She is a terrible eater, and had to be put on two pediasures a day for weight gain. The pediasure helped alot, but the Dr's worried that she's not getting enough protein and wants her to have an egg a day. Problem is, even though she likes egg she won't eat a whole one, no matter how it's cooked. She barely takes a bite or two of ANYTHING even if she loves it, and that includes sweets and goodies too. (Dr. is suspecting muscle issues in mouth, she's had mouth issues since birth, we are waiting for the specialist appointment,) So, are there any protein supplements that are ok for babies? Would it hurt to add a quarter scoop of muscle milk (light) to a bottle a day? She's fine with milk and soy products, she just won't EAT!
2011-04-07T13:52:01Z
@ Chibi, those are great sources of protein, the problem is getting them down her. She literally refuses to chew and swallow, we even took her to a dentist who was shocked that her gums were really soft. Proof that she doesn't try to chew anything and "toughen them up".
@Stargazer I didn't think of the questions until after we left, and this office is notorious for never returning phone calls. I was hoping for someone with a bit of experience or knowledge to give me ideas. it worked.
@ sgalin Fortunately, we caught it before it became serious. She had been growing at a steady rate, but at her 12 month appt. she hadn't gained any weight or height even though everything else was great. After the pediasures she shot back up to her previous percentages and gained extra brain growth. So we caught it early enough, the Dr is just concerned that there isn't enough protein and fiber for her. Fibers easy to take care of, but the protein was a bit of an issue. The shakes are a
Anonymous2011-04-05T18:48:11Z
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My daughter went through something very similar. She was a preemie. She did the same thing wouldn't eat anything. But she also had food allergies which made non-meat protein difficult. She was allergic to soy and eggs so 2 big sources of protein. We had her on 2-3 bottles of pediasure a day plus 2 bottles of milk. Which is quite a bit of protein if you look at it. The problem is when most of the calories come from liquids it doesn't leave much room for an appetite. Once we started to get her off the pediasure she started to eat more. Noodles are also a pretty good source of protein as is cheese if she will eat it. Nutella is a hazelnut spread that kids love if she isn't really liking of peanut butter. In regards to bottles my advice is not to take them away right now if that's the only way your child will drink the pediasure. My doctor and dentist told me "you can always fix teeth if they get crooked but what will you do if they don't gain weight." MY daughter is 2 and still has a bottle but only for milk. The dentist says her mouth is fine so I don't make a big deal if she won't drink milk from a cup. As far as a specialist I know that can take a while so try to find out about your local ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) Program. It should be in your phone book probably in the government section. They worked wonders with my daughter and really supported me all the times my daughter had to be hospitalized. So try them in the mean time. Last of all don't give up hope. Some people are just meant to be small. Someone has to be at the bottom 1% and someone has to be at the top 100% we can't all be right in the middle or the scale wouldn't exist. If your daughter has always been small I really wouldn't worry about it. Toddlers only need about 16 grams of protein a day which she should be getting in the pediasure anyway. This too shall pass, remember not everyone likes meat either. Just try to relax and let your child eat as much as she wants. If she only takes to bites it's ok just offer some more in about an hour to she if she wants some more. Sorry this is so long but it's been a long hard road with my daughter and I wish there was someone there to tell me all this. Hope it helps.
By the way what is your daughter's weight and height? I'm just curious. My daughter was about 17.5 lbs and 28.5 inches at that age.
You could make a smoothie out of the pediasure. Add an egg, or 1/2 of an egg per shake. You can try and put all types of food in there. My friend makes her kids smoothie shakes with stonyfield drinkable yogurt. She adds an egg, broccoli, and fruit.
Not sure how it will effect the taste so try adding the egg slowly, maybe 1/4 to start. If you put a whole egg in there and she doesn't like it, it will be hard to sneak in just a little.(kids know these things). then if she likes it with the egg...add more, then start adding other foods.
Will she eat yogurt? Chobani has tons of protein, one serving would have more than a child needs for the whole day. The kiddie chobani has less protein but the container is smaller.
How much protein does the doctor say she should get. 16 grams is the norm fo her age, how much more should she be getting?. One serving of whole milk has 8. the pediasure must have alot.
I wouldnt do the muscle milk. Stick with real foods with protein...the egg blended, if foods are smooth texture...yogurt, soups, oatmeal. will she eat more of those? If not blend what you can that does have protein and add it to a yogurt drink, milk or the pediasure. BUT keep trying to get her to eat foods. When you can get her to eat make sure it is something healthy. better to take 2 bites of chicken or broccoli than a cracker or cookie. I don't think soy products have much protein...but not positive. If not...I would stick to milk products.
If she eats yogurt and will eat a whole container...try the chobani..if you can get her to eat a whole container of the adult 2% a day..they have 17-24 grams of protein in ONE serving! They have plain, divide it into two and blend that into the 2 pediasures.
Try another source of protein. Peanut butter, or any other nut (not sure if she can chew good), leafy greens, beans, and soy products are full of protien. Instead of an egg a day have like that egg for breakfast with an enriched bread. Then lunch PB&J. Then dinner or with lunch baked beans or ham and bean soup or stew. If she has no medical issue she has to learn to get her nutrients from food....worse comes to worse, ask about child vitamins (15 months is young so ask first)
Try a smoothie with high protein fruits like bananas use juice for a liquid since it is thinner than milk. Give it in a sip cup rather than a bottle. Small tip, trash the bottles they will damage her teeth.
Maybe you should ask the Dr. tell him/her she won't eat the egg. Asking people on yahoo answers if giving a protein drink isn't as safe as asking the Dr. who told you she needs more protein. I don't know about you but I wouldn't want to entrust my childs health with strangers over a professional. :)