Hi, Moms.
My toddler is underweight. We are seeing a nutritionist and I have offered many different foods and drinks--both dairy and nondairy. Another mother recently mentioned using Pediasure. Does any of you know of a more "natural" drink or supplement similar to Pediasure? For example, has anyone used Kefir? Even a drink with fewer ingredients than Pediasure would decrease the possibility of having allergic reactions. Allergies are an issue for us.
Thank you in advance.
Amy
Thank you to everyone who responded to this request. You have given me some new information and also confirmed some of what I already knew. I feel confident that I can continue to help my son gain weight without relying on supplements like Pediasure, at least for now. Currently, he is more interested in new and different foods, rather than in drinks. To those of you who offered ideas for liquid nutrition and other supplements, thank you. I might ask you about these options at some later time. I feel much better knowing that so many mothers responded to my request. Also, my son is not in any danger, so I don't want to give that impression. He just needs to continue to gain weight. Thanks again. Amy
Kefir is a staple in our house. My daughter (age 3) eats it with her cereal, instead of using milk. We pour it over Kashi Heart or Heart cereal and she likes it best that way. Or she eats it alone.
Does your toddler still drink whole or 2% milk? Giving a little whole milk to add a little fat wouldn't be a bad thing...also, what about avacados? It's one of the best toddler foods in the world! Lots of good fat, and delicious too!
My daughter's been underweight since she was 6 months old, but the doc said not to worry since it's been consistent (she's been in the 5th percentile for weight every appt since 6 months). He did suggest making sure she eats a lot of cheese and that I put olive oil or butter on her veggies and pasta and things of that nature to give her a little more fat. She loves veggies and I didn't want to mess with them by adding something, but I do use sour cream in her mashed potatoes instead of just milk and I put butter on her toast and cook her eggs in a skillet in butter (used to just microwave with nothing) and things of that nature. I do put olive oil on her pasta and parmesean.
Our pediatrician actually said to make sure to only give her Pediasure a little before bed so that it didn't interfere with her eating (don't want her to fill up on that and then not eat). She hates it so we gave up on that.
I agree most with Regina at this point, I do know my kids all love the Slimfast Chocolate and Strawberry is yummy. Avocados actually help to increase the absorbtion of other nutrients, so if you can make meals that are liked with it, do!! My kids love it on a sandwich and in dips. Just eating the slices plain are great too. Whole milk, may help. Give them healthy favorites more often. Not being rigid is really helpful!!
Hi Amy - my son saw a nutritionist as well a few years ago. He was underweight too and she had him drinking Ensure (which is just like Pediasure). He was only on it for 3 months and gained all the weight she wanted him to (but he didn't use it A LOT). I agree... maybe run this past your pediatrician to see what they recommend or see what a place like GNC has. They more than likely DO carry something organic like you're looking for but it may not be for kids though since a place like that isn't really geared towards kids. BUT - you could use that info and look more into what they may offer for kids with those ingredients.
Another thought: Try "Googling" it - I bet that will work!! Good Luck -
My daughter (she's 6) loves Kefir, but I'm not sure if it would provide what you are looking for as far as weight gain. Have you thought of calling Whole Foods, or GNC or someplace like that and asking if they have an organic version of PediaSure? That might be worth the effort to prevent allergy probs. My daughter has an allergy to food dyes and Whole Foods almost always has an alternative to any food we are looking for.
Hope this helps!
'M.
-- PS - this might seem crazy, but ask about SlimFast drinks too- if they have more calories than he is getting now, that would also help do the trick. They don't have anything in them to help lose weight, they are just food substitute drinks. Also ask about EnSure. (I would ask the nutritionists first if either of these would work, then when you call the organic groceries you can ask about all 3 if she says they are alright- at least you might have a chance of finding ONE of them in organic or more "natural" form.
My son is also on the lighter side, but my dr was not worried because his growth was steady. I just feed him normal food (no ensure--which can be constipating--or anything like that) and he actually had a growth spurt and caught up in his own time.
We have issues with food allergies/intolerances too. My son ate better when I got the foods he had issues with out of his diet (dairy, lentils and wheat). I think his tummy was upset so he was not eating.
E.
Dear Amy,
Do you know what your toddler is allergic to? I know of some great natural solution to help. If you are interested please e-mail me.
B.
Funny you should ask this question. I was just listening to a nutrition CD. A Pediatrician ENT is talking on it and mentions how she has helped children raise their percentile in a few short weeks using natural a specific natural product.
Her name is Dr Ann White. I'd be happy to copy her section on a CD and mail it to you for your evaluation. Just reply back and let me know your address.
D. V.
