My baby refuses to take formula but keeps sucking her fingers. What should I do? I am afraid she will lose weight. Any suggestions will help.
2006-11-27 05:51:43 · 8 answers · asked by Moody 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Sounds to me like your baby may be teething. Which would explain why she is chewing on her fingers.
You could try giving her tylenol to help with the pain....she may be more apt to eat then!
2006-11-27 05:59:51 · answer #1 · answered by Wild seed 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You mean all of a sudden she stopped drinking?
Maybe it is teething? Try offering a frozen washcloth before feedings (start with frozen formula as you do not want too much water without enough formula)
Maybe the batch of formula you have has gone off or been contaminated? It has happened. Maybe write down the batch number and go to the store and buy a different batch of the same brand just to be safe.
Also, if there is a breastfeeding clinic near you, I know this sounds weird BUT go there. Take your baby, your bottles and the formula and they can check for thrush and lots of other problems. Most lactation consultants also know a lot about bottles because many women must pump part time.
2006-11-27 06:31:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
babies of that age should be getting around 30 oz of formula a day. she will not starve herself. if she is not taking the bottle all of a sudden but previously had been taking the same formula-bottle-nipple then maybe she has a cold. sometimes when the nasal passages are stuffy babies cannot suck and breathe the same time. if she is stuffy, try a nasal aspirator (bulb syringe) and suction out her nose as often as necessary to keep the passages clear. if she is teething she may not like to take the bottle. check with your health care provider to see if she can take a mild pain reliever (tylenol or motrin). compressing sore gums with your fingers may give her relief. babies should have at least 6-8 wet diapers in 24 hours. if she is having less than this then she needs to be seen right away by your health care provider (or e.r.) for dehydration.
remember, babies cannot taste the difference between formulas and allergies do not cause babies to refuse to drink. allergies or intolerance would cause abdominal bloating, diarrhea, gas, irritability, rashes and an ill looking child.
2006-11-27 07:09:57 · answer #3 · answered by octchild23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends if this is new to the baby (breastfed normally) if it is keep trying formula is very different tasting then breast milk. If the baby has been eating formula for four months and suddenly won't take it and you know they should be hungry,and they are sucking their hand they could be teething (both my children started teething at two months) try a cold face cloth, hold a teething ring in their mouth etc. A baby is highly unlikely to starve themselves, if you continue to be concerned there is no harm consulting your Dr. If you are in Canada you can call Telecare at 1-800-244-8353 it is a fantastic program where nurses are on call 24/7 to answer any health questions. Try not to stress too much. Good luck!
2006-11-27 06:13:39 · answer #4 · answered by crickle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are trying to wean the baby from breast milk it will be hard in the beginning.....if you can get help...have a family member or friend (anyone but you) try to feed the baby....try to use different kinds of formula (you might try soy - based formula just incase the baby's stomach is sensitive to the regular formulas)....the baby will not starve itself to death....it took 20 hours before my nephew's stomach took over his hunger strike and he finally gived in to drinking from a bottle.....it took my niece an easier 12 hours...I know it's hard but don't give in....I did and it took my daughter 1 month to wean.......
2006-11-27 06:01:49 · answer #5 · answered by mahree 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a different kind of nipple, first of all. Something that is closer to the breast. Secondly, she may be allergic to that particular type of formula. And lastly, if you are transitioning to bottle, she will eventually eat. It feels different to her and she doesn't like it. But, she will get hungry and start to work with you soon enough. Sorry for all the frustration. Baby life does get easier with time!!!
2006-11-27 05:58:08 · answer #6 · answered by Mrs J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how long has she went without eating? if its time for her to eat and she refuses get her to the doctor NOW, U have no time to waste.
2006-11-27 05:54:18 · answer #7 · answered by ♥ gina ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the baby want the breast give the baby the breast
2006-11-27 05:55:23 · answer #8 · answered by T-MAC 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