Eating Problem or teething?

[MIRA]

My girl is 14 months now, one of her 1st molar already pop out and the other one is coming. Ever since her 1st molar came out, she has been very fussy and dun want to eat or drink. 2 days ago, she consumed only 10oz of milk, 1oz of water, 1 spoon of cereal and 1 spoon of pasta in a day, for today she take 22oz milk, 1/4 cup cheerios and nothing else. Is this bcoz of teething? How long it will last? I'm just getting so worry (1st time mom - panic about everything), usually she will take 20-22oz milk, 1 yogurt, 1 gerber fruits and 2 bowl of porridge.

Before teething, she also got problem eating, she won't open her big mouth for me, I have to put the spoon in ... I have to make sure the food is very wet, or else she will spit right out and make funny face, by 14 months you will think that she is eating dry food and making hard poo poo....but till today her poo poo is still very soft.

She can go 8 hours without food, after 8 hours she will take 2-4oz milk and called it a meal...What to do? is this usual?

[Zicea Becks]

From my experience, their little teeth are just sore, and it's a new concept using molars.

I think your baby is just a bit picky...which is okay, i guess.

At 14 months, they'll let you know if they are hungry.

Next time you take her to the doctor, I'm sure the doctor will reassure you that she's fine.

I don't think it's nothing to panic about yet.

and don't feel bad about the new-mommy panic...when Mesa (13) was a baby I hated for her to take naps because I was scared she wasn't breathing! lol...for the first 3 months, I would basically nudge her until she woke up.

[Suzanne Chan]

My daughter was a late bloomer with the teeth, she didn't get any until 13 months and 8 came out at once. She's 16 months now. I think the teething definitely affects eating habits. But it's true, if they are hungry they will eat. You might want to try more smaller meals. Instead of your usual routine, try to add another meal or two if you're really concerned. If she looks hydrated and isn't lethargic, she should be okay. Don't be afraid to call your doctor if you are really worried. That's what they are there for.

[MIRA]

She is taking about 20oz milk and some yogurt now, but even 4oz of milk will take her 30 mins,every meal (gerber 3 size box) take her 1 hour. I have to use spoon to feed her milk, just make me so tired and I really feel like I'm getting sick now. Left a mesg to her Dr....and no reply at all. She used to take 800 calories and now only taking 400-500 calories a day. I hope her teeth will come out soon, but I really doubt is the teeth, because she will chew on the meat but she won't swallow.

[Dina]

Accordng to Dr. Barry Brazelton, the famous pediatrician, the minimum amount of food a 2 year old need is 16 oz of milk (or the equivalent in cheese, yogurt, ice cream), 2 ounces of iron containing protein or fortified cerreal, 1 ounce of OJ or fresh fruit and a multi-vitamin. Your child is younger but it sounds like she is getting about that amount, if not every day then over the course of a few days - some days more, some less. If your doctor thinks she is ok then I wouldn't worry.

The bigger issue is her general eating pattern. I wouldn't recommend that you put the food into her mouth unless she voluntarily opens her mouth for food because you don't want to set up a struggle where you are trying to get her to eat and she doesn't want to. Wait until she wants to eat. That might be hard, but I think you'll find that the less you force the issue, the more she'll eat.

Also, some kids need wetter food than others because the swallow reflex develops at slightly different ages. So don't worry about having to moisten her food.

Goodl luck!

[MIRA]

Hi Dina,
Thanks for your reply, you have no idea how my girl eat, if I don't put the spoon in her mouth she can go 8 hours without food or milk, I have no idea what kind of stomach she has, but definitely a tiny one. 8 hours without food you will expect her to be hungry and eat a lot...but oh no...she only take 2 or 3 spoonful and called it a meal. I try to let her feed herself, but she really having fun with the food, squeeze them, mashed them but just won't put in her mouth, she think is toys.
This morning I gave her 6oz milk with 1 scoop of cereal and half box of gerber fruits...took her 50 mins to finish. Basically the first half an hour she decline to eat and I keep telling her she gotta finish and the last 20 mins she slowly working on it. Sometimes I was so frustrated till I cry and pray while feeding her, yea i know I'm a little silly.

[Dina]

The big question is this: when you let her eat the amount she wants, does she lose weight? If so, you have a problem. If not, then even if the amount is less than you think she needs, she is doing ok. Again, is the doctor worried?

About the length of time it takes her to eat, you can address that issue in two ways. First, you can let her play and explore, without pressure. Sometimes kids need to get used to the food this way and then they put it in their mouths. If you do this, you need to go about your business, or sit at the table, but don't encourage her to eat. That is the way to get into a power struggle with her. Second, you can tell her when you sit her down that it is time to eat and if she doesn't eat, then end that meal or snack. Tell her you don't think she's hungry, that that is ok, and then tell her she can try again at the next meal or snack. Don't get angry, or threaten her. Just be matter of fact. But most importantly, you have to find a way to calm your concerns because your fears (which are real and justifable) will stop you from being able to try different approaches.

Good luck.

Dina

[MIRA]

Hi Dina,
Thanks again! I will let her feed herself on dinner time, let her explore with her meal or let her eat the way she want for a week...to see whether she will lost weight or not. I sure hope not.
And I really appreciate your reply and if this help...you will become my life saver. *_*

[Dina]

Great. I look forward to hearing how it is going.

Good luck.

Dina

[Laura]

One piece of advice I got regarding toddler eating habits is try to look at what they eat over the course of a week, rather than each day. Some days or 2 or 3 they may be fussy or picky or be in a phase. If they are happy, not losing weight, not getting sick, and getting most of what they need over a week, they are most likely ok. If things get progressively worse over a week, with no improvement, then something is probably amiss.

[MIRA]

hehe...her first molar just came out yesterday, she is better now, finished 2scoop cereal, 6oz milk and half box of yogurt in 30 mins. I'm happy again! Thanks everyone!!!

[Babs]

My son started teething at 12 weeks - I tried everything from frozen rags, teething rings, toys, gum massager and even our own fingers... what worked was the pacifier. I filled the nipple with water (by squeezing it under running water) and froze them. Worked like a charm!! After he was finished chewing on them he was ready to drink from the bottle.

[Ricky Deez]

i remember my son when he started teething, i only gave him pacifier after a bottle of milk. after a couple of months i start to introduce tooth brush for baby to take care of his cute tooth.

ricky deez