my sons weight issue please help

Lara - posted on 05/29/2010

Be careful...not to many minerals...they can give him diarhea.

Carey - posted on 05/28/2010

Did you ask for a blood test? Not to freak you out, but loosing 5 lbs in a month could be concern for other more serious things. Probably not. I don't think weighing 23lbs at 19 months is not necessarily super low but loosing weight is more unusual.

Kristina - posted on 05/28/2010

Honestly Don't worry about it. My daughter had a hard time gaining weight because she was also a picky bird eater. Your son is at the age where he is active and is bound to lose weight also he is probably shedding his winter weight just like we all do when the weather gets good. Keep in mind your child's stomach is the size of his fist and he wont eat specially with him teething. My daughter was 6lb 4oz when she was born and got down past the 10% weight loss her pedi. wasn't concerned and she has always been in the 90% for her height and around 30-50% on weight. All kids are different that is what makes them special you know your child better than anyone does so if you feel he is doing okay then you are probably right. Health care professional's go off statistics and those are of a large number of people. If you are that concerned you can try carnation instant breakfast as a substitute for a snack or breakfast. Hope this helped you a little

Kim - posted on 05/28/2010

I wouldnt worry to much my son weighs 50 lbs and he is 10 both he will eat when he is hungry is what my pediatrican said to us think each child is different my daughter weighs 40lbs and she is 4 they both eat the same things my son id just skinny but healthy he runs and plays like a normal kid dont let them worry you

Nicole - posted on 05/28/2010

My son has the same exact issue. The oediatrician even sent us to a GI specialist for it because he could not put on weight! They then tested him for Cystic Fibrosis as well for gluten allergies and such. Everything came back normal as I suspected. He is just a VERY picky eater. He is on Toddler formula because he does not like milk or the pediasure. He likes when I mix baby cereal with the formula then I also but whole milk in it as well. I try to get as many HEALTHY calories in him as I can. I have also found that introducing foods to him in different ways helps. I will serve him his snacks in a Icecube tray and he LOVES it. I think it's just different so he is more willing to try the new foods. I have also found that serving smaller portions at a time helps. IF he eats it all then I give him more. Some times I think its too over whelming when there is a bunch of food on the plate! I hope this helps and GOOD LUCK =]

Vicki - posted on 05/28/2010

Don't bring down his fluids whilst its hot - your health visitor was just saying don't let him fill up on fluids right before meals. Sometimes they make you feel like you are doing something wrong. Try teething gel 5 mins before meals in case its his teeth and try higher calorie foods so he gets more calories in the few mouthfuls i.e. rich cheese sauces etc. Also if his activity levels have recently picked up and he's eating the same then his weight will go down. Maybe his appetite will pep up soon. Hope this helps x

Kathy - posted on 05/28/2010

I would just let him have what he likes to eat. my daughter is 15 and she has always been a picky eater and still is. she only eats salads, chicken fingers, spaghetti with no sauce, french fries,
cucumbers with vinegar, and most cereal. I just didn't force anything on her, I just gave her what she liked and she is fine.

Laura - posted on 05/28/2010

Just giv him the foods he likes, i'm having the same problem with my daughter she's 2 yrs old n is a very picky eater..I'm actually giving her pedisure (not alot but atleast a can a day) I just gav her anything she wanted (like mac n cheese at 8am or chicken nuggets at 11am) she's coming along more...I also hav my sis or niece sometimes eat wit us n she will eat alot more when she has company.. Whatever wrks..Good Luck

Dominica - posted on 05/28/2010

try to give him PediSure to drink. it comes in different flavors. It basically adds nutrition for picky eaters

Jaclyn - posted on 05/28/2010

Pedaisure is good, but my son can not have it. Also I know he is young but have you tried putting him in his high chair and give him empty bowls and thing and make him think he is helping cook, my daughter loved it. That and play pretend eating with him it will get him in habit of concept of eating, and you will find he may snack more.

Michelle - posted on 05/28/2010

Pediasure.

Jen - posted on 05/28/2010

thanks everyone. taking my son for long walks doesnt work he spent the whole of yesterday on a day round a giant park he walked mostly played football got chased by sum ducks lol he still wouldnt eat hopefully he will do it wen his hungry like i said he well today well better than the other days so hopefully he will get better n better.

