food on her own terms. Made quite a mess but after I did that she did allow me to put a few spoonfuls in her mouth.

She did wake up at 4 am

and I gave her a watered down bottle of formula. I hope this stops now that she is drinking/eating more.

C-line - Is the lentil/rice a pre-made baby food or do you make it yourself? I would like to try something like that with Lucy but have not found it pre-made. I suppose I could search out a recipe but it would have to be milk-free as I have reason to believe Lucy is lactose intolerant or allergic.

I hope everyone is doing ok and remaining relatively sane! $:-\$

C-line · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2006, 21:25:32 pm »

Hi again!

Yes, the rice/lentil jar I get is made by Earth's Best (organic baby food that I get at Whole Foods or Wild Oats). It has apple and something else in it too. It smells horrendous but Caleb has alwasy liked it. Unfortunately, all the baby food I made for him, he wouldn't eat! He likes the jars better

You know it occured to me today I should mention occupying the baby a little bit while bottle feeding. I'm glad its helping! Caleb gets restless and fidgety too. If I give him a toy he often gets way distracted so I actually started propping the bottle while he's on the changing table. I know this sounds wierd but he loves it and often he'll only eat 2-3oz while in my arms, but downs a few more while on the table. I think he's more comfortable? He likes to hold the bottle and feed himself now too. So he feeds himself while I change him, LOL.

best,
Caroline

Mom2X&F&V · « **Reply #14 on:** February 07, 2006, 19:14:46 pm »

Hello I just wanna know how is everyone doing with the solids issue? Dd is eating ok ant only drinking 14 oz of milk a day... it is better than before... Remote control was ok for some days now she loves to play at her night bottle with a huge Lamaze rattle... hope it lasts a little bit more the new distraction!!!!

Lucysmom · « **Reply #15 on:** February 07, 2006, 20:54:40 pm »

Hi Daniela - I am glad to hear that Ximena is eating ok and having a decent amount of milk. The distraction tactic is a good one! Lucy is doing better with her milk but still not good with solids. I took her to the pediatrician again and described the situation and she said I should take her to a specialist. So next week I am taking Lucy to the children's hospital for a feeding evaluation and nutrition consultation. I will have to try to feed Lucy during the appointment and the therapist will observe and work with Lucy. I already spoke with the therapist on the phone and she seems really nice. I am just glad that I am closer to getting some answers, even if the answer is simply that Lucy is an exceedingly picky eater. She has lost about a pound in three weeks so that makes me worried and the pediatrician is also concerned about that. So we will see what happens.

We are going to Las Vegas on Thursday night and will be back Monday morning. I am looking forward to the nicer weather but not dealing with the time difference! Should be interesting with a baby!

Dh has a conference there so I will be hanging out with Lucy in Las Vegas. Pretty funny. Why don't you and Ximena join us?!

Someday we will have to meet up!

to you and Ximena from me and Lucy!

Mom2X&F&V · « **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2006, 00:50:36 am »

Hi Melissa. Sorry about Lucy, but I am sure things will get back to normal with feeding. She chokes on food or why is it that Lucy needs a specialist? Good Luck and let me know how it went.
Las Vegas.... I so envy you... I love LAs VEgas although I can´t imagine how can it be with a baby though... I think she´ll love the ceiling from the Paris hotel and the huge fountains

. Enjoy it soooo much please and take care.
Do not stress at your trip about Lucy, babies adapt to anything specially angels!!!!

to both!!

Lucysmom · « **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2006, 02:35:51 am »

Hi Daniela -

The doctor wants Lucy to see a specialist as she won't open her mouth for food, gags a lot, and does not like meal time at all. Maybe she is just slow to get used to it but I want an expert to tell me there is nothing to worry about or to tell me how I can help her enjoy eating. She needs to eat to grow and thrive and the longer she goes without eating the more difficult it will become.

We are actually staying at the Bellagio and have a view of the big fountain from our room.

I did not realize what a big attraction the fountain is until I was talking to some people today. I am just excited as I think Lucy will like it! Neither of us like to gamble so the fact that I will not be going into casinos does not bother us. I think it will be fun to just walk around in the nice weather and look in the shops (and not buy anything!). Thankfully the conference has discounted rooms at the Bellagio so we can stay there but money is a bit tight these days so we will have to be good!

I should get some rest but thanks for replying. You are such a sweet person!

