8 Month Old Won't Nurse Or Drink Formula

8 Month Old Won't Nurse Or Drink Formula

A week ago my 8 month old refused to nurse and continues to refuse. He will not drink formula. Not from a bottle, a sippy cup, or a cup. I can get a bit into him with a dropper or spoon. He also will not drink water/apple juice from any of the above either.

He will eat his baby cereal and his veggies and fruit with a bit of a fight. So I've been watering the food down so that he gets more liquid in his diet, and am mixing formula in his food, but am worried he is not getting enough to drink and will get dehydrated.

What could be causing this refusal to drink?

Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Mom!

It is hard to know why your son has decided to not drink. He could be teething or have a slightly sore throat.

Babies do get ideas, and most likely things will go back to normal pretty soon. Just keep trying!

You might want to try other types of juices or offer him your own glass, with hope that this is so exciting that he actually drinks. A new colorful bottle or cup or even a cup with a straw could also make him interested.

Also, do exactly what you do with watering his foods and offer him food with hight water content, such as fruits, cucumber, tomatoes etc.

And watch for signs of constipation, such as that he is not peeing. In such case, contact a doctor to discuss the situation.

Good luck!

/Paula

Comments for
8 Month Old Won't Nurse Or Drink Formula

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Sep 29, 2008

Anxiety Separation?
by: Anonymous

Hi. My eight month old just started refusing his bottle of formula within the last week.

It started off with a decrease in the amount he would consume, and now I have to fight to get him to drink more than 2 oz at a time.

I think he may be teething but no tooth has come through yet. The whole time he is "drinking" his bottle, he fusses and slaps me saying "Dad, Dad, Dad!"

He also has been waking in the night saying the same thing and crying uncontrollably whan he realizes that I am there to console him and not his father.

I am his main caregiver, but my husband had a few days off so he cared for him alot more than usual (feeding bottle and putting him to bed)to help me out as I was not feeling well. When he went back to work and I was left with him, and this started. He used to say "Mum, Mum" alot, but now it is "Dad, Dad".

Any ideas if this could be anxiety separation from his fater or teething, or both?

M.

May 07, 2009

ear infection
by: Anonymous

Possible could be an ear infection. Babies refuse to eat when their ear hurts.

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