Andrea - posted on 05/28/2010

My son has had trouble gaining weight since he was born in part because of medication he takes. He is special needs so he can't really "eat" a whole lot, so we give him Pediasure. He has been drinking that since he was about a year old and is finally above the 25th percentile. It comes in 4 or 5 different flavors and you can even get it with added fiber if you need it. They also make a drink called nutripals which is similar but not quite as calorie dense. If you can't find it in stores there, Amazon.com sells it.

Jaclyn - posted on 05/28/2010

It is natural for a toddler to lose weight when he becomes more active and their diets change. I would give him more mashed potatoes and bananas and mac'n cheese. This are some of the foods we feed my son to get him to gain weight. Alec my middle child has crohn's disease, so keeping his weight up was always tricky. But I am glad to say we weighed him last Thursday on his 7th birthday and he finally weighs 51lbs. Woohooo

Megan - posted on 05/28/2010

Chances are at around 18 months old your little guy is just too busy. In front of him is this new exciting world he is just itching to explore. Sitting down for a meal is not on his to do list:)
I would most definitly not cut back on liquids. I always give juice w/ breakfast, milk-lunch and dinner. The rest of the day water. I would feed him small meals throughout the day with healthy choices. However, at meal time still put a plate in front of him and have him sit with the family(at least for a few minutes). That way he knows that is what expected at meal time. Fresh air always makes my kiddos hungry. You could take him for a walk before mealtime-just an idea. In my experience these things come in stages. Just be patient. I wouldn't make too much of an issue about it because it may turn into more than a stage.

Jen - posted on 05/28/2010

thanks helen tht was really helpful

Helen - posted on 05/28/2010

if he's only lost 5 oz I wouldn't worry too much - maybe he's just been a bit more active recently, and in the hot weather children often eat less, and if you're in a different country that can affect them as well (different eating habits, travel throwing routines out etc), teething makes a difference to appetite.

Try not to make a big deal about it - if you get stressed around meal times and eating, so will he. I know it can be difficult, but try not to pressure him at meal times. Don't keep offering him different things - if he doesn't eat what he's given just calmly take it away and give him pudding (if you have pudding), and if he doesn't want pudding then take that away without fuss too. He won't starve himself, and most adults eat a wide and varied diet, even those who were really fussy as children (and that includes me!).

Jen - posted on 05/28/2010

thank you everybody for ALL your advice. my son lost 5 OUNCES not pounds i must say tht again ITS ounces. my son did pretty good today he had 3 wheetabix for breakfast lunch time he had abite of chese and tomotoe pizza n abite of bean sausage pastie so wen i got home i tried sum mashed up baby food on him he had about 4 spoonfulls of tht screamed ddint wnt the rest. dinner time just he had mashed potatoes n beans mixed togeather someone told me to try it he had about 7 spponfulls. he has also had a milkshake special one with vitamins n minerals in is tht good for one day.

Alissa - posted on 05/28/2010

I have the same problem with my 3yr old who weighs 26lbs. He is very picky and won't eat at times. I have found at meal times that he fills himself up with his drink then doesn't eat. He also refuses to try new foods or even some foods he has tried and liked before. My suggestion is to try getting him to eat first then drink. Try new foods and make him take aleast one bite then gradually make him eat more and more before he can have things he likes and alternate meals with stuff he likes and new things. My son is very stubborn and makes it a battle of wills but lately it's been getting easier to feed him. I make a huge deal out of him eating food he's never tried before and praise him alot. There have been alot of tears shed from the both of us but starting early and keeping at it with the same approach will get you the results you want in the end. Just make sure you and whoever feeds him stay consistent in your approach feed him and don't freak out if he doesn't eat all the time. This world puts too much emphasis on weight, he won't starve, he'll eat when he's hungry. Another thing to try is cutting out snacks and he might eat more at meal times. Good luck.

Catherine - posted on 05/28/2010

My son has OCD when it comes to food. He will drink Boost (a nutrion supplement), frozen vanilla yogurt (especially in a milkshake, and if you use Homo milk that is a great amount of healthy "fat") Just tell him it's ice cream and any flavor he want like chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry as long as it is frozen yougurt. Bananas, apples but they must be cut a certain way. With your son he may have this condition, or he may be food sensitivites.

