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Children's health

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Original poster

18wk old weaning - stomach cramps

9 replies

BooBearBoo · 05/03/2011 20:14

Hi,

We started weaning our LO a week ago and he is getting on really really well with it. Took to the spoon immediately and seemed to really enjoy it (and still does). He has some porridge for breakfast and a bit of a jar for dins at the moment.

However, he seems to be getting horrible stomach pains which wake him at night and make him really scream :( He seems to have very painful bottom wind too :(

He came down with a nasty cold a few days ago and I am wondering if it is this rather than the weaning???

His milk intake has also dropped (from 4 x 8oz bottles) down to three bottles which have been a nightmare to get in him - writhing, screaming and thrashing after more than 4oz. The first one of the day is generally ok though.

He is on gaviscon for silent reflux and has been for about 6 weeks now. His reflux is being controlled well (so we thought?).

What is going on??? It is difficult to tell which it is - weaning, the cold or reflux?????

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peppapighastakenovermylife · 05/03/2011 20:18

Poor thing and you.

I am not sure how the cold would cause the stomach cramps and wind?

If the reflux was controlled before this then it would less likely to be this

Without wanting to start a whole when to wean debate perhaps he is just not ready for solids yet? Or perhaps he is reacting to a certain food? What are his nappies like?

Could you try dropping the solids and see what happens? Or if not just keep with very bland foods to rule out a reaction to certain ones?

Original poster

BooBearBoo · 05/03/2011 20:19

Just to add - it was recommended by our doc that we wean early due to the reflux. He is also 18lbs so doc and HV said it was fine. I'm just worried it is what is causing this terrible wind/cramping :(

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Original poster

BooBearBoo · 05/03/2011 20:21

Hi peppa - I thought that maybe as he couldnt breathe properly through his nose he has been gulping down air with his milk ????

I am considering dropping the solids yes. It is just he seems to really enjoys them and has his little favourites :( He even has the hang of "aeroplanes" and sits there with his mouth wide open waiting for the spoon !!! :( :(

OP posts:

Iggly · 05/03/2011 20:24

My DS has silent reflux and weaning made things worse earlier on TBH. didn't get fully onto solids until 9 months - I think his reflux was a sign of an immature digestive system. The solids seemed to make his acid production worse.

If I were you I'd stop the solids and only give a little bit of baby rice mixed with his usual milk. See how that goes. If it doesn't help then stop solids altogether and try again in a month. Also ask the doc for ranitidine - you'll need something better than gaviscon which is pretty shite for silent reflux.

Also the struggle with milk feeds is a sign that he could be in pain when feeding - so again as for ranitidine as it neutralises the acid. Gaviscon doesn't!

StealthPolarBear · 05/03/2011 20:27

poor little thing :( I'd take him back to the doc tbh

peppapighastakenovermylife · 05/03/2011 20:29

That could be a possibility with the cold .

At this stage it wouldnt hurt to cut back a little, until after his cold has eased and see what happens? I don't know a lot about reflux sorry but yes it is often recommended to introduce solids to help. Did the cold come on pretty much at the same time e.g. was he coping before?

I guess he can enjoy solids but may be struggling with them internally. My DS2 is struggling loads with them at the moment but refuses a spoon and will only self feed...but then gags and makes himself sick - but still tries again .

Baby rice is meant to be the easiest to digest / less likely to react so maybe just drop back to that? Does the baby porridge have anything in it like gluten that he might be reacting to?

Original poster

BooBearBoo · 05/03/2011 20:33

Peppa No it is gluten free. And the jars are the HIPP ones.

Just feel so sorry for the poor little fella. He gets so exhausted crying with the pain.

Ok I think we will cut the solids until his cold has definitely gone. Then try again slowly and see if it is any sort of reaction to anything in particular.

Will enquire at the docs about ranitidine - thanks Iggly

OP posts:

Original poster

BooBearBoo · 05/03/2011 20:35

Peppa Yes the cold and the weaning started at pretty much the same time unfortunately so difficult to tell which it is!!!

OP posts:

Iggly · 05/03/2011 20:39

Also you might want to try feeding when he's falling asleep for a nap and give him smaller but more frequent feeds while he's like this as easier on the stomach.

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