Baby refusing formula and eating less

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Need help/advice - my 11 months twin girl was sick with fever for 3 days - during which she actually ate and drank well. Now, the fever is gone but she has some cough and runny nose. We clear her nose with saline drops. She used to drink atleast 5 bottles a day of 6 ounces each and eat solids twice during the day. But, now she hardly eats solids 3 times a day and refuses the formula milk bottle altogether. She cries , reacts very strongly to everything. I am worried - she might get dehydrated. She does have tears, drools as usual and is active otherwise. Just is'nt drinking the formula milk and eating much less. Has anyone had this experience, any ideas or advice on what can be done, if there is a cause to worry ? Talked to our ped - she said, we should let her eat or drink whatever she can and this will have to pass on its own - she will get back to her usual self.

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Permalink Reply by minnemom on June 28, 2009 at 4:04pm: Hopefully your doctor is right and it will just run its course. You're right to watch for signs of dehydration, so as long as she's peeing all right, etc., she should be ok in that department.

Use your mommy instincts, however. See how she does overnight, and if you're still concerned by morning, take her in to see the doctor. Her symptoms sound like my kids when they used to get ear infections (frequently, unfortunately). They seldom ran a fever but would be fussy and out of sorts. Sometimes I took them in with false alarms, but sometimes they had raging ear infections that needed to be taken care of.

You could also try giving her some ibuprofen or aceteminophen; at 11 months it really won't hurt her even if she's fine and it could make some difference in her comfort level.

Another idea would be to try some orajel; she might be cutting molars which can be very painful. Orajel and ibuprofen worked wonders for my kids when they were teething.

Hopefully some other moms will have ideas as well. Please keep us posted as to how your little one is doing!

Linda (mom of four); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michelle Hutchison on June 29, 2009 at 3:25am: Did the doctor check if she has a sore throat? Or ear infection? both of these things make it difficult for little ones to swallow.
Hope she is okay; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nicole A. Tucker on June 30, 2009 at 5:19pm: Hello RC:

She may be allergic to what she is being fed. Milk is mucous producing. What type of solid foods are you feeding her? Are they high carb, sugar? Is the environment stressful or changing? She may be responding to that as well. As a suggestion, find healthy ways to tweak her diet, keep the environment peaceful and loving, and place 3 drops of Lavender essential oil in 6-8 ounces distilled water - spray bottle and spray the environment...helps to calm/balance physical and emotional bodies. Hope these help.

All the best,
Nicole
Mommy & Baby Practitioner
www.WholeCreations.com
http://twitter.com/OrganicWomBaby; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by RC on June 30, 2009 at 5:39pm: Thank you Ladies - for sharing your experiences, opinions and suggestions. Being first time parents, we are always on high alert, reacting to anything that is out of the ordinary and routine. Thankfully, our Pediatrician is very good and her judgement about my babies has been accurate till now. Since my baby was not drinking milk, but eating solids just fine, she had recommended that we clear her nose with saline drops and the bulb, before giving her the bottle. Well, my baby resisted that process strongly too, so we did not think of forcing it before. But, finally I did force the nose clearing process, inspite of her strong resistence, before feeding her the milk. And, touch-wood, its worked since yesterday. She's still taking one bottle less than usual, but I am hopin we'll get there, once her cough and runny nose is gone. In addition, I do continue feeding her with the solids as before.
This is my first experience on twitter and I am pleased at how helpful it is, just to be able to express something and get such helpful responses. I will keep you all posted.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amy B on July 2, 2009 at 5:27am: I am experiencing a similar thing with my 14 month old and since my 3.5 yr old just recovered from it, I am kind of aware of what to expect. Both boys were checked twice for ear infections, strep throat and lungs checked as well. My older one had his lab values checked and it all came back as viral upper respiratory infection. So since my 14 month old is starting to refuse his formula - we've been providing soy milk (he's very allergic to milk) and also highly diluted juice in various cups, even an open cup with some help. Any sort of hydration will work - hang in there - I'm with you...
Amy
www.cippystitches.etsy.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by RC on July 2, 2009 at 12:12pm: Just saw the Dr once again today. No ear infection, or strep throat. She gave a clean bill of health except for the runny nose. My baby is not able to drink milk because of her runny nose. She still needs her nose to be cleared before drinkinng milk every single time. She is now back to 4-5 bottles and hoping to get back to 6 bottles soon. Any ideas to stop the runny nose or does it fix itself ? She does not have milk allergy - most probably. because,there is no other sign such as diarrhoea or vomitting, rash, etc. We had tried soy based formula before - she got such bad gas. So, for now trying to be patient and let this pass.
But will remember all your experiences and tips. Thanks for being there. Just as a back up, Amy what type of juice did you feed ?We have not yet introduced the babies to juices.

