10 month old schedule

I am at the end of my rope.
We saw nutritionist yesterday and she told me to change their eating schedule. I was following this one for the last few months and it worked well
730 bottle
830 solids
1200 bottle
100 solids
400 bottles
500 solids
800 bottle
but since now they are taking more solids they don't want bottles. I used to give them 4 bottles and 3 solids. Now she wants me to give them solids first and then few hours later give them bottles.
So ours new schedule supposed to look like that:
730 solids
930 bottle
12solids
230 bottle
500solids
800 bottle

DS is loosing weight and I am so nervious about it that don;t know what else to do.
Anyone is/was in my shoes, please help.
Oh they take maybe 10 oz of formula per day?

 

That's roughly my schedule right now.

Have you tried sippy cups with the solid meals? (Sorry I can't remember from the other thread.)

I really hope your new schedule works.

Oh, one thing you can do to beef up the calories of their veges a little is to add baby cereal and a scope of formula into the solids. I'd definitely try that.

 

I have ALWAYS done bottles first then solids an hour later just like your 1st schedule.
I think you should follow what your gut tells you, if they are losing weight, the new schedule can't be right!
I'm keeping mine on bottles first for one more month at age 16 mo I'll try the new schedule but I'm not ready yet.
I think nutritionists, doctors, teachers are all alike, there are good ones and bad ones, who is to say she really knows the answer?

 

QUOTE(beendbee @ May 20 2009, 09:15 AM) [snapback]1321513[/snapback]
Now she wants me to give them solids first and then few hours later give them bottles.

yup, that's what I always did too.

I hoppe the change helps your LO's.

I will say that at about 10 months, my kids gain weight so much slower because they become so much more active and are burning everything up. Loosing weight is a concern so I hope the change in schedule helps.

 

I'm going through the exact same thing with Nate, and though the ped said not to worry, I am. If he's very distracted (in front of some pictures, outside, toy in hand) we've had better luck bottle feeding, but it's still hit-or-miss.

What I'm doing is adding extra formula/breastmilk to his cereal so he gets at least 2 oz at each solid food feeding. During bottle feedings, I try the bottle first, and if he doesn't take it, I pour it into a bowl with some rice cereal (VERY runny) and let him eat it off of a spoon. This usually works for about 3-4 more oz.

I'm also still nursing in the morning and evening, and he'll take at least a few oz from me before losing interest.

I'm able to get 15-20 oz in him using the rice cereal slurry method (plus BF), even on a bad day when he won't take a sip from the bottle.

I am NOT a nutritionist or expert by any means, so I would try what she says first. But if your DS is more interested in solids than the bottle you may be able to sneak in some extra formula by mixing it with cereal and spoon feeding him. Yes, it's messy. Yes, it takes a long time. But it is getting more formula in Nate.

I'm also working with him to take a sippy cup, but when he won't take a bottle, he's not interested in the cup either.

I wish you the best of luck, and please let us know how it's going!!

 

QUOTE(Nate and Jack @ May 20 2009, 01:52 PM) [snapback]1321581[/snapback]
What I'm doing is adding extra formula/breastmilk to his cereal so he gets at least 2 oz at each solid food feeding. During bottle feedings, I try the bottle first, and if he doesn't take it, I pour it into a bowl with some rice cereal (VERY runny) and let him eat it off of a spoon. This usually works for about 3-4 more oz.


My dd hasnt been taking bottles very well for a LONG time (reflux issues), so as pp mentioned we've been spoon feeding her her formula for months-we thicken it for some extra calories too.
Here is roughly our schedule for dd:
7am bottle: lately she will take 2oz but then I spoon feed her another 2oz
8am:solids-I really try to force 4oz of solids in her
11am bottle: again she will sometimes take 2oz from the bottle but if not I will spoon feed (usually a total of 4oz)
12pm: solids-again try to force 4oz
3pm: bottle
4pm: solids-this time I only give 2oz
6-6:30 bottle: 2-4oz and I also give 2-4oz of solids...however much she will take
Sometimes if she's had a bad day we dream feed her around 10-10:30 before we go to bed- so she usually averages about 12oz of formula a day

dd has struggled with weight gain too...because she is SO active. As pp have mentioned try adding a scoop of formula for extra calories as well as rice cereal. Also try high fat foods like avocado

Maybe I will try your nutritionist schedule and see what it does for us too. Its worth a shot!

