Why Is My 7-Month-Old Only Drinking Breast Milk? Concerns and Solutions

Not eating anything?

Hello, I would like to ask about my daughter who is now over seven months old and weighs 6.5 kg.
She has been exclusively breastfed, drinking 6-7 times a day (irregularly, as she doesn't always want to drink, so I offer it when I think of it).
However, at night, she sleeps like an adult from around 11 PM to about 5 AM, and during the day, she also sleeps whenever she has the chance.
In total, she consumes less than 600 cc of breast milk a day.
When she was four months old, I wanted to wean her off breast milk and switch to formula milk along with introducing solid foods, but now, over seven months later, she is still only drinking breast milk and refuses to eat anything (including formula milk, rice cereal, pureed apple juice, grape juice, wax apple juice, fruit juices, baby biscuits, porridge, and even store-bought juices).
She only takes one bite and then vomits, and if I try to feed her again, she cries loudly.
However, she did get two teeth when she was over five months old, and now, aside from breast milk, she will eat flavored biscuits (regular snacks) and fruits, but she tends to choke and vomit, so I am hesitant to give her those.
I am very worried; is her nutrition sufficient with only breast milk? Is it okay that she is not eating any solid foods? How can I encourage her to want to eat? At over seven months, she is 68 cm tall and weighs 6.5 kg; is she too thin? Since birth, she has rarely cried, and my mother says that children shouldn't be held too often, as they will get used to it, so I have held her very little.
As a result, she still cannot sit up by herself and quickly slides down when propped up.
Is her inability to sit due to not being held often, which prevents her back from being straight? Thank you very much! Mom of the little girl.

Niu de mami, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/02/18

Dr. Lin Huizhen reply Pediatrics

Dear Mommy of Niu,
I would like to inquire about your child's birth weight.
Was there any premature birth? These factors will influence our assessment standards.
Is she currently being bottle-fed with breast milk? Generally speaking, by the age of 7 months, solely consuming breast milk (600cc) is not sufficient for nutrition.
For a child's growth and development, the introduction of complementary foods is necessary.

The evaluation of a child's growth and development requires a comprehensive consideration of various factors, and it may not be possible to provide appropriate advice based solely on the information you have provided and the situation mentioned.
Additionally, regarding your concern about holding your child, infrequent holding and inability to sit up straight are not directly related.
Given your child's condition, I still recommend taking her to a pediatric outpatient clinic for a detailed evaluation and discussion with a physician.
Wishing you and your baby good health and all the best!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Lin Huizhen
Pediatrics, Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan

Reply Date: 2005/02/18

More Info

It's understandable to be concerned about your 7-month-old daughter who is primarily consuming breast milk and showing reluctance to try solid foods or formula. At this age, while breast milk is still a vital source of nutrition, it is generally recommended to start introducing complementary foods to ensure that your child receives a balanced diet that supports her growth and development.

Nutritional Needs of a 7-Month-Old
By around 6 months, infants typically require additional nutrients that breast milk alone may not provide in sufficient quantities. These include iron, zinc, and other essential vitamins and minerals. The World Health Organization (WHO) and pediatric guidelines suggest that by 6 months, babies should begin to receive solid foods alongside breast milk. This is crucial for their growth, as breast milk alone may not meet the increased nutritional demands of a growing infant.

Concerns About Weight and Growth
Your daughter’s weight of 6.5 kg (approximately 14.3 lbs) and height of 68 cm (approximately 26.8 inches) should be evaluated in the context of growth charts. While every child grows at their own pace, it’s important to monitor her growth trajectory. If she is consistently below the 5th percentile for her age, it may warrant further investigation by a pediatrician.

Introducing Solid Foods
It seems that your daughter has shown some resistance to solid foods, which is not uncommon. Many infants go through phases of food refusal, and it can take multiple attempts before they accept new textures and flavors. Here are some strategies to encourage her to try solid foods:
1. Start Slow: Introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before introducing another. This helps identify any potential allergies and allows her to adjust to new tastes.

2. Variety of Textures: Since she has teeth, you might try offering soft, mashed foods or small, soft pieces of fruits and vegetables. Foods like avocado, banana, or well-cooked sweet potatoes can be good options.

3. Make It Fun: Encourage her to explore food with her hands. Allowing her to self-feed can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

4. Model Eating: Eat together as a family and show her how you enjoy different foods. Babies often mimic their parents' behaviors.

5. Stay Calm: If she refuses food, try not to show frustration. Keep offering the food without pressure, as this can create a negative association with eating.

Addressing Feeding Concerns
If she continues to refuse solid foods and remains primarily on breast milk, it may be beneficial to consult with a pediatrician or a pediatric nutritionist. They can assess her growth, provide tailored advice, and rule out any underlying issues that may be affecting her appetite.

Developmental Milestones
Regarding her ability to sit up, it’s important to note that every child develops at their own pace. While frequent holding and interaction can support physical development, lack of holding alone is unlikely to be the sole reason for her sitting skills. Encourage tummy time and supervised play to strengthen her muscles.

Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition, it’s essential to introduce solid foods to meet your daughter’s growing nutritional needs. Monitor her growth closely, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you have concerns about her eating habits or development. With patience and encouragement, she will likely begin to explore and enjoy a wider variety of foods.

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