What does he really like at breakfast? Give him that for lunch and then try diffierent presentations. Put two foods and let him choose which one he gets to eat, it gives him the feeling of control. Does he have stomach aches or cramps after eating gluten? That can cause a child to stop eating as it is an allergy which cause cramping and intestinal pain. Or have him tested for Aspergers syndome, it is a form of mile autism which can undetcted if he is at the bottom spectrum. DEFINITELY give him water, 100% fruit juice, nothing with the artiicial sugars or he may be filling up with that garbage. If he doesn't like water, add some sugar free flavoring. Good Luck.. IT DOES GET BETTER, I PROMINSE!!!! our son is very OCD (only eats 10 diferent foods!!!!) GOOD LUCK

Patti - posted on 05/28/2010

You said that it is really hot in England right now, that may be why he isn't eating much and loosing weight. If you think about it in the summer time when it is hot I don't like to eat either or if I do it is something light, like salad or a bowl of cereal. Maybe if he likes to drink, he would do a milkshake which would have nutrients that he would need or fruit/vegetable juices with some crackers or some type of bread. At 18 months my child weighed 20lbs and 12 oz. and was 31 inches tall. I think the heat will affect his appetite, I know it does mine.

Patricia - posted on 05/28/2010

I wouldn't get overly anxious over his weight... If you think he looks healthy, and he is eating sum sort of food throughout the day that is the most important thing... Just one thing to look into when you visit your doctor next... Ask about checking to see if your son has a bacterial overgrowth in his stomach... ( I seen this quite often when I was working in a physician's office) it can be very discomforting and painful for children.. If you've ever had acid reflux, that's what it feels like for a child.
The other very likely thing, is that he's snacking too much midmorning or in the afternoon. I'd cut the snacks in half and make sure you don't give them too close to meal time(2hours before)... I would stay away from the vitamin drinks( once you start them they will want these all the time b/c they don't actually have to sit there and chew their food) Your child could be just too preoccupied thinking about playing that he doesn't want to sit long enough to eat. (get them to clean up their toys before eating and if at all possible, get him to help you make the meal or even sit him up on the counter to watch you make it... when you smell good food you naturally start to salivate.. the same goes for your child.
I'm not sure if you said that your child won't eat yoghurt or not.. but a wonderful thing my kids love is, I take a yoghurt and put a popsicle stick in it and then freeze it for an hour.. makes a super yummy treat on a hot day... or can even be dessert for the whole family... no need to buy frozen yoghurt.
The most important thing is, offer them foods from all the food groups on a daily basis. and don't be afraid to make a game out of eating at meal time... Hope this helps!

Heather - posted on 05/28/2010

thats whats going on with my granson lately DONT worrie to much he'll eat when he' hungry & as for the drinks emm well we just keep giving him them all day long too,its been really hot here also WE dont eat as much either ITS WAY TO HOT for the little guys make jello ice cream etc he'll like that with his teeth coming also,good luck enjoy the summer

Vicki - posted on 05/28/2010

Your son may have malabsorption issues and food intolerances I would strongly suggest you discuss this with your pediatrician. My son did this and had gluten allergy (among many others) once we modified his diet he started gaining weight. Also toddlers are busy and do better with foods on the go...try providing snacks in between meals so that he can eat as he is exploring his world.....weight loss in kids though is very serious and he needs a failure to thrive work up if your pediatrician will not do this find one who will....my son almost died from his food allergies be aggressive search for all answers! my prayers are with you!

Jeri - posted on 05/28/2010

I second the mashed potatoes!!! =)

I have celiac disease and still eat fried chicken or whatever is breaded. I replace wheat with potato flakes. You can mix those into a lot of foods too!

Plus they are YUMMYYYY!!!!!

Lisa - posted on 05/28/2010

homemade mashed pototes would beef him up. Everyone loves that!

Charlotte - posted on 05/28/2010

I think you should go and see a doctor to find out if there really is a problem. Often the maternal health advisors can cause a bit of panic where none is needed. I don't think that he sounds like he is particularly underweight, 23 pounds is around 10kg. My son is 23mths and he weighs just under 13kg, which is 28 pounds, he weighed around the 11kg mark at 19 months old. Our son is also very tall for his age, so he probably weighs a little more than the average because of that.

Also, the advice that I have had during William's fussy periods, is that it is our job to provide a good variety of healthy foods and their job to decide how much they want to eat. If he is healthy and developing normally, I would just continue doing what you're doing and not worry about it. If you are really concerned about his health because you don't think he's developing normally, or you have other concerns, then take him to a GP (doctor) and see what they say. You could even go to a paediatrician to get specific advice regarding children.

Your son, doesn't sound particularly picky, if he will eat mostly what you eat and is trying new foods. After they turn one, the amount they eat drops quite dramatically because their rate of growth slows.

I would not limit his water, especially in the summer, make it available to him and let him determine how much and how often he drinks.