 

QUOTE(Nate and Jack @ May 20 2009, 12:52 PM) [snapback]1321581[/snapback]
I'm going through the exact same thing with Nate, and though the ped said not to worry, I am. If he's very distracted (in front of some pictures, outside, toy in hand) we've had better luck bottle feeding, but it's still hit-or-miss.

What I'm doing is adding extra formula/breastmilk to his cereal so he gets at least 2 oz at each solid food feeding. During bottle feedings, I try the bottle first, and if he doesn't take it, I pour it into a bowl with some rice cereal (VERY runny) and let him eat it off of a spoon. This usually works for about 3-4 more oz.

I'm also still nursing in the morning and evening, and he'll take at least a few oz from me before losing interest.

I'm able to get 15-20 oz in him using the rice cereal slurry method (plus BF), even on a bad day when he won't take a sip from the bottle.

I am NOT a nutritionist or expert by any means, so I would try what she says first. But if your DS is more interested in solids than the bottle you may be able to sneak in some extra formula by mixing it with cereal and spoon feeding him. Yes, it's messy. Yes, it takes a long time. But it is getting more formula in Nate.

I'm also working with him to take a sippy cup, but when he won't take a bottle, he's not interested in the cup either.

I wish you the best of luck, and please let us know how it's going!!


Today I tried to follow Dr. orders and after 730 solids, they would not take their 930 bottle. so I put them to sleep for a nap, and Iam planning at 1130 give them bottle.

I am also adding extra powder in DS bottle, for DD She has nothing to do with the bottle, when she feels that formula is coming out of the bottle she quickly pushes it away, so I don;t even botter giving her bottle. I was also suggested to add oil in their veggies to up the calories.

They are not interested in sippy cups either.

Feeding is the most difficult thing in raising babies IMO.

Thanks everyone for support.

 

QUOTE(beendbee @ May 20 2009, 02:16 PM) [snapback]1321621[/snapback]
Feeding is the most difficult thing in raising babies IMO.


ABSOLUTELY agree!!!


Also forgot to mention our pedi is having us do 24 calories formula- 50ml=1 scoop, 100ml=2 scoops, 5oz=3 scoops

 

Can you offer healthier but fattier solids like avocados, whole milk yogurt, cottage cheese, all cheeses in general....etc? Just a thought.

 

QUOTE(beendbee @ May 20 2009, 02:16 PM) [snapback]1321621[/snapback]
I was also suggested to add oil in their veggies to up the calories.


Yes, I melt margarine and add it to veggies and/or cereal for more calories. I also add pan drippings from baked meats to their food.

QUOTE(beendbee @ May 20 2009, 02:16 PM) [snapback]1321621[/snapback]
Feeding is the most difficult thing in raising babies IMO.


OMG yes!!! I keep telling my husband, "who ever heard of a baby not taking a bottle?!". He and I have had more fights about this issue, trying to find a way just to get food in my son. My guys have never been on the growth chart (even adjusted) so this is a major source of stress for me.

You are a great mom, you are doing everything you can to care for your children. It's a challenge, but you're not the only one in the same boat. I keep trying to tell myself that it's only for a few more months; after that we can start worrying about how much cow's milk they get.

Oh, and I second the PPs suggestion of yogurt, avocados, etc. We make a breakfast/dessert of pureed bananas (the boys' favorite food), organic whole milk yogurt, and avocados. They love it and it tastes so good I will lick out their bowl when they've finished it!

Keep up the good work! :good:

 

I totally hate feeding! It's the toughest part of the last 2 yrs of my life! We did the 24 cal formula too by adding more scoops. I'm glad to hear you are doing that. I would try the schedule the nutritionist gave you (as much as the babies allow) for at least a week. When are they getting weighed next?

Thanks for the update on the nutritionist! I hope it gets better soon. And keep offering the bottle to DD, you never know when she'll give in!