Amy Bland said:
I am experiencing a similar thing with my 14 month old and since my 3.5 yr old just recovered from it, I am kind of aware of what to expect. Both boys were checked twice for ear infections, strep throat and lungs checked as well. My older one had his lab values checked and it all came back as viral upper respiratory infection. So since my 14 month old is starting to refuse his formula - we've been providing soy milk (he's very allergic to milk) and also highly diluted juice in various cups, even an open cup with some help. Any sort of hydration will work - hang in there - I'm with you...
Amy
www.cippystitches.etsy.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by minnemom on July 2, 2009 at 12:58pm: Don't discount a milk allergy just because there are no other symptoms. My son, as an infant, had a constant "cold" that wouldn't go away. His breathing was loud and snorty all the time. After test upon test and doctor upon doctor, one finally checked for allergies. He was positive for milk and soy and his breathing/runny nose cleared up within 2 days of changing his formula.

I wouldn't jump the gun on it, but if this lasts another week or two, it might be worth investigating further.

Glad the nose clearing is helping.

Linda

RC said:
Just saw the Dr once again today. No ear infection, or strep throat. She gave a clean bill of health except for the runny nose. My baby is not able to drink milk because of her runny nose. She still needs her nose to be cleared before drinkinng milk every single time. She is now back to 4-5 bottles and hoping to get back to 6 bottles soon. Any ideas to stop the runny nose or does it fix itself ? She does not have milk allergy - most probably. because,there is no other sign such as diarrhoea or vomitting, rash, etc. We had tried soy based formula before - she got such bad gas. So, for now trying to be patient and let this pass.
But will remember all your experiences and tips. Thanks for being there. Just as a back up, Amy what type of juice did you feed ?We have not yet introduced the babies to juices.

Amy Bland said:
I am experiencing a similar thing with my 14 month old and since my 3.5 yr old just recovered from it, I am kind of aware of what to expect. Both boys were checked twice for ear infections, strep throat and lungs checked as well. My older one had his lab values checked and it all came back as viral upper respiratory infection. So since my 14 month old is starting to refuse his formula - we've been providing soy milk (he's very allergic to milk) and also highly diluted juice in various cups, even an open cup with some help. Any sort of hydration will work - hang in there - I'm with you...
Amy
www.cippystitches.etsy.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Val on July 2, 2009 at 9:07pm: Have you tried changing her to a tippy cup? My kids barely took any bottles by 11 months. They were way too independent and opinionated. lol If she is eating just fine, I would work at the sippy cup and see if she likes that. She doesn't need a bottle any more if she's getting her nutrients. :) She's a big girl.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by RC on July 2, 2009 at 9:29pm: Hi Amy - Would you mind telling me what kind of juices ? what fruit and what brand. I've not introduced juices to my babies yet. So, no clue which ones to start with. Generally, tried to stay away from them - since they are high sugar. But, in the current situation, maybe I want to try that.

Amy Bland said:
I am experiencing a similar thing with my 14 month old and since my 3.5 yr old just recovered from it, I am kind of aware of what to expect. Both boys were checked twice for ear infections, strep throat and lungs checked as well. My older one had his lab values checked and it all came back as viral upper respiratory infection. So since my 14 month old is starting to refuse his formula - we've been providing soy milk (he's very allergic to milk) and also highly diluted juice in various cups, even an open cup with some help. Any sort of hydration will work - hang in there - I'm with you...
Amy
www.cippystitches.etsy.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Karen Reynolds on July 3, 2009 at 10:50am: I just watched a special where an infant had much worse symptoms and there was an actual condition. This doesn't sound any where similiar, however, if it continues, ignore your ped. and get her to the ER and demand tests to be run. You just never know if the virus she had didn't trigger something serious. The last thing you want is for her health to decline. These physicans are too busy to take you seriously, they are not living with your child and experiencing what your are. You have to take control and demand they take it seriously.

