Feeding when sick

[~Angie~]

My lo is 5 months old and has had a cold for the last few days. Usually she is on a 4 hour EASY. Feeds around 7, 11, 3, 7 and 2-3 AM. With the exception of the am feed, she takes between 7 or 8 oz. at each feed. Ever since being sick, all she wants to do is snack eat all day. The most she will take at any feed is 5 oz (usually around 3 oz.) . Should I let her continue eating when she wants until she is over her cold? Or would it be better to offer water in between feeds, to see if she will take more? Will the water interfere with her bottles?

thanks

[Leah's Mom]

How is your LO feeling? Sorry to hear she is sick.  You could try to offer water between the bottles to get more liquids in her. Sometimes water will fill them up though, and then she won't be hungry for her bottle. When my LO is sick, I am very flexible with the schedule and feed her when she wants to be fed. Just make sure as soon as she is feeling better that you go back to the schedule. 

[~Angie~]

Thanks for your reply. Abby is feeling a little better today. I did try to give her a little water (1.5 oz.)  between bottles today. When she took her second bottle she took 6 oz. which is better than she has been doing. Not sure if she would have taken more without the water.

I also have another question. Abby usually eats 40-45 oz in a 24 hour period. Since she has been sick, she is only taking 28 oz. It has been this way for three days. Should I be trying for more oz. or just let her eat what she wants?

Thanks again. 

[Leah's Mom]

I wouldn't be trying for any more ounces. It is completely normal for their intake to go down when they are sick. It should increase again when she feels better. 

[~Angie~]

Thanks. 

[gabriels mum]

Hi Angie

Just thought I'd let you know that the GP told me that it is not uncommon for LO's to take half their feeds when they are feeling poorly, and just to offer water in between feeds just in case they are thirsty.  Everything should return to normal when your DD is feeling better (but I know how horrible it is, as they seem to keep colds for ages!)

Good to hear she is getting better!

[~Angie~]

Thanks Gabriels mum for your reply. We are now on day 5 of only 28 oz. When should I begin to be concerned that she is not getting enough? I know LOs shoudl get between 27 and 32 oz. But if she was taking 40 before, isn't 28 too little?

[gabriels mum]

Hi Angie

Really try not to worry, if your LO needs more then she will make it up once she is completely better.  28 ounces is still a good quantity, and well over the recommended minimum pint. (MY DS who is 6 months old now only eats between 17-21 ounces a day!)

I would say that if you are still worried then check her weight at baby clinic, and of course if she is not her normal self I would see your GP.

Good Luck!

[~Angie~]

Thanks,
Right after I posted the message last night, she ended up taking another bottle and a half. Which put her total to 36 oz. Then at 4 this morning, she ate 11 oz.  . So, I guess she is making up for the last few days.

thanks for your replies.