My son just refuses to eat his rice cereal, even when we put it in his bottle.. I think he really needs it now, because he's getting up more often to eat now than he use to. The Dr told us to give him 2tbls a day with 4 oz of formula as well, but when we give it to him with a spoon, he lets it sit in his mouth and looks at us like we're giving him poison.. (He's so cute when he makes those faces) But any suggestions on getting him to actually EAT the cereal.. We've been going about this for over a week now, with no improvements. Any advice would be greatly appreciated..
2006-11-07 13:01:17 · 18 answers · asked by Heather 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Well just because he is a baby mean he does not automatically have to like everything that is shoved in his mouth. Babies do have likes and dislikes just like you and me. Find out what can be given instead of rice cereal. There has to be other choices. Don't force him to eat something he does not like.
2006-11-07 13:06:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It might take a bit for him to take to it, after all of that sweet formula he doesn't know what to do with solids. Introducing solids is not for nutrition anyway, it's for getting the baby used to solids. So don't worry about him needing to eat more, he will survive on the bottle for a long time don't worry. After he masters the less watery rice (I don't think you are supposed to put it in the bottle by the way), you can try the oatmeal and then the barley. My baby refused the barley so finally I threw the box out. He loves the oatmeal now and inhales a huge bowl in the mornings. I also have been adding some of the jarred fruit to help him eat fruit--for the longest he would only eat vegetables, no fruit! Finally now (he's 8 months this week) he will eat maybe a half a jar of fruit if I trick him into it and I've already moved into the #3 foods!! It is crazy. But hey I'm not complaining because he loves the veggies and now the meats and combos!
Don't worry about anything, the baby will figure it out (and you too)! :)
2006-11-07 13:20:34 · answer #2 · answered by bklyngirly 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try mixing some fruits or veggies. I had to do this with both my girls. My son is the only that will eat it plain. I even had to use Hawaiian Delight to get my first daughter to eat it. Whatever you do don't use Karo Syrup or Honey. You should never give either of those to a child under 12 months because it could cause infant botulism. I include a site about it just go to the bottom where it says OTHER FEEDINGS and it tells you about honey and the syrup.
2006-11-07 14:15:05 · answer #3 · answered by shannonmangan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may not be ready for the cereal just yet, just wait a week and try again. If you think it's just because of the taste, you can try adding a little bit of apple sauce in it, or Nestle has a Rice and Banana cereal. Is it too thick ? He might not like the texture, should be pretty runny at first. Just don't force it on him, and be patient.
2006-11-07 13:48:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't use sugar or syrup. Even fruit when they are just learning sets them up for a major sweet tooth later on. I just went through this with my little girl...try some oat cereal. That worked for me and now she eats oat and rice. Also..it does depend how old baby is...it does take some time. It can take up to 10 times for a baby to get used to a new taste/texture.
2006-11-07 14:21:03 · answer #5 · answered by Candice 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is clearly showing you he is not ready for it. Stop offering it for a little while and try again later. How old is he? If he is over 6 months, ditch the cereal anyway and give him some green veggies instead. Commercially available baby cereals taste about like cardboard. You can make your own, it is much healthier and tastes a whole lot better.
2006-11-07 13:08:05 · answer #6 · answered by Just Me 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you may want to try a different brand... I had to do this with my daughter, we used the Parents Choice I believe, and it was clumpy (i wouldn't have eaten it either) she didn't like it, but when I fed her Gerber rice cereal... oh, boy! she devoured it!
I have also noticed that if you warm up the formula that you use to mix with the cereal, they like it better. DO NOT add sugar, formula is sweet enough!
Perhaps... your son is a little too young for solids, but if your pediatrician said it's ok to give him cereal, just be patient and keep trying.
Also, try oatmeal cereal (my daughter's favorite)
Good luck!
2006-11-07 13:40:51 · answer #7 · answered by lost in space 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not give him sugar or syrup on his cereal. You don't even need to put fruit. He needs to learn how to eat it. Just be patient. Try giving him a little bottle or nursing, but not a whole feeding. Then try. Dont start giving him sweets. He doesn't know what it tastes like, he has nothing to compare it to. Talk to your doctor, or go to babycenter.com you should be able to find lots of info there. Good luck. Don't worry too much. I have 4 children, and they all eat just fine now! :)
2006-11-07 13:24:29 · answer #8 · answered by questionasker 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ok, so here's a thought... my Dr. told us to try to mix it with a little apple juice. Get some orgaqnic brand,a nd give it a shot. Also, if you are mixing it really thick, try it thin. If you're mixing it thin, try thick... some babies are ultra-sensitive to texture. I think the apple juice thing should work, it wouldn't be enough juice to worry about too much sugar. I know the getting up more is hard - - I'm in the same boat, sistah! :) Good luck!
2006-11-07 14:30:18 · answer #9 · answered by anniemom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try mixing it with some bananas, but first check with the doctor to make sure it is ok. If that doesnt work I would try to mix a tablespoon with every ounce of formula in his bottle. It sounds like a lot, but that is what my daughters doctor suggested us do at 3 months, and it really helped.
2006-11-11 10:24:54 · answer #10 · answered by auntietawnie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