Feeding Schedule for 9month old

[Anonymous]

Hi Tracy,

Sorry it’s not going better with his cereal. They sure can be stubborn! Myles is so resistant about the things he dislikes; like bottles, sippy cups, or new foods. He won’t eat any finger foods yet except puffy, dissolve type foods.

To answer your questions, he’s 29.5 inches tall and 20.5 lbs. Skinny compared to my other two at this age.

His daily intake now consists of about 14 ounces of breast milk, 4-5 ounces of soy formula, 2/3 – 1 cup of oatmeal, and 3 -4 jars of baby food per day. I’m trying to give him some juice for his sluggish bowels but he flatly refuses so now I am spoon feeding him about an ounce a day of white grape juice. What a PITA!!

Myles was 8 lbs at birth and chunked up fast, too. Now his weight gain has slowed a lot, but he’s not under weight, thank God.

I sure hope Ian begins to accept some cereal. I know you must be very frustrated and worried about him. Before I discovered that I could spoon feed Myles his breast milk I thought he’d end up on a g-tube because he would not take his bottles. It’s just plain weird. With him it’s not a taste issue and it’s not reflux pain, so why won’t he drink a bottle? At least he’s eating. So, I guess I shouldn’t complain. The problem is that he gets too much cereal and not enough fluid, and I don’t really know what I can do about it.

How much does Ian weigh and how tall is he? I hope he likes the cereal with sweet potato tomorrow.

Christine

[Anonymous]

Thanks all.

Christine-that’s great! Sound’s like he’s eating a ton. Ian eats nowhere near that. Last time weighed he was 22 pounds (sounds like alot but it’s been there for awhile-however, like you said, he’s at least growing over time). He’s now over 31″ and getting skinny looking (losing his cheeks-looks like a toddler). I talked to the feeding clinic yesterday ad they said 20-24 oz of formula a day is great and not to worry. Dr. explained that weight gain indicating that brain development is good goes like this-nutrition goes first to brain, then affects height in infant, then width. This isn’t to say if you have a shorter baby they are not getting enough brain nourishment at all (because genetics do count-I’m super tall) but the fact that Ian’s moving up should put my mind at ease.

Karen-she also gave me tips on texture. Not sure if they’ll apply to finger foods but thought I’d pass them along and maybe you can use something from it. For rice, we are to have two dishes at feedings-one with a favorite veg or fruit, one with that same veg or fruit mixed with lots of formula and little rice. We’re then to alternate bites and each time add a little more cereal to the one already mixed increasing texture. Maybe you can use some variation? Also, like Thais, they want Ian to poop 2x a day. We’ve been alternating with hard poops and diarrhea due to antibiotic. But all these constipating foods are still putting pressure on belly and they said even a tiny bit will make them hold back. THis particular clinic has done a ton of studies on eating and backing up and she says it’s almost always a major contributing factor to not eating. Gosh, remember the days when I complained Ian was just pooping water???? So bizarre!

[Anonymous]

Update on 11:15 am feeding. Ian screamed bloody murder. Technique from clinic didn’t work at all. He really hates rice or it makes him feel yucky.

Anyone have failure with rice (because of something other then reflux-like taste/texture, etc) and switch to something else with success? I’m torn between-is he just not ready for grains? Or, is he just older and that makes it more difficult to adjust? If I serve purees alone, things seem good as can be (meaning never thrilled but will open mouth). Funny the clinic asked me what his favorite foods are but other then banana he seems to bore really quickly and nothing seems exciting.

[Anonymous]

Interesting with the texture ideas. We did have failure with rice but
only really for constipation reasons. Oatmeal is much better that way
but lately she would also prefer plain purees or finger foods…

I thought he really loved squash too? Maybe try some “different” foods like papaya, mango, avocado?

[Anonymous]

He used to love squash but now seems indifferent. Maybe bored? He is only on 7 things. We cleaned him out with an enema today so I’m not sure he’s feeling backed up. Maybe tummy still upset I guess. He’s also not eating his bottle right now and holding his jaw alot-teething? I just don’t want him to scream when he’s put down to eat so we’ll have to lay off the cereal. He would really rather play.

