Can you "thicken" formula?

traveltheworld

DS was EBF for 4.5 months, he is now 5.5 months old.  Due to various reasons, we had to start introducing formula and he hates it.  We've tried various bottles, nipples, temperatures, brands, etc.  And it seems like the only way he'd take it is if we "thicken" it and give it to him while it's very warm and in a bowl (he can hold on to the bowl with help).  Has anyone thickened formula like that before?

AliciaS1411

You mean thicken it by using less water? Instead of that, why don't you try adding some baby cereal or oatmeal to it and feeding it to him that way. That'd be a good transition into solids to.  

traveltheworld

Yes, I mean "thickening" it by adding less water.  We already mix the formula with rice cereal, but I don't think he can drink enough formula that way - wouldn't he get too full from the cereal?  I just thought that maybe with "thicker" formula, we can get more into him.

IncognitoSuperhero

traveltheworld:

Yes, I mean "thickening" it by adding less water. nbsp;We already mix the formula with rice cereal, but I don't think he can drink enough formula that way wouldn't he get too full from the cereal? nbsp;I just thought that maybe with "thicker" formula, we can get more into him.

Why do you keep putting it in quotes?? I'm guessing all you are asking is if anyone else has regularly fed using less water than is suggested.

AliciaS1411

I can't imagine that it would hurt him to use less water, but you want to make sure he's staying hydrated. I'd just talk to your pedi about what to do if I were you. 

Meery82

I don't know how much truth there is to this, but it could be serious: I read that giving formula with less water regularly can lead to dehydration and trouble with kidney function. You should probably ask your pedi before trying that. They make something called ThickIt for stroke patients that have trouble swallowing. I believe it's basically cornstarch. You may want to ask the Dr about that as well. 

kdjudd

Please don't add less water than the can calls for! That puts your baby at risk for dehydration and you might accidentally expose your baby to an excess amount of vitamins which can be toxic. 

babyruth88

AliciaS1411:

I can't imagine that it would hurt him to use less water, but you want to make sure he's staying hydrated. I'd just talk to your pedi about what to do if I were you.nbsp;

this exactly. I would be afraid to give less water duento dehydration. I would definatly talk to the.pediatrician. anytime i have questions about my daughter they are my best friend

LadySnowblood

Well you can but you should ask the pedi first. There is a certain way to do it. We have to concentrate LO's formula because he is having trouble gaining weight. But our pedi had to give us the ratio of formula to water to use based on his age and weight.

PaMommy02

No! Formula has to be made according to directions. You cant use less water, thats dangerous. Its 1scoop to 2oz water.

You could use the formula (prepared correctly) to make your LO's cereal, then spoon feed him the cereal. That might get your LO used to the taste of formula.

A EBF baby refusing formula is very common. Just keep at it. A baby wont starve himself. Good Luck!