Changes in Eating Habits

for a second I thought maybe I wrote this! does anybody have any advice about the congestion?? My son is exhibiting these exact symptoms, but he already has two teeth and although I know that he is teething, I am most worried about the congestion because I think that is what bothers him most and causes his eating fussiness! Any advice regarding the congestion would be appreciated. I have a humidifier, I try and watch more food sensitivities, he HATES the saline/aspirator treatment and the doctor doesn't seem to be worried. but darnit, he is starting to rub his nose constantly and fussing instead of eating. Any more tips on how to dull the congestion or at least suggest if it's allergies, how to deal with it? Will he out grow it?

A few things:
1) Teething- it is that time. And believe it or not, my son went through the same thing, and the drooling and gasiness lasted many months, which is unusually. This probably that. Try some teething gel before hand to see if that helps, if it doesnt dont continue it.
2)A whole new world- a pun off of Disney, but true. To your son, the world is brand new. He is now in the mode of noticing everything. It is the distraction period, my daughter is still in it at 1 year old.
3) Stuffiness- Could be teething, his body trying to fight something off, allergies, etc. You can do humidifers, saline solution, which isn't fun but is worth it if it works.
4) Growing spirt- They tend to eat more when they are growing and less when they are not. They are not bond as much by pattern as we are. So don't be alarmed unless you see that he is dropping significantly in weight, or energy.

I am guessing it is a mutlitude of things. Keep in mind, that we try to have a single solution, because would that not be easier, but sometimes it is more than one thing.

Hope this helps.

If your little guy is drooling and stuffy, he probably is teething and may have a decreased appetite. My boys at this age, both stopped breastfeeding because it took longer than a bottle...they just wanted to be down on the floor playing. Both of my boys ate less during this exploratory crawling phase and becuase they were eating less and moving around much more, they lost a little weight.

Offer him meals on his regular schedule and offer small snacks throughout the day to try to get a little more food into him. Don't worry, he will not starve and will let you know when he is hungry. If we all listened to our bodies the way children do, we wouldn't have such a problem with obesity.

I have learned from experience with my first that they will eat when they are hungry. My doctor always told me that as long as they still have wet diapers that they are hydrated and are alright. My first would hardly eat anything some days and other days want to eat all day. She is now 3 and is the same way.

I have a 7 month old who is going through the same thing (less interested in eating and sleeping). I'm sure it has to do with teething but there are no signs of teeth yet. I just started applying baby orajel. They also have teething tablet. You may want to try one before meals and sleep time. Good Luck

Drooling is also a sign of teething even if you can't see or feel any teeth yet. Like another mom said they feel them first. My son teethed constantly for months before we saw the first tooth come through. Go with what he is telling you. If he does't want to eat don't worry too much, usually when they get hungry they will tell you. As well, if you are concerned call the doctor and talk to his doctor. They tend to be good at helping assuage mothers fears.

Sounds like teething!!!!! Before you can see any teeth they feel them! Along with it comes a runny nose and change in eating and sleeping. Be patient, it will get better. :) My daughter is almost 9 months and went through this about a month ago. I found that she drank a lot of juice, wanted to be held and I also gave her baby ibuprofen and orajel for her gums. It helped a bit. Good Luck

Hi there,

Our little girl started eating "solid" food at 6 months, but then wouldn't eat anything but breast milk from 8-10 months! I was quite stressed about it, and she didn't gain much weight in that period, but she started eating again at 10 months and now at 14 months she inhales her food! She was healthy and happy during her non-eating period, so I can't explain it. But have hope that he'll eat when he's ready. Someone once told me to trust your child: he'll eat / sleep / whatever when he's ready. We can just make sure we provide the food and they have to do the rest.

Good luck!