I'm trying to get my 21 month old son to eat a variety of foods, but all he wants is pretzels. He is dependant on IV feedings due to the loss of his small intestine. He really doesn't need to eat at all for nutrition, but it's better for him if he does because it keeps his stomach and remaining intestine healthy. He's not hungry because of the IV feedings, so anything he eats would need to be quite tasty. Any ideas?
2006-08-08 11:40:20 · 4 answers · asked by Answers to Nurse 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
There's always at least one smart *** answer. Yes, dear sweet Colleen. I have spoken to several physicians all of whom suggest talking to other parents of kids with the same problem, if there ideas didn't work. THEY DIDN'T WORK! Thanks for your heartfelt response. The world doesn't need people like you.
2006-08-09 22:25:35 · update #1
Toddlers with oral aversions tend to start very slowly on solids.... sometimes it is a certain texture. I imagine he likes pretzels because they are crunchy, yet they quickly go soft in his mouth, as well as having a strong, salty taste. Try some other versions of crackers like Cheesits or soda crackers that have the same saltiness, but a little different flavor. Sometimes children with oral aversions tend to get stuck on one type of food- crunchy, mushy, salty, sweet, etc. Especially since he gets all of his actual nourishment from the g-tube or IV. I would also talk to his doctor about possibly reducing or eliminating a feeding in order to provoke hunger. We had one student do this at the special needs preschool where I work, and it really helped improve his oral feedings. His mom cut back on the amount of feeding he received during the night, and it made him hungry in the morning. Now, he has almost completely eliminated the need for the g-tube because he is self-feeding. (Sometimes we all need a little motivation, and what is his, if he is not hungry?) For other suggestions, talk to an occupational therapist in your area. Hope this helps!
2006-08-09 09:04:58 · answer #1 · answered by dolphin mama 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While I can't help you directly, I belong to a support group for children with special needs; and there are many people there that have children with oral aversion. Some of those children have g-tubes. I thought I'd pass along the address if you wanted more information. It's www.specialparent.org
GOOD LUCK! I'm sorry I really didn't help you much with your actual question.
2006-08-08 22:54:14 · answer #2 · answered by Marie K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 2 year old hates to eat. He just doesn't like to have the food in his mouth. But you are right about him just not being hungry. I am sure that it is all that it is. . . try giving him something close to pretzels something salty or close to the same texture. If nothing else works, keep giving him pretzels :)
2006-08-08 18:53:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has it ever occured to you to discuss this with your pediatrician?
2006-08-10 04:42:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