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20 weeks and refusing bottle

9 replies

scrolling123 · 26/07/2017 18:36

Hi all,
so I really am looking for some help and advice here.
My baby is 20 weeks old, and I have started weaning him over the last week or so. He never really got on with his milk, reflux/colic, and after careful consideration, I decided that introduction of solids was the best idea. Well he took to it like a duck to water and loves his food.
The problem is, I am struggling to get him to still take his milk. Ive changed his teat size, tried different bottles etc, but he is shaking his head and getting upset when trying to get him to drink. He is also teething at the moment - I believe there to be some connection.
Im really worried he isnt getting the fluids and nutrients in him that he needs.
Please dont flame me for the early weaning - I do what I think is best.
Thanks

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NameChange30 · 26/07/2017 18:42

DS is mostly breastfed but has the occasional bottle of ebm, and he started refusing the bottle around the same time he started teething. We switched to a softer, faster teat and DH just persevered. It also helps if you put some teething gel on his gums and/or give him a cool teething ring to chew before offering the bottle. We also give him teething granules twice a day, have you tried those?

DS was younger though and hadn't started any solids so I don't know whether that changes things.

scrolling123 · 26/07/2017 18:46

thanks @namechange30
can i ask, if you remember, roughly how much your DS was taking?
I have tried the gel, and with the teething granules, do you mean the little powders? they do seem to help but i haven't tried them right before the bottle, I will give that ago.
x

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NameChange30 · 26/07/2017 18:51

It was only about a month ago (he's 4.5 months now and still teething) but I'm not sure as DH always gives him the bottle. I think the amount really varied but he wouldn't (and still doesn't) have much if he's teething... maybe an ounce or so? Unless he's really hungry and has two or three. But I think that's mostly because he is used to breastfeeding so he probably prefers that. In your case it sounds like he prefers food!

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PleaseStopRaining · 26/07/2017 18:59

I would be quite worried about a child that young dropping their milk. If he doesn't want to take from a bottle, have you tried an open cup? Also put formula into his food so he still gets dairy that way - it might be a real pain as you will have to make certain things instead of buying them from a shop, but at least he will be getting more formula in.

What is he eating? It is rare for a baby to be able to eat the equivalent nutrients they get from milk so it is important to try to increase the calories in everything you cook.

scrolling123 · 26/07/2017 19:06

@pleasestopraining - just to be clear he hasnt stopped drinking milk completely. He is still having maybe 16 ounces a day, and i am making his breakfast with formula and giving him baby yogurt for extra calories / calcium.
His meals are jarred baby food.

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PleaseStopRaining · 26/07/2017 19:18

He should be having 2.5oz of formula for every pound that he weighs and anything below that is classed as dropping his milk because he is not getting the sufficient nutrients. What has your consultant who has been dealing with the reflux had to say? Have they referred you to a dietian regarding increasing calories and milk intake?

scrolling123 · 26/07/2017 19:56

Thanks for the info there.
Reflux has been dealt with by HV, and no I haven't been referred.
I was just looking for some advice really on how I can encourage his milk drinking as I do believe his teething is putting him off.

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NameChange30 · 26/07/2017 20:04

DH has also had some luck with distraction techniques when he gives DS a bottle. He's tried holding him in different positions and giving him a soft book or toy while he has the bottle.

scrolling123 · 26/07/2017 23:01

Managed to stealth 5 ounces into him tonight before bed

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