[Mshel]

Just had our 17month old daughter to the ped. she has been home since the middle of Feb. this was her 2nd appt. The doc. took her off formula and wants her on reg milk. Today is the first day I am doing this. She is taking it well so far. I am worried though cause she STILL will only eat baby foods. She did gain 2 lbs since our last visit. Should she still be getting 6 oz. of milk just like she was getting her bottles? She will not eat table food, puts it in her mouth and spits it out. Will she be getting enough proiten and nutrients like this? The doc seems to think so. Thanks for any input, Michelle

[avoel]

How many bottles is she drinking???

If she drinks more than 2-3 bottles a day and is not eating a varied diet, she could be at risk for iron deficiency anemia in a hurry on cows milk alone.

I would double check with your ped on this and maybe just continue the formula...or back off on the bottles during the day to see if she will eat better if she doesn't get them around meal time.

If she is really having texture issues with table foods (gagging, vomiting, refusing to chew etc) and only doing purees at 17 months, a feeding therapist may be in order as well...


Just some thoughts...she has only been home two months so maybe all she needs is time, but if things aren't improving don't wait too terribly long before seeking help with the feedings. Texture issues can be tricky.

[Devora]

What do you know about her eating in Guatemala? Given her age and short time home she could be rejecting table foods simply because they aren't what she is used to and/or don't taste "right" to her.

As for the nutrition question, I would call the pediatrician's office and say you have a follow up question. Either the nurses can answer it or you can leave a message for the doctor to get back to you. The pediatrician really is the best person to ask for health/nutrition information and they should be used to parents having follow-up questions after an appointment so you're not inconveniencing them by calling.

[nurse_reedle]

I would leave her on formula, maybe decrease it some around mealtimes and if that doesn't change things, I would look at 2 issues. One is oral issues needing therapy (either sensitivities or apraxia) and I would look at the possibility of allergies. Some kids don't eat for a long time because they have a lot of allergies and it is their body's way of protecting them. I know it sounds strange. Also, how many teeth does she have? Not all kids are ready to eat at certain ages and she might just be farther behind in this area.

[Mshel]

I will give it some time to see what happens and I may leave her ont the formula.

[JoshGuat]

I would keep her on the formula if she is not eating solids. Is this ped familiar with adoption?? Momma knows best sometimes It really is up to you. I had my son on formula longer than the ped suggested

[cborsa7]

I kept Nicco on the good start 2 formula for a bit, our ped actually suggested it. I finally took him off a few months ago at about 18 months and I now give him pediasure if he hasn't eaten well that day. As you know, he has been beyond picky when it comes to eating. Normal for a lot of toddlers.
Follow what you think is best while monitoring her intact.

[susy...patience]

Just to add in another idea....I took my DD off Guat formula and onto whole milk just a few months after she got home (at advice of adoption clinic). But I made the transition very, very slow.....I took over a month to do it, slowly changing percentage of milk added to each bottle. That kept part of the nutrition & allowed her time to adjust as well. I don't know if you were trying "cold turkey" but a slow transition might help with many things...

[JustBarbara]

Hmm - we did the switch in about a week - gradually reducing the amount of formula. There are so many different kinds of fortified milks out there so you might take a look. Also, DS's first foods were Earth's Best soups - full of good stuff. Split pea and carrot yum. There are also vitamins in liquid form that you could give her. Try some while not pureed she might try - avacado, banana, mashed potatoes, shredded chicken - in the mash. Give it (and yourself and DD) some time. If she's not eating, I agree perhaps ease off on the liquids - her tummy might just be full. Good luck.