~Faye~ · « **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2006, 21:04:55 pm »

I hope the solids aregoing better. I had the same problem with my son when he was about 8 months too. I found he was just trying to be independent and wanted to feed himself! So I let him. I just gave him fingers of toast or half a banana to start with and we have never looked back

divamom · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2006, 23:46:45 pm »

My son is 10 months and I am really concerned about his eating too. SOme days he eats fine and others he doesn't seem interested. And yet he'll devour cookies or snacks I give him. I worry that if I just give him finger food, he's not getting enough nutrition, and he learns to give hold out until I give him the stuff I would consider more as treats. Mealtime seems like it needs to be a three-ring circus to get him to quit squirming and eat something. I worry that he expects to be entertained and have things to play with and now we will have serious problems down the road with his mealtime behaviour. Any thoughts?

LeslieG · « **Reply #20 on:** February 14, 2006, 01:51:44 am »

I just read this and can relate to everything! My LO has also started to refuse her second nap. She usually sleeps for 12-13 hours at night and for about 1.5 hours before lunch....I try to get her to nap in the afternoon but the last two days I end up putting her to bed at 6pm...yes I see a very stubborn little girl beginning to grow

Minimonkey · « **Reply #21 on:** February 14, 2006, 16:55:56 pm »

I am also experiencing the exact same thing as Lucysmom, with my LO. I am really concerned too since now we have to go the doc's office for "weight checks". In addition to solids, we are having problems with milk.

He is doing funny things with his naps also. He used to nap 1.5hrs morning and afternoon, but he is cutting them shorter each day. He is also waking up in the morning earlier than usual.

I am now frequently telling myself that he will not starve himself, but am worried this is setting the groundwork for future eating habits....

tylersmommy · « **Reply #22 on:** February 14, 2006, 18:40:36 pm »

One important thing to remember is that babies and toddlers are much better at regulating their food intake than we are. If they don't want to eat, forcing the issue or trying to cajole them into eating more food will solve the problem in the short term...ie, you might be able to stuff a few more bites in, but that may create other problems in the long term. Overfeeding can teach babies to ignore their "full" feelings and continue to eat after they ordinarily would have stopped, and that can lead to issues later on down the line. If they aren't interested in eating, your best bet is to say "oh well," take them down from the high chair, and try again later. Healthy babies do not starve themselves, and it's very common to have a few days where they eat next to nothing followed by a few days where they eat everything in sight. Respect your baby's appetite, and you'll find that it all evens out in the end.

Connor's mom - With finger foods, it's easy to offer only nutritious choices. Ripe fruit chunks and steamed veggie chunks are easy to do...often as easy as opening a can. Odds are that if you put cookies or treats down, they will get eaten even if your LO isn't hungry, but those are empty calories with little or no nutritional value. Your LO can learn to hold out for treats, and it can be tempting to give in just so that he'll eat SOMETHING. Big picture, he'd be better off skipping a meal if he isn't interested and eating later when he is than filling up on treats, KWIM?

Lucysmom · « **Reply #23 on:** February 14, 2006, 18:47:26 pm »

Hi Roansmom -

Sorry you are having troubles with solids as well.

Has Roan ever liked solids? If yes, then maybe it is just a phase he is going through of wanting to be independent. Lucy has never liked food and finger foods are no good either. This Thursday is our appointment with the specialist to see what is going on with her and I am soooo looking forward to it. I don't know how to help her anymore and meals are a total disaster. She fusses, cries, pushes the spoon away, etc. I don't want to traumatize her more so I give up. I gave her a teething biscuit and she did put it in her mouth for a bit but kept on gagging. But then she'd put it back in so I took that as progress. The next day I handed her a teething biscuit and she took it, smelled it, and gagged without even putting it in her mouth.

She would not put it in her mouth and has not since. If you'd like, I will post what I learn from our appointment on Thursday. Maybe it could help your precious little guy.

Feel free to vent to me anytime. It is hard to deal with this but it helps to let it all out at times.

Also, with him shortening his naps maybe he is ready for more awake time. How long is he awake before each nap? Maybe try increasing his awake time very gradually over several days and see if that helps. It usually does but it can be difficult to find the correct awake time (too little awake = short naps and too much awake = overtired thus short naps

).

