Ms. Mary Silva
Specializing in feeding and nutrition.
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 Ask Mary Silva
Nine-Month-Old Not Eating Enough | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Ms. Silva,
I have a nine-month-old girl who was born 10 weeks premature. At my last visit with the home nurse, I was told to cut back on baby food feedings because she is not gaining weight as she should be. I have done this and initially things were fine; my daughter continued to drink 30 or more ounces of formula every 24 hours. But as of yesterday, she has no interest in her bottle and has stopped drinking. I have given her very little baby food (less than 2 ounces) and am concerned that she is not hungry. Yesterday she had less than three bottles (12-24 ounces) and today she has had about 10 ounces and still has no desire to eat. I am concerned. Her wet diapers seem to be normal and so do her bowel movements. Please advise me if I should be concerned or if this is just a phase. Thanks.— First Time Mom in Madras, Oregon | | | ANSWER |
August 3, 2001 | | | Dear First Time Mom,
Being told, "It's a phase" isn't always helpful to concerned mothers. It is true that sometimes babies drastically decrease the amount of formula or food eaten without reason. However, sometimes a lack of appetite is a symptom of illness. Since she's still drinking a reasonable amount of formula and doesn't have any other symptoms, you can continue your usual feeding routine while observing for symptoms such as crankiness, fever, a change of bowel pattern, and fewer wet diapers. If these (or other symptoms) arise or if her decreased formula and food intake continue, you should contact your pediatrician.— by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D. |
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