 

:hug: When does your ped give the go-ahead for milk? My babies both had terrible reflux and I am convinced that they hated their bottles and formula because of it. It was always a struggle. At our 9 month appointment, she suggested I switched to milk, and at the same time I switched them over to sippies and they started loving milk. I also added Carnation Instant Breakfast to some of their sippies for extra calories. Anyway, just something to think about.

:hug:

 

I wouldn't add margarine; I'd add butter instead. They need the cholesterol from animal fat for brain development. At this stage, animal fat is better than plant fat.

 

QUOTE(sullivanre @ May 20 2009, 03:55 PM) [snapback]1321778[/snapback]
I wouldn't add margarine; I'd add butter instead. They need the cholesterol from animal fat for brain development. At this stage, animal fat is better than plant fat.


For some reason my ped specifically said margarine, not butter. I didn't ask why....

 

QUOTE(Nate and Jack @ May 20 2009, 04:34 PM) [snapback]1321849[/snapback]
For some reason my ped specifically said margarine, not butter. I didn't ask why....

You know it may be a concern about a cow milk allergy?

 

QUOTE(sullivanre @ May 20 2009, 04:40 PM) [snapback]1321860[/snapback]
You know it may be a concern about a cow milk allergy?


Could be! But then why would he give the okay to yogurt....? I would have thought butter would be better too, but since he was so specific I just took his recommendation.

I try to feed them mostly organic baby food, but did you know there is no such thing as organic margarine?! :rofl:

 

QUOTE(Hsuter @ May 20 2009, 01:07 PM) [snapback]1321611[/snapback]
My dd hasnt been taking bottles very well for a LONG time (reflux issues), so as pp mentioned we've been spoon feeding her her formula for months-we thicken it for some extra calories too.
Here is roughly our schedule for dd:
7am bottle: lately she will take 2oz but then I spoon feed her another 2oz
8am:solids-I really try to force 4oz of solids in her
11am bottle: again she will sometimes take 2oz from the bottle but if not I will spoon feed (usually a total of 4oz)
12pm: solids-again try to force 4oz
3pm: bottle
4pm: solids-this time I only give 2oz
6-6:30 bottle: 2-4oz and I also give 2-4oz of solids...however much she will take
Sometimes if she's had a bad day we dream feed her around 10-10:30 before we go to bed- so she usually averages about 12oz of formula a day

dd has struggled with weight gain too...because she is SO active. As pp have mentioned try adding a scoop of formula for extra calories as well as rice cereal. Also try high fat foods like avocado

Maybe I will try your nutritionist schedule and see what it does for us too. Its worth a shot!


Nutritionist when she looked at my schedule, she said that feeding are only 2 hrs apart that is way they are not hungry. I agree with that. But if I give them only few oz of solids and 4 oz formula later I don't think it is too much.

I gave them avocado,yogurt, bananas they seem to be doing OK.

After they did not take their bottle before nap, I go ahead and gave them at 11:30 and DS ate 6 oz! For DD I had to mix with rice and spoon feed her. It looks like I am going back to my schedule.

I did not get OK from pedi about cow's milk yet. But my neighbour told me to add Ovaltine(chocolate powder with vitamins) her pedi suggested that and her son was on "chocolate " formula since 10 month. Maybe I will try that.

 

Why not try feeding on demand rather than sticking to a rigid schedule? That may help. You could also reintroduce the middle of the night feeding.

 

QUOTE(beendbee @ May 20 2009, 05:56 PM) [snapback]1321963[/snapback]
I did not get OK from pedi about cow's milk yet. But my neighbour told me to add Ovaltine(chocolate powder with vitamins) her pedi suggested that and her son was on "chocolate " formula since 10 month. Maybe I will try that.

I would try it.

 

QUOTE(sullivanre @ May 20 2009, 06:59 PM) [snapback]1322089[/snapback]
Why not try feeding on demand rather than sticking to a rigid schedule? That may help. You could also reintroduce the middle of the night feeding.


