My Baby Wont Eat

Laila- My oldest son went thru the same thing around the same age! He lived off breast milk and Ritz crakcers for about 3 weeks. After about a week I visited the DR. My doctor at the time didn't have a problem with it b/c he was eating something, healthy, and not loosing wieght. Good Luck!

That was about the same age my son was when he started being really picky and hardly wanted to eat. I think it had something to do with his teeth because it didnt start until he got his first tooth at one year of age. He stopped eating baby food all together. I got worried when I had to take him to ER and his weight had dropped down what he weighed at a year old. The docs tld me not to worry, that a child is not going to let himself starve, of course that didnt make me feel any better. He is 2 now and hardly ever eats still. I had started giving him those nutritional drinks, fruit (thank God he loves bananas!!) I stopped buying tempting junk food because he would never turn down a cookie--I got the ones that had some nutritional value. Is there any thing in particular your baby will eat?? He is still picky and hardly eats but is still gaining apropriate weight, I guess he's getting enough though it seems a small amount. Sensory dysfunction is supsected, he is going to be checked.

I agree, it could be teething or maybe you need to nurse less and let her gain a really big appetite and then offer a solid

If your daughter's eating habits have changed, she may not be feeling well. Just keep offering, and she should go back to eating what she has been used to shortly. If she won't even nurse, then it's time to get worried and call your doctor, and if she isn't back to "normal" within a week or so, you should probably also check with your doctor. Since it is the time of year for the "bugs" to be going around, she may just have a small virus or something, which as you know from experience, may cause her to not feel like eating. Don't force her to eat, just be prepared to offer her clear liquids and maybe some fruits or something light.

A lot goes into deciding if your daughter's not eating is a sign of a problem. How long has it been going on? Is she still behaving normally (interacting with you, sleeping well, etc.) and growing normally? Probably, she isn't eating because she's not needing the food. Still, the office visit copayment may be worth the peace of mind if you are concerned about her health. Good luck. Oh, and -- WAY TO GO that she's still nursing!!! I give you HUGE kudos for that! I'll bet she's between growth spurts and she just isn't needing any extra nourishment -- you're providing all she needs.

she could be teething. try some motrin , teething tablets , etc. you could also try freezing a banana and giving her slices of it . Soft noodles are good too.

If she is nursing she is getting plenty of nutrients. But, I would check with the doc just in case. She may have acid reflux. Stomache problems may also be to blame. Maybe the food is hurting her tummy. Also be sure she is not losing weight. This could signal a problem. Checking with your doc will give you peace of mind.

I think it's terrific that you are still breastfeeding! You don't need to worry about her starving herself because she is getting nutrients from you. Nursing past 6 months of age is right on par with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatricians and the World Health Organization. Keep nursing!

This is probably just a phase and won't last forever. It could be teething, yes, and it could be illness, but you know your child best of all...please don't be scared by someone diagnosing an illness over the computer!!!

Does she have teeth? My son wasn't interested in really eating food (other than a few taster bites) until he had a few teeth. In ancient cultures this was seen as a sign that the digestive tract was ready for solid foods.

Breastmilk is still the best food she can get, so I wouldn't worry about her not eating. Babies do not need additional food until about 12 months. Congrats on nursing her this long!

The other two moms made great points!! Try them if she isn't showing sings of being sick though. If she has been having cold symptems for over a week now (running nose, coughing, weezing sounds from breathing) take her to the DR ASAP and tell them you think she has RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)!!! It could be RSV which can be very dangerous for little children and a simple swab up her nose will test for it in less than 15 mins. It is that time of the year also for kids to get this virus.

Good luck! And let us know how things are going!
S.
www.shariegraf.scent-team.com

HI Laila!
As long as she's still nursing I really wouldn't worry about whether she's eating or not. It could be that she doesn't feel well or that she's teething or that she just doesn't want to eat. Even older kids will go through phases where they only eat one food (even I do that at 30!) so I really wouldn't worry about it unless it goes of for more than a week. Then I'd call the doctor, but I really wouldn't worry even then if she's still nursing. Is her bottom red?
Hope you all feel much better soon,
M.