Help, my 16 month old suddenly refusing bottle and only drinking water minimally from sippy cup

mrsrep123

Help STMs! Last night, my 16 month old woke up in the middle of the night. Changed his diaper and tried giving him a bottle but he refused, which he had never done. He actually put it in his mouth and then took it out and handed it back to me. ??? He just cried and cried and was restless. Me holding and cuddling him didn't help either.  He isn't sick... may be teething and is going through leap 10 (stormy week 1-2).  I gave him teething crackers and he finally drank some water from his sippy cup. He finally fell asleep next to us for a hours. He woke up his normal self but didn't want a bottle or water this morning. He didn't want solid food at breakfast either. He just wanted puffs, veggie creamies, and teething crackers. All day, still refusing bottle andvtaking sips of water here and there. What's going on? I need your wisdom!

doodleoodle

He could be teething and certain things may be painful to eat and it could be painful to suck, or he could just be asserting his independence. I would offer juicy fruit, make smoothies with milk etc. to make sure he's getting enough liquids. I would try not to make it a big deal if he refuses, easier said than done, just in case it is about control for him. To make sure he's getting enough dairy you can also offer cheese, yogurt etc. I would give your pediatrician a call to rule out an ear infection as well. I hope he starts eating/drinking better soon! 

Mack2342

I agree with previous post.  My little one skipped dinner all together last night. He refused everything we offered him.  However, he ate this morning. So I think he was either inserting his independence or he just wasn't hungry.  I didn't push the issue.  If it had continued I would have made a call to dr.  Sometimes they are just not interested in eating well.  Every so often my son will have a few days where he wants very little to eat but will drink a ton of milk and water.   Then the next week I can't feed him enough food.  My son will be 16 months on Christmas.  I think if it's one day it's nothing to be concerned with but if it continues you may want to discuss with doctor. 

mrsrep123

Thanks @doodleoodle and @mack2342! 

Update:  S is back to eating better but drinking water from his sippy cup only when he's really thirsty, at least it appears that way.  Still getting wet and dirty diapers so not feeling as stressed out about it all. Bright side to all of this: he self weaned from bottles and toddler formula at 16 months on his own literally overnight! 

Mack2342

@mrsrep123. That's great news!