Hunger Strike

[snowboarder]

Baby snowboarder has a new wheeze. He is pretty much refusing all food other than a bit of fruit puree and milk. Toast if feeling generous, and the odd random thing like a cocktail sausage! Been going on for nearly a week now.

So I'm stressed - he was getting on SO well with food and eating loads. Probably linked - he has had super smelly explosive nappies (look like runny chicken korma!) but only 2/3 a day. Mostly I'm worried as we're going on a 24 hr plane journey tomorrow, and then away for 3 weeks - how to manage food-wise??

What you think - just a phase? Funny tummy and not worry? Go to doctors (probably pointless....). Arghh!!

[sillywoman]

Poor you, how stressful. It is probably just a phase snowboarder. Also sounds a bit like he might be teething (nappies) & so gums might be hurting him a bit when he eats. Keep offering a varied diet, whatever you're eating within reason, and his appetite will return I'm sure. Probably whilst you're away with all the new distractions for him.

Sorry if this sounds disjointed - typing one handed whilst eating breakfast on the hoof!

Hope you have a lovely holiday,

SW

[ratty]

Totally stressful. Think it is, as with most things baby, just a phase. The fact that fruit puree and milk is going in is an excellent thing. Also accounts for the state of the nappy. Teething is most likely, and of course, totally normal. Have a wonderful trip!

[alieh]

This always happens to us with teething (often a week or so before the teeth even become evident). The dodgy nappies usually accompany teeth for us too.

I freaked out the first time, but eight teeth later have gotten used to it. He tends to want only things like fruit puree, yoghurt, and soft fruit pieces. For the plane, I would just stock up on easy things like Ellas House pouches and tetra pack smoothies.

Baby Snowboarder is still getting most of his nutrition from milk, so he won't starve. One day soon he will probably try to steal food off your plate, and you'll know he is feeling better!

[snowboarder]

Could be teeth - there are none as yet (apparently I was 13 months before they arrived so was not thinking imminent!!). Deep breath then and keep offering mini buffet style meals (could prob feed half the babies in ED with the amount of things have offered and thrown out this week).

Thanks xx v stressed about PACKING too!!

[candj]

The teeth don't have to be present for babies to feel pain. Sometimes their gums begin to get sore before the teeth break the surface. Just keep giving him what he does eat whether it be fruit puree or a cocktail sausage and plenty of liquids.

Good luck.

[crystal7]

I feel your pain! This has happened to baby C7. Was very stressful watching her ribs become more prominant each day! As others have said it's probably teething related (accounts for the horrid nappies too). Baby C7 would slurp cold Ella's Kitchen straight from the pouch- especially the red one. Ella's kitchen also do smoothies which have been a success for us too, they're with all the kids lunch box stuff in Sainsbury's. Try not to worry as my mum keeps telling me they wouldn't starve themselves!

[ymenik21]

oh I am in the same boat,my Lo turned one and from that day onwards no no to food.I am fed up of throwing every thing in the bin specially after spending hours cooking.I wish I have a friend who can come and stay with me a whole day and show me what is wrong with what I am offering her.All she wants is breast and no way she will take formula or proper meals.HVs are useless and doctors cant do much either.

Do we have to let them starve and learn by them selves as my other half believe or force them I dont know?

Sorry snowboarder for not being much of a help but when you feel down think that there are many more mommies going through the same thing.

Good luck with packing and flying XX

[Bishberro]

Hi - I had exactly the same problem this time last year when my son was 9 months old. We went on hol and before and during the hol, he didn't eat a single thing for three weeks - literally nothing. I was really worried but as long as he's taking fluids and drinking milk/water he'll be fine. It turned out my son had a nasty cold/ear infection which resulted in an emergency trip to the GPs on our first day in the US and also really bad teething. He just started eating normally a few days after we came home. I was obviously worried sick but I just made sure I gave him loads of breastfeeds and plenty of water.

[malcol]

I once read that 'to date no child has ever starved to death through being stubborn!'. If your children are still drinking milk and taking small amounts of food then they will be fine. This is probably a passing phase or indeed teeth related but if you were to record everything that your child eats in a 48 hour period you'll probably find it is a lot more than you think. If it continues longer than a few weeks than you have to decide whether you want to make it an issue or not. I have found that from a very early age children pick up issues about food and their parents expectations and they use it very successfully to push every button in your body! I have no answers but from my personal experience I would say don't get into the habit of offering alternatives at meal times. Cook what you think appropriate and if they don't eat it then they don't eat it! I wouldn't offer any puddings and try to limit snacks in between meals.

I sound mean I know but believe me with three kids all with their own likes and dislikes I have to be!!

[snowboarder]

I know it probably seems silly to worry...but you know, first baby, don't know any better etc - and the thought of this flight!! Took him to the doctors and seems no obvious reasons - maybe viral - which can make them slightly milk intolerant - hence the nappies. Sure he will be fine - had a mouthful of croissant and 5 pieces of gnocchi for lunch!

[Ko]

poor you! can't offer any advice but hope you have a lovely holiday! xxx

[The Nappy Lady]

Happy holiday's Snowboarder and mini Snowboarder.....will miss you on the forum...assuming you can resist checking it whilst away......snigger....

Molly

[snowboarder]

Yep we may drop in. Surely you will miss our little traumas?!? What effect do you reckon baby jet lag will have on sleep??!?

[The Nappy Lady]

Hmmm, it could go either way I reckon....but if in doubt, if he sleeps make sure you do too!!!!

Yes, will miss you lots, in between the mulled wine, mince pies and Snowballs (hey it's that time of year don't you know)....hic.....

Molly

xx

[helena handbasket]

Snowboarder, the good thing about having a hideous sleeper is that you are not really affected by travel. The first long haul flight we did was when my son was one, and he fared no better or worse than what we were already used to. You've been training for this for months :) (oddly I think he slept a bit better than at home once there). It's the parents of good sleepers who suffer since they're just not used to being up all night........

We did that first big trip against my better judgement, but it ended up being really fantastic and I have really fond memories. Have a great trip!