Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

I posted this weekend but realized that there might not be a lot of people around. So I am hoping that I can get some help today - I desperately need it. I've been crying over this one.

DS had a double ear infection at the beginning of this week. We started him on amoxicillan which he absolutely hates. So unfortunately it's a battle. At the same time the pediatrician has us giving him vitamins...another battle.

Now Lucas refuses to eat his vegetables and won't even give the fruits a try. He keeps his lips locked tight and refuses to eat. The few times I get something in he makes a disgusted face and pushes it out.

I don't understand...he used to get all excited when it was time to eat. Now I feel like he either doesn't trust me (because of the medicine) or something else is wrong.

Has anyone dealt with anything like this? Any advice? Will he eat again?

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

I am not a BTDT, but am wondering if it's just b/c he's not feeling well that he doesn't want to eat? I know that when I am not feeling well, I don't want to eat, maybe it's a similar thing going on with him. And maybe it hurts his ears for him to 'chew'?

Is there any way to put either of the medicines in his bottles? The vitamin we give DD says it can be added to a bottle (it's just Tri-Vi-Sol or whatever it's called).

Good luck, I hope he feels better

Message edited 12/17/2007 9:27:03 AM.

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

I think I might hold off on the vitamin for a little while...and just give the amoxicillan...maybe that will help.

I am just nervous that he doesn't trust me and that's why he won't eat. I'm also afraid that even after this passes he might not eat...I just want my good eater back

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

I'm sure it's just because he's not feeling well Ang. If he really wanted it and was hungry. he would eat it. He still trusts you to do everything else for him right? He still trusts you, don't worry. He's just having a rough time. It probably hurts him to chew if his ears are still bad and the Amox. is probably making his belly not the greatest. Hope he feels better!

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

It is probably just because he is not feeling well. Is he drinking?

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

Hi Ang! I agree that it's probably mostly because he isn't feeling himself. I'm sure it will pass. He still trusts you, so don't worry!! I'd wait on the vitamins until the Amox is done. If they are the vitamins with flouride in them, don't give them in or with a bottle or cereal with formula in it because calcium prevents the absorbtion of the flouride.

If it makes you feel any better, Thomas isn't feeling well either and is refusing his solids as well.

I hope Lucas feels better soon!

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

I posted about the same thing last week!

My son was sick...fever, cold etc..felt MISERABLE. He refused solids for almost 3, yes THREE weeks. I was getting very frustrated and was trying to force him to eat his normal food.

Well he just started eating again a few days ago...as soon as he started feeling better and was less congested he slowly started eating his food.

The best you can do is keep giving him liquids and try here and there with the fruit/veggies etc...I don't think its a matter of him not trusting you, i think he honestly doesn't feel great still and will eat when he does.

Don't worry!! It'll be over soon and he'll be an eating machine again!

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

It is normal for kids to refuse food when they are sick....I bet as soon as he starts feeling better, you will see his appetite increase

He still trusts you,,,,dont worry

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

It's probably because he isn't feeling well, just like the other posters have said. I would keep offering him food but if he doesn't eat it ...oh well. He will eventually eat. As long as he is drinking well, I don't think you should be concerned at all.

A tip for the vitamins and meds, put the dropper all the way in the back on one side by his cheek. This way you can squeeze it out and he won't taste it as much since it isn't on his tongue. I don't know if you tried that but it works for us.

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

I was just talking to my mom about this issue... when I was a baby, I used to get chronic ear infections and I'd clamp my mouth shut when offered food. I am completely confident that your son's ears hurt when he chews... he will start eating again soon! (Trust me... I started eating just fine once I got over the infections... and I still eat plenty! )

I know how it is to think "oh, he'll never eat again." The phase will pass!

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

I have no advice being that Jack would eat dirt if I put it on a spoon

BUT - I have a feeling that he's just not feeling himself and just isn't that hungry. You know how you get when you are sick - they are probably the same way!

I KNOW he still trusts you though so don't even worry about that!

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

Thank you so much...everyone!

I was crying over this and when I asked family for advice they all told me that they NEVER had this problem with their kids Made me feel even worse..and alone.

But now I feel like it might be okay. He has been drinking his bottles (although less oz now) and his diapers are normal. I guess I have to give it time.

And Christine...thanks for mentioning that about the vitamins...I was contemplating putting them in the bottle Now I won't - I'll just hold off on them all together for a while.

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

I think it is just because he isn't feeling well. At the same time I would stop the viatamins. They taste horrible. I still have to fight with DS at 20 months to take his and honestly I can count on my hands how many times I have given them to him. I would just keep trying with the food. Trust me I know how frustrating it is when it comes to their food habits but I really think it is just from him being sick.

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

I 100% wouldnt worry so much about it. Its probably b/c he doesnt feel good. When you chew ( which they try to do on solids) it hurts your ears cause your jaw is connected to your ears, so its likely that.

Give it time and DO NOT worry.......

He will return to normal!

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

My son was diagnosed with a double ear infection on Friday, and has basically refused to eat anything since. He is drinking his bottles, but when it comes time to eat, he won't even try one piece of any type of food. I have just cried all weekend about this because last time he had an ear infection, he was still eating. I am going back to the doctor today to see if something else is wrong, or if he tells me it is normal not to have an appetite. If I find anything useful out I will let you know!

Also, giving my son the antibiotics is always a big stressful experience and he always spits out at least some of it. So, you are not alone in this fight! I have been putting his vitamins in his morning bottle for months now and he does not seem to notice and drinks it all.

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

I have no advice really. When Vincent was sick his intake dramatically decreased. He's on formula only still though. It's a lot of work to eat when they don't feel good. hang in, as long as his diapers are wet and he's hydrated he'll be OK.

Message edited 12/17/2007 10:59:05 AM.

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

Maybe he still isnt feeling well and just doesnt want to eat. DS gets like that when he is sick. sometimes being sick affects their taste buds or he can have nasal drip and his throat could be bothering him or he may get a little upset stomach from either the vitaims or amoxicilling.

I would hold off on the vitamins for now...they could very possible be upsetting his stomach. Just give him the medicine and see how he does with that (try the pacifier I mentioned to you at the GTG where you can put the medicine inside). After the amoxiciling is done, I would try the vitamins again. I really think the poor guy is just not feeling well so it is throwing him off.

Message edited 12/17/2007 11:24:31 AM.

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

is he still drinking his formula?

don't stress the solid food part ( I know it's easier said then done...if you search my name on this topic you will see I stressed a lot about it!)

It really is just practice at this age. Especially if he isn't feeling well...my dh starves himself when he is sick.

As long as he is hydrated and drinking his formula he is fine. Try again in a week..don't stress yourself.

The antibiotics could also be making his nauseous and therefore he does not want to eat.

Re: Repost: DS is refusing his food (long)

Posted by aja

is he still drinking his formula?

don't stress the solid food part ( I know it's easier said then done...if you search my name on this topic you will see I stressed a lot about it!)

It really is just practice at this age. Especially if he isn't feeling well...my dh starves himself when he is sick.

As long as he is hydrated and drinking his formula he is fine. Try again in a week..don't stress yourself.

The antibiotics could also be making his nauseous and therefore he does not want to eat.