Baby not drinking much fluids?

Donna-Marie - posted on 07/30/2010

I wouldnt worry, my daughter is the same, she was never a big drinker anyway from the start would drink 28 ounces on a good day but since she started on solids (2 months ago @ 5 months) shes down to 12 ounces a day. I was concerned at the start and spoke to my doctor but she said its nothing at all to worry about, babies know when they have had enough, I know its hard not to worry, I am bringing my daughter up vegetarian so its extra important I give her plenty of iron, to which I was relying on the follow on formula as part of that iron count, but once your baby is getting a varied and balanced diet from the food u are feeding him than there is no harm, some babies wean earlier than others, that is the process after all off bottles and onto food. You are doing the right thing adding milk to the cereals, and she will be getting iron from the food you are feeding her so once she has plenty of wet nappies I wouldnt worry. Easier said than done I know, just relax and go with the flow, if baby starts to lose weight or no wet nappies than I would look into more. I know everywhere u look or read it says they should be drinking x amount at this stage but these are general guidelines every baby is different, my baby "should have" been drinking 32 ounces a day until she was 6 months but only drank 20 ounces on average really and she thrived so I wouldnt get too caught up in it. Hope this helps !!!!

Jasmine - posted on 07/29/2010

My son has been acting the same way, it wasnt really bothering me much at 1st because he was still drinking a bit 15-18oz and eating 2-3 times, but we went to the doctor and his weight is below what it should be so it is a big concern now. The doctor said at this age he still needs atleast 24oz a day. I dont understand, its like a fight to get him to drink a bottle now! :( Im going to try the sippy cup tomorrow. Maybe it is just teething, I hope. Try rubbing the tummy if hes backed up.

Darlene - posted on 07/29/2010

So did the doctor ease your mind?

June - posted on 07/25/2010

Thank you for you advise. He does eat 1 jar of veggies and 1 jar of fruit a day plus I make his cereal with his formula. So maybe I won't worry as much....Just after I posted this he drained a 4 onz bottle...so now he s up to 8-9 onz today. I will try and give him a bottle in the middle of the night and see if I can get him to drink another 4. He doesn't seem to be bothered that he is not drinking.....I guess I am just worry wart...lol Let see what the doc says tomorrow

Darlene - posted on 07/25/2010

My son goes through phases where he won't drink much. My doctor says a couple of days of 12-15oz should be worrisome, providing he's still having wet diapers. Does he also eat baby food? That also has a lot of water in it, so again, hydration shouldn't be a problem. My son loves to drink from a straw (I'm basically using the straw to pour water in his mouth). Maybe your son would 'enjoy' that also.
Hopefully your docotr will have some insight. Good luck!