Why Is My Baby Reluctant In Drinking Milk?

Posted on Fri, 16 May 2014

Question: The query I have is regarding my son born on December 8, 2013. He was born pre term at 32 weeks and 3 days. As per our pediatrician the baby's adjusted age as of today is 13 weeks. I have few questions. The baby is majorly on formula milk diet but most of the time he is quite reluctant in drinking this milk these days.
- Could this be because of some gastro issues?
- Is it advisable to give him “Gripewater?
- Can we give the baby couple of spoons of water periodically as the weather is getting quite warm?
- When can we start feeding him with semi solids like cerelac etc.

Answered by Dr. Prashant Mahajan (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
what you are giving is correct

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It is normal to have variation in appetite. Whether you are giving formula milk in correct quantity can be known from
- adequate at gain (20-30 gm/day)
- good urine output( more than 8 times in a day )
- good sleep

I don't suspect gastro issue, so don't be worried. Give him breast feeding maximum. Gripe water is not advisable.

Weaning should preferably started at 5-6 months. If started early it increases chances of infection and allergies later on.

Milk contains adequate water. So outside water should not be given at this age.

Hope this will allay all your fears

Best regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad