Feeding Problems
Feeding your baby will probably be fun, as long as everything goes smoothly. The biggest problems usually include food intolerances, not wanting to eat solid foods, and not growing well, although that isn't always because of feeding problems. Infants grow quickly during their first year, so any big slowdowns or periods of real weight loss can be very concerning. Not growing well or failing to thrive requires a thorough evaluation by your pediatrician. Remember that some kids do move down on their growth charts between six and eighteen months and it can be normal if they are otherwise well and still gaining some weight.
Homemade baby food doesn't mean giving food to your baby right off of your plate. It involves preparing your own baby food as an alternative to commercially prepared baby foods. Use a food processor or blender to create a mushy consistency, don't add salt or other spices to the baby foods you prepare, and avoid beets, carrots, collard greens, spinach, and turnips, which can be high in naturally occurring nitrates.
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Many symptoms are blamed on food allergies and intolerances, including diarrhea, gas, crying, rashes, spitting up, and runny noses. And while these symptoms really might indicate a feeding problem, they can have many other causes if they only happen occasionally. Even if your baby develops a symptom right after you start a new food, it could still be just a coincidence, so talk to your pediatrician if you think your baby is developing a food allergy or intolerance. This is especially important before you make big changes to his diet or begin restricting a lot of different foods.
Refusing to Eat
Babies who refuse to eat can be frustrating to take care of, especially if they don't want to drink their breastmilk or formula. If your baby had previously been eating well and suddenly decides not to eat as much, he may just be at the end of a growth spurt or is having a short “strike.” Other causes for a baby not wanting to eat can include gastroesophageal reflux (see Chapter 10) and a food aversion, which often affects older infants who won't eat solid foods.
This situation is more concerning if the food refusal lasts more than a few days or if your baby has other symptoms, such as increased fussiness or fever. If there are any other symptoms or if the food refusal lingers, a trip to your pediatrician is a good idea.
