Teething - Refusing Bottles

[Finansmum]

My little boy is coming up to 8 months old, 6 corrected. He's teething, his upper front teeth and canines (I know they aren't usually first) look close to popping out. He won't let me look very easily because it's clearly causing his pain.

He doesn't drink a lot of milk as standard, he's under dietician and paediatrician, but 400-500ml (13-17oz) per day is normal for him. He's been on the 0.4th since birth and is only 13lbs.

Today he's had only 90ml. He's refusing to drink. I've managed to feed him a bit more made up as porridge but in liquid form he's had 90ml and a some sips of water.

I rang the health visitor and they said if he's not unwell not to worry. Stop giving solids for now and just offer milk, if he's hungry he will take it.

Other than tooth pain he's mostly fine, obviously in pain and a bit grumpy but no fever and I can get him to smile. He has wet nappies and he's pooping.

Really I'm wondering what to do to get him to drink? Any pain relievers I may not have thought of or any tricks? I'm getting really worried. I just don't see how 90ml over an entire day would be enough!! Should I take him to the doctors tomorrow even though health visitor said it's fine? What would you do.

Just messaging to say the same. Mine is exactly same age and is happening. I’m guessing teething as he went through similar around 5 months if I remember and it gradually settled

i just offer often and don’t force it if he says no. I figured when he’s hungry he will want it. Except the problem for me now is because he doesn’t during the day he does at night now but I’m just going with it. He’s now taking 2 bottles a night.

I had also been in 2 meals a day for him but I reduced this to try get milk uptake. Worked today I got an extra bottle in. Normally on 5x7oz in 24 hours but I reckon it’s been around 3 bottles max. I put it down to teething. Good luck - hope it settles for you soon

I had one of these babies who didn't drink a lot, he's now 2.4 years. Still slim but eats well.

Anyway, don't force, it makes it all worse. Offer water as already 8 months. Try to wait 2-3h between feeds even if he hasn't had much as if someone would want to feed you every hour, you wouldn't like it and it can create a bottle aversion which is so hard and nerve wracking when they're already very slim.

As mine was so tiny, I dream fed until he was about 14 months just so he'd have some more calories in Him. We dropped bottles at 18 months as he point blank refused for 5 days and I said: that's it then and they all went in the bin. Never looked back. What a stressful feeding journey.

I hope you're ok mama xx

Thank you both for coming back to me.

I dream feed because he's so small and he took 2oz so in total yesterday he had 5oz.

He's had 1oz this morning.

The health visitor called to check in and said if he takes less than half his usual amount again today to get him reviewed but it likely is just teething.

Because we struggle with intake anyway his reduced amount is tiny and 5oz isn't really enough for a baby in 24 hours.

I'm hoping it eases off today!!

Is eating? They do tend to go off milk a bit as they full from food.

I used to give mine formula from the fridge nice and cold.

Cold Full fat Greek yogurt is good too,

Stay away from too much tomatoes, cheese and fruit as it can irritate their gums.

Nurofen and anbesol liquid.

He had some porridge yesterday but I've been told to not give him solids today to try and get his milk in him. He's almost 8 months but was premature so he's not quite 6 months corrected, he needs to be having milk mostly.

I will try the cold milk though see if that helps!!

Hi @Finansmum

Going through exactly the same.

Our children sound identical. I only get 400-500ml in him and he's not interested in solids. Today is particularly bad in the milk front.

How did it turn out for you?

How long did it last?

Thanks