It could very just be left over symptoms of the cold and just does not have an appetite. If she has nasal congestion, it could be running into her stomach causing some naseua. But keep an eye on it, defintely do not let her get dehydrated. See if she'll take Pedi-sure or pedi-lite.

Good Luck.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Melody Thacker on July 4, 2009 at 10:32am: Hi RC
pure apple juice is probably the best, it doesn't matter what brand as long as it's pure and has no added sugar. Dilute it 50/50 with water.

My first thought was her nose is too stuffed up to drink from a bottle comfortably, I think a sippy cup might work better too. My grandson is not quite 6 months old and he loves his sippy cup with water. He wears more than he drinks most of the time but he really seems to enjoy it. It's been very hot here so I'm sure it's refreshing for him.

HTH,
Melody

RC said:
Hi Amy - Would you mind telling me what kind of juices ? what fruit and what brand. I've not introduced juices to my babies yet. So, no clue which ones to start with. Generally, tried to stay away from them - since they are high sugar. But, in the current situation, maybe I want to try that.

Amy Bland said:
I am experiencing a similar thing with my 14 month old and since my 3.5 yr old just recovered from it, I am kind of aware of what to expect. Both boys were checked twice for ear infections, strep throat and lungs checked as well. My older one had his lab values checked and it all came back as viral upper respiratory infection. So since my 14 month old is starting to refuse his formula - we've been providing soy milk (he's very allergic to milk) and also highly diluted juice in various cups, even an open cup with some help. Any sort of hydration will work - hang in there - I'm with you...
Amy
www.cippystitches.etsy.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Terri White on July 9, 2009 at 8:35am: My little guy was sick too and ever since that he didnt want milk either . its like us as adults once your sick and vomited something you eat its very hard to want to eat that thing again. I tried a sippy cup instead of a bottle and try homo milk. I know they say no homo milk until 1 year but as long as there getting infant cereal and eat a regular amount for meat and vegtables to get there iron and vitamins. Its fine. And 5 bottles a day of formula sounds like alot i think shes not eating beacuse her belly is so sore andafter being sick maybe your exspecting too much from her, must be a pretty hunger little one you have. They also suggest pedialte if you think there dehydrated, Gatorade is the same stuff..Kids like the orange one the best. And also she could have more teeth coming and that can make her not want to eat. Well good luck to you and your daughter.

Melody Thacker said:
Hi RC
pure apple juice is probably the best, it doesn't matter what brand as long as it's pure and has no added sugar. Dilute it 50/50 with water.

My first thought was her nose is too stuffed up to drink from a bottle comfortably, I think a sippy cup might work better too. My grandson is not quite 6 months old and he loves his sippy cup with water. He wears more than he drinks most of the time but he really seems to enjoy it. It's been very hot here so I'm sure it's refreshing for him.

HTH,
Melody

RC said:
Hi Amy - Would you mind telling me what kind of juices ? what fruit and what brand. I've not introduced juices to my babies yet. So, no clue which ones to start with. Generally, tried to stay away from them - since they are high sugar. But, in the current situation, maybe I want to try that.

Amy Bland said:
I am experiencing a similar thing with my 14 month old and since my 3.5 yr old just recovered from it, I am kind of aware of what to expect. Both boys were checked twice for ear infections, strep throat and lungs checked as well. My older one had his lab values checked and it all came back as viral upper respiratory infection. So since my 14 month old is starting to refuse his formula - we've been providing soy milk (he's very allergic to milk) and also highly diluted juice in various cups, even an open cup with some help. Any sort of hydration will work - hang in there - I'm with you...
Amy
www.cippystitches.etsy.com; ▶ Reply to This