I thought of that. My problem is I can read when my son is hungry, but DD seems is never hungry. But when I am feeding them, DD is easy to read when she is full, and DS seems to have hard candy in his mouth and just suck it and I am having hard time reading him, he just quietly spits out most (hopefully) of his food.

I regards of night feeding, they both STTN so not sure if they would eat after being awaken.

Thank you. I will do my best.

 

QUOTE(beendbee @ May 21 2009, 12:58 AM) [snapback]1322470[/snapback]
Thank you. I will do my best.


Keep us posted. :hug:

 

I know the concern. My dd no problems with eating, she will eat any and everything you put in front of her. She even tries to steal her brother's cup.

My son went went from the 25th percentile to the 10th in 2 months, because he does not like to drink formula. He will eat solids without any problem, formula not so much. Their ped suggested giving him one cup with instant carnation mixed in it, and he chugs that cup completely dry in a matter of 3 minutes. We give him the french vanilla one.

Our shedule is a little different.
6 - Cereal 6, 6 oz cup immediately following
9 - cup only
11/12 - veggies, 6 oz cup
3 - juice/cup depends
4 - stage three meal and dessert, along with 6 oz cup.
Bed at 5:30.

We give a cup in the high chair immediately following any meal. We took them off of the bottle about 2 months ago. They would not hold the bottle, but would hold a cup...works for me. I just continue to offer the cup to my son, and try not to stress (ok, that's a lie). I'm interested to see their growth next month at their 9 month appointment.

 

QUOTE(beendbee @ May 21 2009, 01:39 PM) [snapback]1323039[/snapback]



We make a 6 oz cup with formula and just add in the instant carnation. I hope it helps!

 

We make a 6 oz cup with formula and just add in the instant carnation. I hope it helps!
[/quote]

One more thing-what cup are you using. My twins don't hold yet cups.

 

We were just having the same issues here! Mine are 9 months old and barely got 10-12 ounces a day...DD hardly ever made it to 10. We offered bottles before solids and the whole nine yards...pedi said to change them to whole milk when we're ready...I think this will be the saving grace. Formula tastes gross and maybe b/c my kids started their solids, they realized that they don't want to put something in their mouth that is gross...works for me! Good luck!!!

 

Today is really bad. I can't stop crying.I am failing big time. Maybe I am overreacting, please let me know.

So far today (it is almost 3 pm here in CA) they ate:
7:45 am
DS had 6 oz of formula in am plus 1 &1/2 scoop of powder
DD 3.5 mixed with 1 scoop of powder and oatmeal, fed with spoon.
9:00
They both split 3 oz of cereal mixed with 1 scoop of formula powder and 4 oz of sweet potato/apricot mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of oil= each had about 3.5 oz
12:15
DS vomited his 4 oz of formula
DD did not take her formula
12:30
I mixed 3 oz of formula with 1 scoop of powder plus cereal plus 2 oz of pear puree= each had about 2 oz
2:30
Offered bottle-both refused(offered DD whole milk-no luck)
Now they are taking nap.
In your opinion- are they eating enough?( I believe it is not)
I am so stressed right now I can't even eat(that is actually good since I need to drop some pounds)
Thank you.

 

We did trial and error as far as cups were concerned. My son likes the Dr. Brown's cups with handles.

My dd likes the hard plastic sippy cups. She started with the nubby and then started putting holes in them, so I tried the hard cups and she had no problem.

They should be getting between 18 - 24 oz a day of formula, as what their ped said.

 

I think your doing a good job...your open to just about anything. It's not like these things just click; sometimes you gotta do trial and error.

It's looks like things start off well, and then deteriorate in the afternoon.

I'm curious what is their bed time and typical wake time? Do they always eat poorly in the evenings?

I think if I was in your shoes at this point. I'd space out the afternoon meals more. I know this may not be popular, but I'd also reintroduce a dream feed if the weight loss continues.

Here's a thought I've been having about your situation. I think, perhaps they aren't enjoying meal time because they are not that hungry, and this is because the schedule just doesn't fit their desired eating pattern. After being fed during times when they aren't hungry for however long this has been, they have developed a behavioral aversion to eating--kinda like the reflux baby who won't eat because it hurts. Except in this case it is not because they have reflux but because they feel like the food is being given to them when they aren't hungry. Meal time just isn't enjoyable.

