My 14 month old is still on formula (recent switch to nutramigen) and we tried the rice cereal to thicken it and give him more calories. It caused major gastro problems. So, now we give him some cooking oil in his formula for the calories.

What do you use for thickening and for calories?

Cooking oil, butter and margarine are great things to add, as long as the fatty content doesn't make the reflux worse. You could also see about adding protein powder and a calorie fortifier.

We are unable to use the butter at present as the allergist wants him off of all milk, milk products, casein, whey, and soy. I will find out next week if we can try some of it again as he does not test as allergic to any of it. She says it might be gut allergy. So, we are trying the cooking oil. I can not believe that he will actually drink this stuff! Not only is he on nutramigen that smells icky, he now has this floating blob to cope with as well! The good news is that the oil has tons of calories in it at 42 calories per teaspoon.

I never thought about the fatty content perhaps causing discomfort. Looks like we are in for a lot of trial and error and lets look and see. I went through that with my middle son for his gastro problem.

Once I see the nutritionist I assume that we will get some calorie boosters, correct? We are not able to try the boost, resolve(?) etc. due to the milk and soy restriction.

Leigh

Hi Leigh -- I actually just posted info on calorie boosters in the miscellaneous section. Obviously you'll need to take into consideration your son's allergies (or possible allergies) and the discomfort the additional fat may cause.

yes, alot of it is trial and error, and each refluxer is different too, adding to the frustration :? You just have to find the right little fix for your refluxer :D

Once I see the nutritionist I assume that we will get some calorie boosters, correct? We are not able to try the boost, resolve(?) etc. due to the milk and soy restriction.
I would think so, Leigh. Boost and other milky beverages didn't agree with Evan either. The dietitian helped us to find things that worked.

we tried the rice cereal to thicken it and give him more calories. It caused major gastro problems.

Have you tried oatmeal cereal to thicken. I hear it helps some babies with constipation. Just a thought... :)

No, actually I have not tried the oatmeal cereal. Makes sense as he seemed to tolerate it prior. I just was fixated on the rice cereal as the allergist was the one who reccommended it. Now I feel daft for not thinking of it! :oops:

Thanks as I shall give it a go! :D

Leigh