Parents!!! My baby is eating-nonstop! Whats going on?

Question

I have a nine month old daughter. Since about 1 week ago she had maybe 20 oz of formula a day, and ate cereal twice a day (about 2 tsp at a time) Suddenly she is drinking 30-40 oz per day, as well she has 3 meals. Cereal in the morning (3 tsp) Veggies or strained meat at lunch (4 tsp) followed by apple and raspbeery sauce (2 tsp) then just before bed she has another 2 tsp of cereal, with yogurt. I'm scared she'll become overweight. I understand it may be a growth spurt, and needed energy, as she has been crawling and standing more. Did this happen to your baby at this age? How long did it last? It seems she's hungry all the time.

note: I always check for everything else first (diaper, nap, play time, alone time, teething)

I'M NOT PLANNING ON PUTTING HER ON A DIET! THAT IS UNHEARD OF!

She is 20 lbs right now and 28 inches

Answer 1

I wouldnt worry about it - I think its right to chalk it up to a growth spurt/extra activity level thus extra hunger level. It's probably a huge shock for you as she really wasnt a big eater before... but she sounds like while she has an appetite it's within a 'normal range'. Good for you for trying everything else first, too many parents start with food when they shouldnt! My 12mth old girl seems to vary by meal, by day, by wk, etc. Like today, she flatly refused to eat but a few bites of her soup that she DEVOURED last night. Offered peas and bananas, her favorites, and still she was lukewarm to it. I'm not going to worry, I'm not going to force, I'll offer and if she refuses then I let her go to bed without eating much! I also let her eat a second helping of veggies if she seems like she really wants it on those days she is a little piggy.

So how much does she weigh now? My girl was around 19lbs at 9mths. It doesnt seem like she should be very big if she was only eating 20oz of formula before this past wk. If this continues and you see her weight taking a sharp increase, then maybe you could consider your options, but for now let her enjoy her increased appetite!

Answer 2

Your story makes no sense. When a baby's head is flat due to neglect, it's flat in _one_ place because that's where the pressure is all the time. How could it possibly be flat at the back _and_ on the sides and top? And a six month old _should_ be on formula rather than baby food. What child can roll over but not lift their head? Why would you think not liking baths was unusual? And wow, he cried when his mum wasn't there. How unusual. If you know a baby who you think is at risk then tell someone. But this is a fantasy.

Answer 3

It's just a stage. The only way your child will be overweight is if you don't teach her good eating habits - when she can comprehend them. Right now if her body says its hungry then it is. A nine month old should never be put on a diet or made to cut back unless its so excessive a doctor should be involved.

Also, the food you are feeding her doesn't sound bad or fatty. As long as she's eating lots of stuff that is good for her she'll be fine! Tip: Since she already loves to eat a lot, remember that as she gets older and don't fill your cabinets and fridge with chips, cookies, etc. Fill them with healthy snacks, pretzels, vegetables and fruit. She'll learn to make better choices from there.

Good luck!

Answer 4

She is getting ready for a growth spurt. Don't worry, wait until she is a teen and eating all the good groceries you bought for the week in just two days! Babies generally will put on weight right before a big growth period and then they kinda stretch out and get thin again. I have pictures taken just a few weeks apart that will attest to it. Kinda weird to see, but that is how the body works.

Answer 5

It's a growth spurt. My son at that age would drink about 20-24oz of formula, in addition to eating four jars of Stage 3 food a day, and he's a lean 25lbs. If your baby starts looking like a sumo wrestler, I'd talk to your pediatrician, though.

Answer 6

Children go through growth spurts all the time. One week they may eat everything in sight and the next week they may hardly eat anything. They know when they are hungry and when they are not. Babies are not like adults, they don't eat when they're not hungry. As long as you are feeding your child healthy food there is no reason to believe she will be overweight.

Answer 7

This is normal, as your child grows and becomes more active they will need to eat more foods. I've always been told as long as your child is hungry keep feeding them. They'll let you know when they are full. As long as you are feeding them good foods, they shouldn't become over weight. Dr's will let you know if they feel the child is putting on weight that is more than normal.

When my son started doing the same thing, I worried too, but also kept in mind that he'd let me know when he was full. He's 13 months now, eats larger portions and is still the tall skinny baby he's always been.

Answer 8

that is normal for a 9 month old. Try giving her larger portions. Like if you give her 1 jar of baby food and then 1/2 of another.
you are doing fine, and yes, when they start moving around they use up that energy. If you are still concerned call her doc. and dont worry about her becoming overweight!

Answer 9

its totally normal, she is going through a growth spurt. my daughters growth spurts lasted about a week and a half to 2 weeks and then her appetite leveled off. just feed her on demand as you are doing already, babies can manage the amount of calories that they need pretty well.

Answer 10

shes 9 months old a couple tsp are not enough she should be eating like a lil' bowls worth or like the big jars of baby food shes eating alot because shes hungry don't worry if she gets a lil' chubby they get rid of it when they start running around