So if I were you I would feed on demand for a day or two. I know you said earlier that you worried that you wouldn't recognize hunger cues, but at this age they know what a bottle is. So here's my idea. The morning seems like it's going fine, so I'd keep the first two feedings roughly the same. Around 12ish or a little later. I'd get out the bottles and put them in a place where they are visible to the babies. If they don't show interest, try offering them every 15 minutes, until nap time. If the go to sleep without taking it. I'd offer again as soon as they get up.

That would bring you to the evening, but I'm also curious about the sleeping schedule. What's going on there?

 

QUOTE(sullivanre @ May 21 2009, 07:53 PM) [snapback]1323660[/snapback]
I think your doing a good job...your open to just about anything. It's not like these things just click; sometimes you gotta do trial and error.

It's looks like things start off well, and then deteriorate in the afternoon.

I'm curious what is their bed time and typical wake time? Do they always eat poorly in the evenings?

I think if I was in your shoes at this point. I'd space out the afternoon meals more. I know this may not be popular, but I'd also reintroduce a dream feed if the weight loss continues.

Here's a thought I've been having about your situation. I think, perhaps they aren't enjoying meal time because they are not that hungry, and this is because the schedule just doesn't fit their desired eating pattern. After being fed during times when they aren't hungry for however long this has been, they have developed a behavioral aversion to eating--kinda like the reflux baby who won't eat because it hurts. Except in this case it is not because they have reflux but because they feel like the food is being given to them when they aren't hungry. Meal time just isn't enjoyable.

So if I were you I would feed on demand for a day or two. I know you said earlier that you worried that you wouldn't recognize hunger cues, but at this age they know what a bottle is. So here's my idea. The morning seems like it's going fine, so I'd keep the first two feedings roughly the same. Around 12ish or a little later. I'd get out the bottles and put them in a place where they are visible to the babies. If they don't show interest, try offering them every 15 minutes, until nap time. If the go to sleep without taking it. I'd offer again as soon as they get up.

That would bring you to the evening, but I'm also curious about the sleeping schedule. What's going on there?



You have been so kind with your advices, Thank you very much.

To continue with our day, they had 2nd nap from 2:50-430. Remember last time they ate was 12:30-both about 4 oz formula/pears.
At 4:30 DS ate 3oz formula, then I spoon fed him another oz mixed with cereal. DD was spoon fed 3oz formula with barley.THAT IS IT.
By the time they finished it was almost 5 pm. If I want to give them solids I had to give them at 6 pm. So I decided not to give them anything, hoping they will be hungry for their 8 pm bottle. At 8 pm I decided to give them yogurt with scoop or formula powder and some barley. They both ate 3 oz each.
I already spacing out their meals 3-4 hrs apart, what else I can do?

I am so sad, I don't know how to feed my babies. My DH gave me this long lecture that there is nothing wrong with babies not eating, as long as they are active and happy it means they are not hungry. He is right, but to me seems like my twins are never hungry.

Oh well, tomorrow is a new day, I have to think of meal ideas.

In regards of sleeping, they STTN from 8:30-7. Take 2 naps 9:30-11or 11:30, 2:30-4or 4:30

 

QUOTE(beendbee @ May 22 2009, 12:23 AM) [snapback]1323949[/snapback]
You have been so kind with your advices, Thank you very much.

To continue with our day, they had 2nd nap from 2:50-430. Remember last time they ate was 12:30-both about 4 oz formula/pears.
At 4:30 DS ate 3oz formula, then I spoon fed him another oz mixed with cereal. DD was spoon fed 3oz formula with barley.THAT IS IT.
By the time they finished it was almost 5 pm. If I want to give them solids I had to give them at 6 pm. So I decided not to give them anything, hoping they will be hungry for their 8 pm bottle. At 8 pm I decided to give them yogurt with scoop or formula powder and some barley. They both ate 3 oz each.
I already spacing out their meals 3-4 hrs apart, what else I can do?

