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Best formula for HIV/FAS baby
I foster a boy aged 18 months who has FAS and is HIV+ ( I run a babies' home), who does not have an appetite at all. He is on Infasoy formula 2, and I give him fresh fruit, almonds(Mixed in a smoothie), dried fruit, fresh banana and Olli Organic bottled baby food. He weighs under 9Kg. He was one of a twin - other one passed away @ 6 months. I am doing my best to stimulate him intellectually, give him a secure home environment and massage him. he has been crawling since age 13 months, walks tip toe against the furniture, pulls himself onto furniture, and is starting to talk. Understands most things. PROBLEM: What can I give him to stimulate his appetite/make him to thrive? I am desperate!
Anti biotics certainly can be the cause of the diarreha ..its difficult for you and him I can see, be good to get the input from the Pedatrician Good luck let us know how he is doing ..
Thanks for this answer! I think you are right about the peanut butter. will perhaps try some almond butter?
I have an appointment with the paed 11 Feb. AND the boy has leaky gut as well. I did not realise the problem at first, but it seems as if he is not so much constipated (past 3 days) but has a dirty nappy every nappy! not much in it though. I have been reading on leaky gut this morning, and I think this is what it is. he is constantly on anti-biotics together with the ARV treatment and I need to find out if we can leave out the antibiotics. He also has candida which is not under control. Sound terrible! but we are making it!
I have an appointment with the paed 11 Feb. AND the boy has leaky gut as well. I did not realise the problem at first, but it seems as if he is not so much constipated (past 3 days) but has a dirty nappy every nappy! not much in it though. I have been reading on leaky gut this morning, and I think this is what it is. he is constantly on anti-biotics together with the ARV treatment and I need to find out if we can leave out the antibiotics. He also has candida which is not under control. Sound terrible! but we are making it!
Thank you for giving your website I will indeed check it out, anything to help children is my interest, I am wondering if too much probiotic would cause a stomach ache , try with out for a few days see if the ache lessens..more cereal and as mamster says legumes and beans may help .Good luck to you
It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with him!
If he is still on formula, you could speak with his pediatrician about mixing his formula to a higher caloric concentration. However, this must be done through the instruction of his pediatrician.
Also, fats are vital for brain development, so adding in some natural oils to his baby food could help, however, in little ones with constipation, this might not be your best option. I think the key to getting his appetite to improve is to get him regular. His pediatrician should be able to advise on the best way to soften up his bowels. Children who are backed up with stool don't get as hungry because their bodies are filled up with stool.
Other food that will help with weight gain include foods high in protein, such as peanut butter, almond spreads, meat, fish, and legumes, such as lentils and beans. Avacodo is very high in fat as well. Don't be afraid to experiment. There are ways that you can sneak in the good stuff....For instance, if he will eat spaghetti and sauce, you can puree a tiny bit of meat and mix it in the sauce. Fruit is great, but it can be constipating, and there is not much in the way of fat. Is he able to tolerate dairy? If so, dairy products are also a good source of protein. Perhaps you could offer him some fruit mixed in with cottage cheese or yogurt? Cream cheese and cheeses are also good, but again, have to be limited because of the constipation. Good luck!!!
If he is still on formula, you could speak with his pediatrician about mixing his formula to a higher caloric concentration. However, this must be done through the instruction of his pediatrician.
Also, fats are vital for brain development, so adding in some natural oils to his baby food could help, however, in little ones with constipation, this might not be your best option. I think the key to getting his appetite to improve is to get him regular. His pediatrician should be able to advise on the best way to soften up his bowels. Children who are backed up with stool don't get as hungry because their bodies are filled up with stool.
Other food that will help with weight gain include foods high in protein, such as peanut butter, almond spreads, meat, fish, and legumes, such as lentils and beans. Avacodo is very high in fat as well. Don't be afraid to experiment. There are ways that you can sneak in the good stuff....For instance, if he will eat spaghetti and sauce, you can puree a tiny bit of meat and mix it in the sauce. Fruit is great, but it can be constipating, and there is not much in the way of fat. Is he able to tolerate dairy? If so, dairy products are also a good source of protein. Perhaps you could offer him some fruit mixed in with cottage cheese or yogurt? Cream cheese and cheeses are also good, but again, have to be limited because of the constipation. Good luck!!!
Thanks, Margypops. The stimulation I do not have a problem with, I am doing flash cards for reading prep (Teach your baby to read: Glen Doman) and he is doing well. He gets a lot of attention and stimulation. He does not pick up weight and he does not like food. I give him probiotics because he has tummy ache ALL THE TIME. Constipated too and has a proper bowel movement every 3rd day only! He also gets Barleylife and Just Carrots (Powder food from AIM products) in his bottles. I was advised to give him Pediasure, but I noticed that it does contain so much sugar - not really a big problem, but very expensive. He is on Infasoy because when he arrived at 4 months he had a cold, diarrhea and eventually pneumonia. That is what his sister died from. Istay in Roodepoort, South Africa. You can view him on our web www.barnswallowbabies.com . He does like carob balls, made of cashews, raisins, dates and carob. Don't we all! :)
Not certain where you are living, but i will assume that cereal and yoghort is available , how about rice with fish, chicken, pasta ,eggs, soups, .It may also be good to let him eat his food and not feed him, children eat more if they are left to it, are puddings available, tapioca/rice, gello... maybe some more veg if he will eat it, beans, peas.Stimulation is great, reading , music,talking, walks to parks, playtime with others of a similar age .I commend you for your work and help with these dear children .good luck .
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