Healthy children do not starve themselves, and from what you've described, your little boy is eating as is to be expected for a toddler his age.

Keep up the good work! Give yourself some credit, your intuition is usually going to be right.

Charlotte.

Cherie - posted on 05/28/2010

Think he has lost cause it is hot and his first year he gains the 2nd year they don't add much weight he will eat when he is hungry he wont starve, His teeth may be bothering him also, just offer finger food such as carrot sticks or celery, cheese bites nutrious things, sure he will be o.k, don't stress

Mona - posted on 05/28/2010

If he likes breakfast, feed him breakfast 3 times a day. Maybe make some changes like changing which fruit.

Another suggestion feed him lunch or dinner the first thing in the day when he is the hungriest.

Helen - posted on 05/28/2010

This concerns me and I'm surprised they did not check him for juvenille diabetes. THe signs are weight loss and excessive thirst. Also that extreme weight loss in that short a time can be a sign of other things as well. Take him back to the Dr. and have them do some bloodwork - blood sugar level and white blood cell count. Don't mean to alarm you but they should be on this and make sure there is not something bigger going on than just a picky eater! (Please clarify - did he lose five POUNDS or five OUNCES? The conversion to US weight is messing me up a bit...) If it is only the five ounces then I guess that is not as big a concern...

Jeri - posted on 05/28/2010

BTW- If you pay attention, You will notice he'll begin eating a lot more before a growth spurt. You'll see him eat less when he is teething or after a growth spurt. We eat what we need if we are left alone =)

Jeri - posted on 05/28/2010

Jen, I rarely ever reply to posts, but I can offer you some good advice here, as I went through the same thing when my son, Travis, was a baby. He was my smallest at 7'13". I breastfed, then introduced my babies to little bits of healthy foods as they got a little older.
Travis was always tiny. He was short and he was skinny. He was UNDER on the doctor's growth charts all the time. I didn't worry, becaiuse I trust my mothering skills. What happens to us- far too much in America, especially, is that we eat SO much more than we need, and we lose our ability to know when we are REALLY hungry. Then we don't stop. We really don't need a clock to tell us we are hungry. We just have three meals a day because we don't have the clock in our brain that tells us WHEN to nourish our bodies. Your baby will only have that clock once. If they lose it, they won't get it back. My ex-husband did that kind of damage to my sons when they were with him, and it made a huge difference later.
Trav would pick when he was hungry, and did not eat when he wasn't. His doctor trusted me, so he never worried. I didn't mention he was also vegetarian his first 2 years.
Sky came along 20 mos ;later, and he was 9'7"! He was also a breast baby, ate the same way as Travis, and they were both extremely healthy. But Sky was HUGE. He takes after my side of the fam, where my grandfathers and my dad are 6'2"-6'4". Travis takes after HIS father, who is about 5'8".
You have to trust your instincts as a mother FIRST. You'll know if something is wrong.
Read "How to Have a Healthy Child In Spite of Your Doctor" by Robert Mendelsohn. He advocated trusting your instincts and not letting your child be a dot on a chart.
The only thing I think might be a good idea to make sure your baby is getting proper nutrition is to get him some vitamins from a health food store, and give him some REAL juice. He doesn't need ALL juice. It's great you give him water, but he does need higher concentration of calories if he isn't a big eater. Maybe just substitute a couple of times a day. At this age, you could probably even give him some veggie juice mixed in and he'll grow up liking it!
And NEVER EVER EVER deprive your child of liquids!! They will drink if they are thirsty. They have that instinctive awareness too. Our bodies run on instinct if we pay attention. You are an instinctive mom. I can tell, because you QUESTION EVERYTHING. This is your child, and you should. Good for you!
As someone else here said, he needs some healthy fats, so read some books or talk to a nutritionist to make sure he gets them. They feed the brain! Fats are very important, but in a REALISTIC amount.
Good luck Jen. Enjoy your baby. Before you know it, your BABY will be 17...mine is. He is still big at 6'3", 280lbs. Trav is still only about 5'6"! And people actually used to tell me they were going to starve...listen to yourself!
Jeri ♥

Kate - posted on 05/28/2010

i went to a pnd group and one of the mothers was saying her oldest wasnt eating and the health visitor says they have days where they dont really want to eat and with it being hot you need to keep giving drinks also if he is more active he will lose weight and my son is 2 he only weighs 25lb and they say thats fine

Jen - posted on 05/28/2010

thanks ladies to one of the comments its 5 OUNCES to a second comment the health vistor didnt check for any under lying illness she just was saying give him tht dnt let him drink help to eat hold his spoon but he wont eat at all if i help him he wnats to do it on his own i rather him have afew mouthfulls n none at all.

