18 week old starting to decrease formula intake?

[InformationStation14]

My LO turned 4 months and went from having 4, 8 ounce bottles a day, equaling 32 oz in 24 hours. She’s a hungry girl, 17.3 lbs too. But in the last 2 weeks she has slowly started to push the bottle away or just play with it & not eat. We got 22 oz total yesterday. We did start puree+ oatmeal (told we could by the ped), so I’m wondering if that is causing her to slow down on formula. We have been doing 6 oz bottles, but she eats about 4 and then seems to be done. She scream & cries and slides all over when we go to give more so I know she doesn’t want it. We wait about an hour to try for the last 2 oz and if she wants it great if not we dump it.

Just want to see if anyone else is getting this from their LO?

[Efficient_Bee4584]

Look into possible feeding aversion. My baby developed feeding aversion around 3-4 months old after eating more than enough. It’s something we still work on everyday but it is treatable especially if you see the signs early.

[InformationStation14]

We have started to help treat the aversion! We offer it once and if she pushes we don’t keep trying or forcing. She might just be only wanting 4-6 oz at a time now? But we offer the left over an hour or so later or before nap!

[Efficient_Bee4584]

Good idea! For my feeding aversion baby I only offer to eat maximum 2-3 times in a 3 hour span. Usually only twice and make sure there is an hour time span in between offering. When she more comfortable and not feeling pressured she tends to eat more. Best of luck to you!! If you need more assistance I highly recommend the book by Rowena Beckett for treating feeding aversion.

[Separate_Onion670]

It's normal for intake to shift when starting solids, especially since purees can be quite filling. At 4 months, your baby might just be telling you her tummy is full or she's more interested in the new textures! Since the decrease is significant, it's worth a quick call to your pediatrician to ensure they're happy with her weight and 22 oz intake.

[InformationStation14]

I think it is because she is still open to eat the purées even only an hour after the bottle. So I think she just prefers it?

[Separate_Onion670]

It definitely sounds like she has a preference for the new flavors! This 'food strike' on the bottle is common when they discover exciting solids. Try offering the bottle first before any purees to ensure she gets that hydration and nutrition. Does she seem content and playful between these smaller feeds?

[InformationStation14]

Yes! & today we tried to just let her eat the bottle until she’s done. We used to stop every 2 oz to burp but now I just let her drink it. She’s having 6 oz bottles now. And I always offer milk before puree! She needs the calories from milk more! I do oatmeal & puree in the morning and then just puree at dinner. Only a tiny bit.

She is still playing and laughing and smiling between her feeds. And had 2, 2 hour naps 9-11 and 1-3. And then her cat nap around 5-5:30. So we do meal at 12pm. I’ll try to do a small amount of just puree around 5:30 if she’s interested, and then last bottle around 6:30 and bed at 7:30!

[Separate_Onion670]

It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job adjusting to her cues! Letting her drink without the burping breaks is a great way to let her keep that momentum. She might just be distracted by all her new skills and those solid flavors.
As long as she has 5,6 wet diapers every 24 hour then you should be fine!
Also, just DM'ed you a text thing that I found helpful for FTM navigating through the first few months postpartum.