My grandaughter is a one year old. She will not drink from a bottle or a cup. She has been to a "feeding specialist" per her pediatrician, but this hasn't really helped and my daughter and son-in-law have new health insurance, so they haven't been back for a follow-up until the insurance is firmly in place.
My daughter says "I have to work with what I have"...she feeds her daughter with a spoon, both liquids and solids! And, has for some time...My daughter and I used to have a close relationshi\p, but it has been strained ever since the baby has been born. I have never baby sat...etc. etc. And, I purposely have not interfered in any way with how she is handling the baby, but I do have concerns over the feeding issue...any suggestions?
Leave it alone. Sounds like she is doing what she can to make sure your granddaughter receives nutrients, which is most important. Babies were fed before bottles were invented:)
I know grandmas want the best for their grandkids. That being said, I think it's time to take a step back. Unless baby is neglected or abused, this is not your business, since it's not your child. This is no reason for the relationship between you & your daughter to be strained. You cannot change what you cannot control, so it's best to let it go & trust that your daughter is doing right by her child.
Hi Grandma. My advice is try not to worry, and to just stand by your daughter in her decisions on what she thinks is best for your grand daughter. Let her know that you are there for her if she needs anything even if she just wants to vent over her day. My daughter had to be breast fed up until 15 months because she wouldnt take a bottle or a sippy cup at all. My mom thought it was weird to be doing it for that long, but like your daughter this is what I have to work with that works for our daughter. I believe that your daughter is feeling is what I felt. That everyone is against me in what I do for my little girl. My mom would make a comment like "Isnt that long enough? Shes 15 months old, dont you think she should be on a cup by now? Its not right that she is still on your breast. I hated my mom when she would say that and not want to talk to her about anything about my baby. But when I looked at my little girl and how she was healthy and smiling, I knew that what I was doing was the best I could do until she was ready for a cup on her own. I explained to my mom how I felt, and that I just need her to be there to listen to my problems, concerns, and joys about our little girl. That I dont need her to critize me and make me feel bad for what we decide is right, but that I would like encouraging suggestions, anything positive instead of negative. For example - Say your daughter wanted to all of a sudden change their eating habits and become Vegetarians.. instead of saying "what are you doing? Thats not good for a little person growing up. Say something like "Lets go to the bookstore and see what we can find for some recipe ideas that would taste great". I think if you just talked to your daughter, let her know that sure you are worried about the situation with your granddaughter like all moms are worried over family members, but that you are very proud of her in doing her best she will come around. :)
a nuk cup was really helpful when my little girl refused to take bottle or cup... it has a soft top like a bottle but drinks more like a cup- can buy them at walmart for abotu 6$
When my daughter was 4 months, I thought a bottle was fine but my aunt insisted that she start drinking from a cup and would not let me feed her with a bottle all weekend. It was very stressful for me as a new mom to be told that I was doing something wrong. However my daughter did not get enough fluids from the cup and she had horrible constipation.
Whatever works for your grandbaby is what works. Leave it be! I know you want to help but I am sure your daughter is doing what is best.
Something to try would be straws and a variety of sippy cups. My daughter now will only drink certain things from certain cups because she is that picky. But it is what works for her.
As far as getting to babysit I would just try to be there as much as possible and be supportive. I am sure your daughter is stressed and would like the help but may be concerned about you not doing her wishes. She is the parent you are the grandparent. try to remember that. I know it is hard!
Good luck. I hope they get the drinking issue resolved when their insurance kicks in.