[Anonymous]

Hi Tracy,

Hmmm….that’s interesting (and very reassuring) about the brain growth first, followed by height and weight. I didn’t know that.

I’m sorry he’s still refusing rice. The feeding clinic idea with the two bowls sounded brilliant to me. I’m so sorry it didn’t work.

To tell you the truth, I’m surprised they even want him to have rice considering the constipation problem. I know he had problems with oatmeal a few months back and your’re not supposed to try it again until 10 months, but considering the fact that he won’t eat the rice and that he’s only one month away from 10 months, maybe it would be o.k. to try it. He’d be getting such a small amount initially anyway. Maybe he’s smarter than all of us.

How much cereal is he actually getting in each bite? I would make it so he can barely even notice it at first. Maybe you are already doing this but, this is how I did it with my girls who did not like plain cereal at all. I would mix one tablespoon of cereal with breast milk or forumla (I don’t remember how much milk or formula, but enough to make it creamy, not too thick), and then I’d dump one stage one jar of food right on top of it and mix it very lightly. The amt. of cereal is so little that they barely noticed it. After a few days or a week, I’d increase it to 1 1/2 tablespoons of cereal mixed with breast milk or formula and add the jar of food. Every couple of days I’d add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of cereal until they began to accept it more readily. My girls never liked cereal plain but they did begin to eat larger amts of cereal with their fruit or veg mixed in so that in time they were getting plenty of cereal.

With some of the babies I used to take care of as a nanny, I used to make the cereal in a bowl and then have another bowl with the fruit or veggie that they like. I’d put a tiny bit of cereal on the spoon and then scoop up lots of the fruit or veg on top of it so when the spoon goes in the mouth they immediatley taste the familiar fruit or veg. This worked well with some of the babies. Eventually I could put more cereal on the spoon and less fruit or veg and they’d eat it as they became more accustomed to the taste and texture of the cereal.

From my experience as a nanny and with my own is that they only needed a handful of good experiences with getting it down before they would begin to accept it regularily.

The only other thing I can think of if he won’t eat any cereal is maybe try putting it in his bottle.

I’m so sorry you’re having such a hard time with his feedings. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be. I wish I had better words of wisdom or some kind of magic trick for you. Hopefully it will get better soon.

Christine

[Anonymous]

caoimhe wrote: He’s also not eating his bottle right now and holding his jaw alot-teething?

Definitely sounds like teething to me! When teething M also is fussier with bottle and foods and pickier than usual…

[Anonymous]

How’s Ian doing today – eating any better?

Saw in your other post about you and the feeding doc corresponding by email – was she able to help you with the rice issue?

[Anonymous]

Hi Karen-

Well-it’s not teething – or at least not all of it – Ian’s temp spiked again so we went back to pediatrician. DOUBLE ear infection now. Amoxocillin did absolutely nothing except give him a tummy ache. We are now on Augmentum. So far, it’s a nightmare! I’m not sure if antibiotics aggravate reflux or what but he’s arching and crying non stop like he was as a newborn. We’ve upped his prevacid a little but literally little guy is arching everywhere. His poo’s are nasty too-more mucus then ever. Only slept 9 hours last night so overtired as well. It’s going to be a long 10 days. Is this typical? If anyone knows do antibiotics aggravate reflux this bad?? Or is it the infection that aggravates it? It’s so upsetting. He’s in his crib right now just crying and moaning to himself. Sigh. Just when things were moving forward.

As for Feeding Doc-yes very helpful. We stopped rice for now in case Ian’s digestive tract is too strained to handle it. Also, last thing he needs is to be backed up causing more reflux. But very good tips and I like that she’s 100% accessible now.

How’s Marisa doing these days? Any more teeth? How many buds now?

[Anonymous]

Oh poor Ian! Do they think he may need tubes? Augmentum can be really
hard on the tummy – which could make reflux worse. But the infection
could aggravate it too. I really hope he feels better soon.

Still just the two teeth but she’s boycotting breakfast the past two
days and only drinking about half her bottles and gumming the granite
island (in her high chair) as I write this. I think she may have a low
grade fever too – about to check. So many buds it’s crazy! She’s still
crawling everywhere though.

Once he feels better we’d love to have you guys over for a playdate!

[Anonymous]

We would love a playdate! And I’m really excited to hear about M’s teeth! Sounds like you’re close. Once she starts popping them out, I’m sure her eating will spike up again.

Yes, poor little guy! Breaks my heart because he was doing so well. I have a feeling he won’t be tolerating many solids right now. It seemed while he was on amoxocillin even that sweet potatoes, squash, and pears were aggravating just as bad as rice. Augmentum will surely be worse. Although, we seem to be escaping the diarrhea right now. More constipation if anything so we were told to increase MoM. On a positive note, Ian is officially crawling long distance-full fledged on all fours! We worked really hard and it’s finally paid off. With reflux, wanted to try to get shoulder development strong. He still wants to walk more but as long as he’s doing some crawling, I’m happy.

EI comes today to evaluate sensory and feeding (OT and ST). I’m sure antibiotic will cloud that evaluation too but what can I do? It seems like it’s always something every month so maybe it’s a truer picture afterall!

[Anonymous]

I hope the teeth are close – her eating is really off and she’s clingy
but she’s happy too – so go figure. She’s been crawling like mad and
walking with us holding her hands.

Antibiotics can really mess up an adults system – so I can only imagine what they do to an infant. Necessary, but…

GREAT news with the crawling! Between that and the pulling up it should definitely help his upper body strength.

We’ll definitely plan something when Ian is back to himself – the two
of them can go nuts and we can take them to the swings and all!

Let us know how EI goes. Hope the little man feels better soon.

[Anonymous]

Tracy – sorry Ian is not doing so well. Just wanted to let you know that we trialled rice 4 times and still had no luck with it and have now postponed it until 18 months. The first cereal we had luck with was Amaranth cereal, it is really mild on the digestive system. We then moved to oatmeal and then wheat. Any sort of infection can upset allergies and then reflux because it involves the immune system. We went through five colds in a row recently and it just makes feeding so difficult. I think it is inevitable that they lose weight when the are sick but there is not really much you can do. Hope Ian feels better soon.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Amber-really appreciate it. Where do you find Amaranth cereal? I’m embarassed to say I’ve never heard of it? Did you ever try barley?

Also, yes, infections/colds are so frustrating when you’re moving forward. Augmentum is just a nasty med-really tough on his belly. Question for you-since it involves immune system-do you stop solids when Tyler is sick? We saw Early Intervention yesterday and both the ST and OT said stick with feedings even though reflux is upset with antibiotic because they don’t want him to lag even further but I’m nervous he’ll start to have aversions like his bottle. BTW-EI is great! They are recommending Ian get’s 2 days a week of OT therapy at our house to help with small motor skills and feedings. All related to reflux-not wanting to put things to his mouth and that his eating skills are those of 5-6 month old. Really hope it goes through. All the other evals showed he was at a 10-11 month level-physical, intellectual, and curiosity. So I’m a proud mama!

How is Tyler these days?? I’m hoping things are going great since I haven’t seen a post in awhile..

[Anonymous]

Tracy – glad that EI is working for you. Unfortunately, Augmentum is just an enhanced amoxycillin (or however you spell it) and it usually is harder on matthew’s tummy that the reg version.

If he is at 5/6 month level for eating and fine motor then he will qualify because that is a 30% delay (ie if he is 9months, he needs to be at around 6month developmentally in that area and he seems to be (that is how they explained it to me and the reason why Matthew may not qualify…), so that is just great. EI is a wonderful program if you qualify. A friend of mine had someone come 3x per week to her house for the last few months and her daughter just loves her. It is the same person that we used privately a couple of times and she was amazing so if you want any recommendation or your OT is not working out, let me know. Did the feeding clinic ever tell you that he was that delayed in his oral motor? I am just curious because i have my doubts about them (although Matthew has been evaluated by other people and all fine motor are intact supposedly) and i know that you like them… so was wondering if it was their idea to get EI involved because his feeding was so behind.

Thanks

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