Yvonne - posted on 05/27/2010

I thoroughly agree with Ashley Doctors and Health Visitors have unrealistic guidelines to stick to and sometimes I think our H/V can be too picky and if its only ounces not pounds you've got absolutely nothing to worry about.

Rachel - posted on 05/27/2010

Jen, once his teeth come thru, it will be so much better. With breakfast, I figured that they would eat pretty much anything because they go from 8:30 at night until about 8 am without anything to eat. So they are hungry!!! But anything that is hard, just might be too much for his gums. Those teeth can make the gums so sensitive. Sometimes the only thing that I could get the girls to take is their bottle, and even then, they wouldn't always finish it.

We just had the girls 18 month check-up this past Saturday and the dr said to not be surprised if the girls one day will eat something and the next day not want it. They are starting to develop their own mindset and as long as they are eating...if they are hungry, they will eat. You gotta remember too, that a 19 month old is definitely more active and running around, climbing. I would just cater to what he will eat and give him that. Until those teeth pop thru, you are more than likely going to have a picky eater. I pray that they pop thru soon so that he can get to eating properly again!

Sheila - posted on 05/27/2010

My first son ate everything in site, had a round head and a rolly-polly body and I worried he'd be an obese adult. My 3rd son looked completely malnourished, was the most picky eater I've ever seen. I called his Doc crying because he wouldn't eat any vegetables. He told me no kid ever died by not eating veggies. When he was 6 he had arms and legs like an anorexic. Today the older is slim and tall and the father of 3. the youngest is 30, has a very healthy body and loves to eat. They are both vegetarians and are very strong and athletic.
I think the more we fuss the more they fight. As long as your child's doctor isn't worried try not to be. Tell me, would he eat a broth like soup with little pieces of meat? I used to make soup with all kinds of veggies then blend it. All they saw was the meat and as I called it gravy! They gobbled it up. The same trick works for pasta. Blend vegetables, add to sauce and they never know.
Good Luck!

Grace - posted on 05/27/2010

Hello Katherine , I know how you feel , it`s frastrating when they are picky eaters. No snacks before lunch , I made this soup for my grandson and he loved it ( also a picky eater) 1 large potato 1carrot, 1 tomato, 1 small onion and a hand full of peas. you could also add a little bit of chicken and change the peas with brocolli. let everything boil and pure it and add a tsp of olive oil. good luck. we have to try different things .I was lucky with the soup.

Dora - posted on 05/27/2010

Hi Jen,
I have the same problem with my four year old. He is a vey picky eater so what I do is giving him what he likes to eat with other things and if he does not finish it I leave it on the table covered and he goes back when he is ready. I find that he eats more when he eats at his time. Good luck.

Victoria - posted on 05/27/2010

Tell that health visitor to get ripped. That child is eating a normal pattern for his age. Why did he loose weight? You said it your self. IT'S HOT! Does she think he's not sweating? Why else would he be drinking so much? When my 7 were little, I left finger foods in bowls on the coffee table,in the toy room and infront of the t.v. Things like grapes cut in half,cheerios,small carrots ,peanutbutter crackers and other things he enjoys. There are a lot healthier treats for them now. But don't let anybody force you to overfeed him. He probably had a small growth spurt too. There is nothing wrong with your instincts.You sound like a good mom. Good luck.

Kathryne - posted on 05/27/2010

I would definitely not force a child to eat. You might end up with the opposite problem. And that teaches a child that they have to eat even when they are not hungry. My daughter is 7 and has been very skinny her whole life. She eats a ton, but because she is so active she has a very high metabolism. I would definitely recomend offering healthy food like fruit, veggies, and yogurt. My daughter does not eat meat, so I make sure she gets peanut butter, eggs, and beans to make up for it. And I always offer meat, she just does not like it.
Also I would not live by the charts that doctors go by. Just because that is the average, does not mean that it is right for your child. Some people are just naturally smaller, bigger, taller, or shorter than others. Good luck!!!

Tenaya - posted on 05/27/2010

you know I wouldnt stress but there are lots you can do ! my first was 15.14 ounces one year , my thirs is 18 months at 21 pounds but a great eater for the most. however my first was also picky pedisure is a great boost for there diet avocado high in fat . but just watch it loosing 5 is alot was he sick during this month ? there also moving around alot but it seems more of a pick eater. try pedisure that will help and also some are just genics. I have a 8 ear old girl at 51 pounds, a 5 almost 51/2 41 pounds and a 18 month21 pounds genetics. so dont stress quite yet good luck hope this helps

Penny - posted on 05/27/2010

Did the health visitor check your son for some underlying illness? Did she compare your son against the 'average' chart for his height and weight? I agree it is a worry but it is wise to confirm these other things too. We all need lots of fluid - and the carbs idea is a good one - bananas too are helpful in adding weight to little ones in a healthy manner. As it is summer and hot, you could cut bananas into chunks and freeze them. They make a tasty alternative to fresh bananas, are easy to hold and are a novelty for kids. All the best.

Miriam - posted on 05/27/2010

Hey, the weight is really worrisome if it is an ACUTE change. Meaning the percentile your child was on from the beginning e.g. 50th percentile changed to now being around e.g. 20th percentile. If your child was not sick, is as picky of an eater as he has always been and takes in the same amount of food but loses weight that is worrisome that something else is going on. If your child is just a picky eater and is on the 20th percentile all thru his life so far then that is not worrisome, it might just be your child's natural weight. I am not sure if say your child has lost 5 pounds then that is A LOT, if it is ounces then that really is not that much and should just be observed. Be careful with obsessing over your child. Our expectation of what a healthy child looks like (plump) are not really that healthy either. And it has NOTHING to do with you breastfeeding or not, so do not feel like you caused this! Your child is his own person and while you can encourage him to eat healthy you cannot force him to eat. what you can do is give him healthy choices and he will probably start liking them after he has been eating them for some time. giving him "empty calories" just to fatten him up are NOT the answer. Many overwieght children are actually malnourished. Good luck!

Heidi - posted on 05/27/2010

At this age, my daughter was considered to be "failure to thrive, inorganic." That is, she was diagnosed with failure to thrive and we didn't know the cause. How frustrating! Now, she's 14. She was underweight for her age, to the extent that she was off the charts. To help make sure she was getting ample nutrition, I gave her Carnation Instant Breakfast, adding some cream to the mix. She really liked this and slowly gained weight on it. To this day, she is still slender and is underweight for her age, but she eats pretty much what I make. Keep introducing new foods. If you can find different ways to disguise the new foods, that's great......casseroles, hidden in tortillas, etc. Don't give up and as long as he's progressing with his development, don't fear.

Jen - posted on 05/27/2010

wow rachel he does really sound like ur girls isi fine eating breakfast but struggles with his lunch n dinner how long did it take for your girls eating to get back to normal. my son has hardely eaten today he had 3 wheetabix because i knew we were going out all day to a park around lunch time he just thought it was funny thowing the food we gave him across the table then wen he did want sumthing it was one sauage roll n two table spoons of yougurt before he went to bed he ate three spoonfulls of his dinner he went to bed crying with bright red cheeks i gave him sum meds n it seemed to work. these teeth just seem to be taking months to cum through n bothering him the most.

Stacie - posted on 05/27/2010

and most children eat less when they are getting teeth, that is what my Dr says

Stacie - posted on 05/27/2010

One of the parenting books I have says once a child is age 1 they should have 6 small meals a day. That is what we have done with our son cause he is under weight and in a month he went from being in the 25th percential to 50th percential. I do start his day with yogart and from there I give him small meals. He does have acid reflex that is why weight has been so hard for him. I do hope this helps. One of the snacks I give him is a few strawberries and 2 peices of cheese just to give you an idea on the size. Since doing this he gained over 2lbs in a month. Good luck but don't drive yourself crazy if he is hungry, he will eat when he is

Rachel - posted on 05/27/2010

I have twin 18 month old girls. When they were teething their "eye" teeth (fangs) they did not want to eat. They would eat breakfast great, and then they didn't really want to eat anything else during the day. I would just make sure that the breakfast that he eats is really, really healthy - I actually still give my girls the gerber oatmeal mixed with some applesauce for breakfast every day. It has tons of nutrience in it. And if he isn't going to eat a whole lot, but wants to drink, give him whole milk. My girls get at least 20 oz of milk a day. probably more now that they are on sippy cups instead of bottles. I pray that you get it figured out. It is no fun to know that they have lost weight rather than gained.

Jen - posted on 05/27/2010

so sorry about the bad spelling im fine writing on paper but on the computer my words all go back wards