Take care,

Lucysmom · « **Reply #24 on:** February 14, 2006, 19:04:04 pm »

Hi Melissa -

You posted while I was typing. I hear what you are saying about not forcing the issue with eating and that babies won't starve themselves. But my issue (and I think Roansmom's) is that Lucy is 8.5 months old and is still not established on solids by any stretch of the imagination. I can count on one hand the number of times she has actually opened her mouth to receive the food on the spoon. When I give her the spoon so that she can try to self feed, she chews on the spoon but then after a bit refuses to put it in her mouth as she does not want the food in her mouth. And as I described in my last post, finger foods have not worked either. I have tried solids before bottle (so I know she is definitely hungry) and solids after bottle (so I know she is not starving and can be patient enough to eat). I am at a loss and the window of opportunity to establish basic eating habits is closing (according to my pediatrician). I am dying to hear what the specialist has to say and I will try anything to help Lucy accept food. This is not a phase with her as she has never taken to eating solids. I wish it was just a phase!

I am just rambling on here....I will post what I learn on Thursday and maybe it will be of help to others. Thanks for all of the support you offer all of us Melissa! You're a very generous and caring person!

Jenn© · « **Reply #25 on:** February 15, 2006, 18:28:57 pm »

Mine has hit the no solids stage this week as well. Just to be different, she's s'posed to have an adjusted age of 5 weeks younger. Of course, she is going to ignore that. Silly baby.

Lucysmom · « **Reply #26 on:** February 17, 2006, 00:00:27 am »

Hi Everyone -

We had our appointment today and everyone was so very nice and supportive. They watched me feed Lucy and they feel that she has a mild oral-motor weakness which affects what she is comfortavle taking from the spoon. They noted a marked oral "guardedness" as she is not comfortable yet with moving the food around her mouth and swallowing. They termed this "weak oral management and readiness for swallowing". So I am to keep trying to feed her but not try anything majorly adventurous in terms of texture. She is not ready for anything other than purees and maybe a few squishy lumps. She does not chew or move her mouth around very much if at all when she eats so her food needs to be easy to eat. I also am supposed to continue adding cereal to whatever she eats and make it the consistency of pudding as this is what she is most comfortable with and can handle. And I should add melted butter to her food to increase calories and allow her to play with food (like put mashed bananas on the tray and let her smoosh it around). The good news was that what I have been doing is correct, but the bad news is that she is way behind in her eating. The amount of formula she is taking is good though. I just have to monitor things and follow up with the therapist and we'll go from there. She is also recommended a physical therapy evaluation as Lucy's gross motors skills are not strong. She does not roll, is not attempting to crawl, can't move from a laying down position to a sitting position, does not wave bye bye, etc. I was extremely slow as a baby with these things but I guess it can't hurt to just see if there are exercises I can do with her to encourage her gross motor skills.

Well, that is the update from here. Overall it was a good experience and I am happy to know how to help my little sweetie become a better eater. She was an absolute angel and charmed everyone to bits and that made me quite the proud mommy!

I don't know if this will help anyone but I just thought it could not hurt to post just in case...

Mom2X&F&V · « **Reply #27 on:** February 17, 2006, 00:42:30 am »

Great!!!!! I mean it is better to know that something is wrong and you can help her that not knowing and not help her because of that. Just follow instructions and I am sure things will get better in many ways... About the gross motor skills... I am not sure that something is wrong with her, but therapy may be fun for her. Ximena is not yet crawling or sitting up from being layed down and she only rolls tummy to back and she is just fine... every baby is different though... Thanks for letting us know what was wrong and I am sure that from now on you can breath peacfully... IYKWIM

Ok big hugs and thanks for sharing.

Minimonkey · « **Reply #28 on:** February 17, 2006, 13:27:58 pm »

Hi Lucysmom,

Thanks for sharing your story with us. I'm glad that you are getting the help you need, there are so many stories on this MB of people who are unable to find professionals to help. Roan's eating more but still not a tonne, so I think it's just him. He has been crawling since 7.5mos. and is ALWAYS on the go. No jokes - we usually don't even get a chance to cuddle since he cannot sit still long enough

. I think his poor eating is just an extension of that, in addition to him wanting independence. So many things are changing with him right now, it's just a difficult time for both of us. He is weaning from BF, trying to walk, eating new foods all time, still doesn't have teeth so i imagine this is an issue too. I have to step back sometimes and walk in his little shoes! We'll get things figured out, he is so awesome in so many ways, as I am sure your LO is.

Things will work themselves out, and i am sure we will look back on these days and not even remember what all our stress was about

Good luck

News:

Author Topic: My baby won't eat solids anymore (Read 22617 times)