My 11 month old baby can't eat?

Question

My 11 month old baby can't manage to eat solid foods, I've been trying everything from cereals to fruits to vegetables from baby jars to making it myself and he can't even manage a mouthful of 4 month baby food before retching and throwing it up again. I've noticed that it's when it touches the roof of his mouth that he starts retching. He seems to like the taste but just can't keep it down. I've been to several doctors about it and have received answers such as "as long as he's gaining weight I wouldn't worry" and another told me that it wasn't normal but to just "persevere". I'm out of ideas on how to get him to eat. He'll be one in three weeks and I just don't think this is normal, does anyone have any ideas or has been in a similar situation?

Answer 1

I don't think that is normal either.  Have you tried extremely small amounts on the spoon?  Have you tried small plastic spoons instead of big spoons or metal spoons?  Sounds like he has a hyper gag reflex.  Not normal.  Have you been to see someone at a GI clinic at a major children's hospital somewhere?  I would recommend that.   Are you still nursing?  Or does he just live on bottles of formula?  Are you giving him vitamins to supplement his lack of solid foods.  Have you tried watering down the food so that it is practically liquid?  Can he drink from a straw.  I have lots of questions don't I?  Send me some more information so that I can give you a better answer.  

Edit.  I called a friend who happens to be a pediatrician.  Yes it's her day off. And sorry my answer is so long but this really got me going!

She said that maybe perhaps if he sucks on his hands at all that you could put a very small amount and she stressed small amount of something really really delicious like cheese whiz or chocolate pudding on one of his fingers and stick it in his mouth he might start out taking food that way.  She also said there may actually be some sort of problem in his esophagus and that you may need to get that checked out to make sure there was no esophageal stenosis or other problems and then if all else checks out it maybe a problem that is neurological especially if he was a preemie baby.  Then she added that some kids just hate the feel of anything they are not used to in their mouths.  It may be perfectly normal for him.

If you have already had his throat checked out  and GI system then my only advice is that I have a child myself who has a really hyper gag reflex. The doctor decided with him it was just that he didn't like anything that was the least bit different.  He gagged with everything too.  He would go ahead and eat it but he gagged the whole time.  I would just put it down in front of him and I made sure it was cut into super small pieces so that he couldn't hurt himself and he never actually threw up from it.  He eventually got over his tendency and even though he still gags at teeth brushing time he is a perfectly normal kid now.  

Hope my answer helped you a little bit.  What ever you do don't let the doctor show you the door again.  Let them know that you are really concerned about this and that this goes beyond what should be going on. Don't let them brush you off. There are good pediatricians out there!

Answer 2

When did you start trying? If you introduce solids later then the baby is more likely to reject it than if it's introduced earlier (within the recommendations of course). Does he seem to have any other sensory issues (e.g. is he bothered by loud noises, bright lights or soft touching (like the shower) it may be that his sensory system is overactive.

Answer 3

have you tried baby custard and baby cereals. your baby should get used to em. then try food like bananas and other fruits.

my baby sister also was like that she's now 14 months. my mum gave her custards she loved it then my mum tried custard. later shes loved bananas. now she eats whatever you give her. Are you sure your baby is well? cause mostly they refuse food when they are not feeling well.

Answer 4

definatly go to a doctor :D

they will know what to dooo!!

x*x

Answer 5

See a new doctor and make him  listen you are right to worry

Answer 6

go to other Dr ,you are right to worry about your baby's health