I am so sad, I don't know how to feed my babies. My DH gave me this long lecture that there is nothing wrong with babies not eating, as long as they are active and happy it means they are not hungry. He is right, but to me seems like my twins are never hungry.

Oh well, tomorrow is a new day, I have to think of meal ideas.

In regards of sleeping, they STTN from 8:30-7. Take 2 naps 9:30-11or 11:30, 2:30-4or 4:30


Today was much better day for DS. He had 19 oz of formula plus solids. Now DD is totally different story- she eats solids but when I try to give her bottle with formula she starts to cry. So I have to spoon feed her. She only takes about 8 oz total a day, eats solids OK.I tried mixing her formula with whole milk, white grape juice-nothing helps. Tomorrow I will give her formula mixed with carnation instant breakfast vanilla flavor.
We shall see. And if that does not help I will give her good start formula she was taking after birth, maybe her senses will kick in and she will eat that. If that won't work I am giving her whole milk.
Just don't know what other options I have.
Thank you for listening.

 

:hug: You are such a great mom for trying so many different options! I know this has been a huge struggle for you. Have you tried the Nuby sippy cups? They have a transition cup that is almost like a bottle, but the difference may be enough to interest DD. These might work, but my boys really liked the spout ones.

 

I would try straw cups as well. Maybe a totally different method of drinking will get her interested. To teach them how, get a regular straw, stick it in the milk, put your finger over the top, and let baby suck it out of the bottom of the straw at first, so they know something comes out.

I'm sorry you are so stressed. I know how that is, as I had two refluxers that were refusing to eat. It really was a miserable time for all of us. I can't remember if you mentioned it in this thread, but are they reflux babies? Are they still on meds if they are?

Let us know how it goes this morning. :hug:

QUOTE
We were just having the same issues here! Mine are 9 months old and barely got 10-12 ounces a day...DD hardly ever made it to 10. We offered bottles before solids and the whole nine yards...pedi said to change them to whole milk when we're ready...I think this will be the saving grace. Formula tastes gross and maybe b/c my kids started their solids, they realized that they don't want to put something in their mouth that is gross...works for me! Good luck!!!


Rebecca, that was the case with us. They just hated formula I guess. As soon as I started milk their intake increased dramatically.

 

QUOTE(mommymeg @ May 23 2009, 04:47 AM) [snapback]1325302[/snapback]
:hug: You are such a great mom for trying so many different options! I know this has been a huge struggle for you. Have you tried the Nuby sippy cups? They have a transition cup that is almost like a bottle, but the difference may be enough to interest DD. These might work, but my boys really liked the spout ones.


I tried spout sippy cups-no luck there. The interesting part is that she drinks water from the regular cup or same bottle I give formula in, so I know for sure-she HATES formula. But on the other hand she eats runny formula with some cereal in the morning pretty well-4 oz today.
At noon I will try giving her different brand formula.

I will buy those cups I will try, see what happens.

I believe my twins do not have reflux(DS vomits food out some times, but I think it could be too much form him or texture)-something less for me to worry.

 

QUOTE(beendbee @ May 23 2009, 12:02 PM) [snapback]1325657[/snapback]
I tried spout sippy cups-no luck there. The interesting part is that she drinks water from the regular cup or same bottle I give formula in, so I know for sure-she HATES formula. But on the other hand she eats runny formula with some cereal in the morning pretty well-4 oz today.
At noon I will try giving her different brand formula.

I will buy those cups I will try, see what happens.

I believe my twins do not have reflux(DS vomits food out some times, but I think it could be too much form him or texture)-something less for me to worry.


Update; for those of you who helped me with great ideas.

DS is doing much better. He drink about 15-19 oz of formula mixed with extra powder for calories. Eats solids good.
DD is totally different story-I mixed formula with grape juice, carnation vanilla instant breakfast, both different formula -no luck drinking from the bottle or sippy cup. So I will be pushing her on regural milk, but in my opinion she is scared of anything white in the bottle, so will see how much luck I will have with that. She enjoys solids so I guess I will give more of those, yogurt.
I started giving them liquid vitamins.