Son Won't Take solids....HELP!!

Updated on August 20, 2007
J.R. asks from Ogden, UT
11 answers

My son was happily eating rice cereal, which I mixed with breastmilk or formula, for about a week, but then he became ill (vomiting, diarrhea). The dr had us stop feeding solids until he was better. Now he is better, but everytime I try to get him to eat the cereal, he makes a face and refuses to open his mouth after the first spoonful. I have tried when he is starving and 3 1/2 hours after he eats (because he usually nurses every 4 hours). I've tried feeding him bananas or peaches mixed with the cereal, but he won't eat that either. What should I do?

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So What Happened?

Thank you everybody for the advice. We just held off for a little bit, and then started him on fruits and veggies and eased him into the cereals. Now he is eating pretty much everything he can get his hands on. He loves everything... especially bananas and cheerios.

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C.V.

answers from Denver on

Infants with yeast infections (called thrush) may avoid solids due to the sore throat it causes. Thrush can be diagnosed easily by a thick white coating on the tongue and throat. Sore throats in general may cause difficulty swallowing anything besides breast milk. Dont worry if you breast feed while you eat you are setting the right example. My son went from brest milk to scooping food right off my plate when he had watched me eat long enough.
He also would not take formula for the same reason you describe (illness followed by aversion.) Good Luck hope all is well.

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C.

answers from Denver on

If I were you, I'd wait! I tried with both of my sons to give them solids at 4 or 5 months. The pediatrician said I could and I was getting pressure from other people. The pediatrician did say though, "He doesn't need to start solid until 6 months or so." Well with BOTH of my boys they'd sort of eat it, weren't much interested, then they stopped pooping altogether until we gave them a suppository 12 or 14 days later. You'd think I would have learned with the 1st! The pediatrician let me know their digestive tracks were just not mature enough really until 6 months. So breastmilk is just fine until then! No worries! He'll start acting more interested when he's ready!

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W.R.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My kids never liked cereal. It didn't matter which kind I tried, or what I mixed it with. All three refused to eat it. I agree with those who suggested trying other solids instead. Also, where he is only 5 months old, getting solids into him at this point isn't a huge priority.

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L.

answers from Denver on

Just keep trying, and try a little in the bottle,make the hole a little bigger.

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E.G.

answers from Fort Collins on

J.,
If he's hungry all the time, it's definitely time for solids. I actually tasted every kind of food I offered my kids. The dry baby cereals are pretty bad! I believe it was Gerber who actually made cereals in the jar that were more palatable. Maybe he won't associate the taste with being sick. By the way, stick with rice or oatmeal. Many children (including my own, have allergic reactions to barley if introduced too early.)
E. G.

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D.F.

answers from Denver on

could be"learned taste aversion". humans or animals get sick after eating something and they psychologically form dislike for it. Have you got anything you don't like because you got ill from it as a child whether from eating too much or the flu? I do! Try mixing the bananas and peaches with mixed grain or oatmeal maybe that would work? the rice cereal has a specific taste thats is particularly sweet. At 5 mnths he should be old enoughg to start the oatmeal or grains....

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B.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

It is perfectly ok for your son not to eat solids right now!!!
In fact the american acadamy of pediatrics reccomends that only breastmilk or formula be given for the first 6 months, and that solids are for "play" for the next three months.
Relax momma, you are doing fine! He will let you know when he is ready for soldis again, and it may be a month or two. Just remember most of his nutrition is still in liquid form as it should be. As long as he is meeting developmental milestones *shrug* don't worry! (LOL I know not worrying is a mom's job)

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S.C.

answers from Denver on

Hi J.,
I totally agree with what Katie said about trying a different cereal. If all else fails, he is still little enough that you could go back to nursing him exclusively and try food again in a little while. There are plently of people that don't start solids with their babies until about 6 months. Good luck!

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K.D.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I would try giving other solids (like fruits and veggies) and see if he'll take those alone or try another cereal like Oatmeal or Barley. Maybe he associates the rice cereal with being ill.

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L.E.

answers from Denver on

My son at 4 months went straight to mashable everyday foods.
Only one of my 3 kids liked baby food. My other had table food with us at meals between 4 and 6 months. Try, mashed potatoes, soft cheeses, vegetable soup, cottage cheese, yogurt, applesauce, etc. There is nothing wrong with passing on baby food, we've been programmed to give the exact order (color) foods, etc. Those of us who are touching 40 probably ate baby food for like 2 months and then ate with the family.
My doctor even suggested I give my 4 month old son softened steak and chicken. He was a big eater :)

Good luck!
L.

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J.H.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I have twins one would eat cereal the other one would not. MY mother in law told me to try a little bit of sugar in it until he started eating it and it worked. It was only a few times till and he would eat it then I stopped adding the sugar but it did help.
Good Luck!
J.

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