We were recently asked this question from a customer, its a
question that we get asked commonly.
"Hi I was just wondering if I could ask you for a bit of
advice on my 8 month old son. I have tried a few times but there is
no way he will take his bottle after solids. Its like he has enough
just to make him feel good then he won't take anymore. I have been
told he needs 700-600mls of fluids a day, but if I give him solids
first there is no way I could do this. He is eating good but only
really mushy foods. He will have firmer things to eat like breaking
off bits of toast, or very small pieces of different things. Not
really sure what I should be doing with him at this stage with his
bottle and solids. He will take very small amounts of water after
his food. I hope you can help me out."
We're happy to offer our opinions as mothers, and sorry sorry to
read about the stress that you have been under about this.
From about 6 months on it is suggested that babies are offered
solids, and your baby is at the right age now for solids to be
offered before milk.
We can quite understand that he won't take his bottle after
solids, he's probably got quite a full tummy. Babies have a natural
way of knowing when they have had enough, so don't think you should
be forcing the bottle on him.
Is he sleeping well at night?
What we did with our children, was to feed them their solids at
meal times, and then offer a bottle in between, like morning tea
and afternoon tea, and supper time. More bottles in the evening.
Just offer him small amounts, about 150 to 200mLs at a time. (but
he might not drink that much).
We totally understand what you mean about lumpy food, our son is
18months now and still doesn't really eat the food for his age
group, he prefers the mushier things.
You are doing the right thing, just give your son what he needs
and watch him. He won't take it if he's full.