5 month old refusing bottle

[LJAM]

My 5.5 -month old usually loves to eat - he's a very healthy 9kg and has never refused the bottle. But over the past week, he's become fussier and fussier. Instead of taking his usual full bottle 4 times a day, he's virtually halved his milk intake and is now very fussy to feed. We haven't started solids yet. Any advice would be much appreciated. Do I need to worry? He doesn't seem to be coming down with anything (no fever, seems happy enough other when it's time to take a bottle). Of course he's probably teething - no teeth yet but there's been plenty of dribbling and gnawing on stuff for the past couple of months.

hmmm... not sure what to suggest - i would imagine that his appetite will resume in a couple of days and it will just be a mysterious blip, probably due to the teething. it would be worth speaking to the gp though just to get him checked over as you dont want him to start losing weight.
it might be time to introduce solids? could be his way of showing that milk is not enough? hope someone else replies too becuase i'm no expert, sorry!

My DS used to stop eating when cutting a tooth.

Make sure you've got the right size teat as he may be frustrated his milk is not coming out quick enough. Or he may just be bored with that bottle, so you could try another brand (suggest nuk). It's not too early to try formula milk mixed with baby rice as he may really enjoy that at this age. I'm a mum of 3, with youngest also 5 months (just). Both of my sons were EBF but i gave formula mixed with baby rice from 5 months (one is 21 months & other is 3 years 8 months old). There were no problems at all with introducing this (and mashed banana or stewed apple) before the "guideline " 6 month mark. My 5 month old is already wanting to taste food (has tried baby rice, mashed banana etc).

Going back to your original problem, it may be that your baby is a bit bored with his bottle & is ready for a new challenge. Try letting him hold & chew on a rubber/plastic spoon with a teeny bit of mashed banana or baby rice & you may find he's delighted and shows you more signs that he's ready for very basic real foods to be slowly introduced. I say basic and real foods as anything processed at such a young age is a definite "no no". The most important thing, above all else, is that if your baby is happy in himself, is his usual self, then he is absolutely fine. A baby is always able to let his mummy know he doesn't feel right and they don't pretend to be well when they're not ( like we mums do!!)

Of course, it's something your health visitor will be happy to give you advice on.

Thank you, really thank you for the advice and shared experience. I'm going to take him to see the GP today but I really don't think he's ill - it's just to be on the safe side.

I was going to start him this week on a bit of baby rice but I was having second thoughts since he's being so funny with his bottles. But maybe it is time. He seems ready, no tongue thrust reflex, able to sit up in a high chair easily, seems v interested in our food etc. But there's so much advice about waiting til 6 months... Hence my hesitation.

we did it at 5 months and it was BRILLIANT. my son loved food and has been a fantastic eater ever since. keep it fun and no pressure - and enjoy watching his face with that first mouthful!!!

OK so an update for you. GP said he was fine - clearly thought I was bonkers for bringing him in. We changed teats and once he'd got used to the new faster ones, the feeds started to go much better. And we started some baby rice! His face was such a picture - it's early days but he seems quite into it. He's having great fun trying to feed himself and getting very messy in the process - it's hilarious. So far so good...!

well done!! sounds great, really pleased for you. i remember my son covered in banana and strawberry!! the baby rice is a great way to start. good luck!