My baby is 8 months old from yesterday she is not having milk (formula milk) having a little bit of solids and feeling more sleepy, should I need to consult a Doctor. Please suggest me

Question

My baby is 8 months old from yesterday she is not having milk (formula milk) having a little bit of solids and feeling more sleepy, should I need to consult a Doctor.  Please suggest me

Accepted Answer

It's understandable that you're concerned, especially if your 8-month-old baby is suddenly refusing formula milk and seems to be eating less than usual. Here are some possible reasons for this behavior and suggestions for when to consult a doctor:

Possible Causes for Loss of Interest in Milk:

1. Teething: Around this age, babies often begin teething, which can cause discomfort while sucking, making them reluctant to take milk. You may notice swollen gums or drooling as additional signs.

2. Change in Appetite: As babies grow, their appetite can fluctuate. They may begin to show more interest in solids, which could reduce their milk intake temporarily.

3. Discomfort: If your baby is feeling unwell (e.g., having a mild cold, tummy issues, or any discomfort), it may affect their willingness to feed.

4. Growth Spurts or Developmental Changes: At 8 months, your baby is growing rapidly and may be more focused on exploring solids or may have different feeding preferences during growth spurts.

5. Formula Issues: Sometimes babies may become fussy with a particular formula due to taste changes, digestion issues, or intolerance.

What You Can Do:

Monitor Hydration: Ensure that your baby is getting enough fluids, either through formula or breast milk, especially if they are taking less milk. You can also offer water or breast milk if you're nursing.

Encourage Solids Gradually: Since your baby is eating some solids, continue offering them, but ensure that the solids are nutritious and easy to digest, like pureed vegetables, fruits, or cereals.

Teething Relief: If teething is suspected, you can offer teething toys or chilled washcloths to soothe their gums.

Try Smaller Feedings More Often: If your baby is refusing large feeds, try offering smaller amounts more frequently to ensure they are still getting enough nutrition.

When to Consult a Doctor:

If your baby refuses to take any milk for more than 2 days or shows signs of dehydration (e.g., fewer wet diapers, dry mouth).

If your baby is showing other signs of illness like fever, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing.

If your baby seems lethargic or excessively sleepy, more than usual.

If there are any concerns about their growth, weight gain, or development.

Given that you mentioned feeling more sleepy, it could be due to the stress of managing your baby's feeding issues. It's important to take care of yourself as well. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's always a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider for peace of mind and ensure that your baby is on the right track.

Answer

Baby is sleeping more than usual, sleeping continuously at night and day time also she is sleeping for 4 hours