Underweight 1 year old - Help

[bxclark]

I have a baby who is about to be 13 months in a few days. We just had a doctors appointment yesterday and the doctor has expressed that she is very concerned with is weight. He is healthy, active, walking and even says a few words so nothing seems out of wack other than his size. The doctor wants us to admit him to Childrens Hospital for an endoscopy and for them to put a feeding tube in him so that we can feed him at night. They want to monitor him for 3 days!!! I cant say that I am thrilled with the idea. The doctor has agreed to wait a month for a checkup before he has to admitted so we are trying to fatten him up. His diet mostly consists of formula, gerber baby food and a bit of table food that we give him from what we are eating. The doctor has advised us to switch from the Similac Advanced to Pediasure or Carnation Instant Breakfast which we did yesterday but he is not to thrilled. We include some rice cereal in there as well. He likes fruit, bread, eggs but will keep it in his mouth and spit it out. Yesterday he ate some bacon but spit it out after a while too. I just need some practical suggestions for high calorie small meals that can make the most impact. Thanks in advance for anyone who replies.  

[Renee Radenberg]

He can feed himself (with his fingers) and should be eating regular food, cut up in small pieces, at this age. Suggest giving him a 'sippy cup' for all his liquids (at meals and snacks). Here is a guideline for a 12-24 month old child should eat the following on a daily basis: Dairy 3-4 feedings a day – Milk (4oz), cheese (½ oz), yogurt (½ cup), or cottage cheese (¼ cup). Starch 4 feedings a day – Cereal (¼ cup), pasta (¼ cup), rice (¼ cup), bread (½ slice), or crackers (2). Fruits & Vegetables 4 feedings a day – Fruits (including 100% juice limited to only 4-6ozs) & Vegetables (¼ cup). Protein source 2 feedings a day – Meat or fish (1oz), egg (1), or beans (¼ cup). He should eat 3 meals and have snacks between meals using the foods above to be spread out throughout the day. Suggest in place of milk and at the end of each meal give him milkshakes (milk and ice cream blended together – add a banana if he will accept it) or yogurt smoothies (yogurt, milk, and frozen fruit blended together) or a Pediasure milkshake for increase acceptance. Some tips for additional calories: Add dry milk to oatmeal, mashed potatoes, gravies, creamed vegetables, and creamed soups (add additional meats to soups). If he likes pasta, then add meat or cream sauces to the pasta instead of plain tomato sauce or plain pasta. Use all fat dairy products and no low fat foods. As he grows and gains weight after a few years, then you can go to lower fat dairy items. Hope this helps you.

[daisyf]

A related discussion, under weight baby was started.