Does anyone give this to his/her child? What has the outcome been like from doing so
?

My pediatrician recommended it before he realized that I was still bf-ing. He said it's very good for ff babies, but bf babies don't need it. If your bf-ing baby is nursing a lot, they won't get dehydrated like a ff baby will.

So, I've avoided it thus far.

I've heard good things about it from the moms who need to use it, however.

Jacqui

Could you clarify for me? Did your pediatrician think that formula fed babies get dehydrated as a rule or in special cases?

I started giving my son pediasure around 15 months or so. He is not a big eater and I was concerned about it. I didn't ask his dr. I just did it. He loves his "num-num" drink. He usuallay gets a can (8 oz) before bed if he hasn't eaten well during the day. Dylan is about 34 inches tall and 30 pounds. He's never had the typical baby fat but isn't skinny-minny either.

Could you clarify for me? Did your pediatrician think that formula fed babies get dehydrated as a rule or in special cases?
I think you are thinking of Pedilyte. Pediasure is like Enusre or Boost.

Oops! You are right! :lol:

Pediasure he told me I didn't need b/c I was bf-ing and that wasn't about dehydration but about nurtition! :lol: Sorry! :blush:

He told me that bf babies didn't need pediasure b/c they were still getting the nutrients in the bm that ff babies don't get. :)

Oops! You are right! :lol:

Pediasure he told me I didn't need b/c I was bf-ing and that wasn't about dehydration but about nurtition! :lol: Sorry! :blush:

He told me that bf babies didn't need pediasure b/c they were still getting the nutrients in the bm that ff babies don't get. :)Ok so I will revise my question... your ped. feels that formula feed babies don't get enough nutrition from formula and therefore need pediasure?

For me it was that at an age where formula isn't usually given (after 1 year) I needed something that would give Dylan the nutrients and fill him up if he hadn't eaten well. Dylan is also lactose intolerant.
Another point for me was that I wanted to wean off the bottle. I didn't want to give him formula in a cup. Pediasure is the next best thing.

We actually haven't used Pediasure, but use Carnation Instant Breakfast instead. Same concept, but cheaper. Alyssa is just not a big eater, and some days it's easier to get her to drink a glass of chocolate milk (made with the carnation) rather than forcing her to eat more. She's 3.5 years old and about 28 pounds. Haven't had her height measured for a while, but last I knew she was 37 inches. So she's a little peanut! She's healthy, but I feel that somedays she needs that extra nutrition boost.

amy

Ok so I will revise my question... your ped. feels that formula feed babies don't get enough nutrition from formula and therefore need pediasure?
I think she is still confusing pediasure with pedialyte. My ped also said breastfed babies don't need pedialyte when sick, unlike formula fed babies. Now pediasure, in my understanding, is to supplement nutrition for babies who are no longer taking breast milk or formula...if your child is still getting all the many nutrients of bm/formula pediasure wouldn't be necesarry, but if your child won't eat very well and is not longer breast fed/formula fed then pediasure can help...

Anyway, my toddler has a lot of weight gain issues, but my ped thinks pediasure and the like are unecessary due to the fact that she is still breast fed and what pediasure gives is extra nutrients and vitamins which she already gets from bm. She also has no problem eating all her fruit and veggies...

That's right Jillian!

Ok so I will revise my question... your ped. feels that formula feed babies don't get enough nutrition from formula and therefore need pediasure?I had the same thoughts as you! I can't imagine that any ped would believe that babies aren't getting enough nutrition from formula that is specifically designed to give babies the needed nutrition. Maybe Jacqui is still thinking pedialyte. :)

Again I think the whole issue is a child that is off formula and breastfeeding. If they aren't big eaters around 18months and up it is a good idea to get the extra nutrients into their bodies.

No, my pediatrician said that formula fed babies don't get the same nutrition as bf babies (which is definitely true, b/c they can't manufacture an exact replica), so he said that sometimes ff babies, as well as babies who are off formula or bm, will need some extra nutritional supplement, either in the form of vitamins or a drink supplement. He said that he encourages ff mothers to give their babies vitamin supplements or something like that sort of pediasure, but bf-ing mothers don't need to do that since the baby gets what he/she needs from the bm, especially older babies who nurse less and get more intense amounts of the nutrients in the bm.

That's not to say that formula is "bad"... it's just not perfect like bm, and sometimes it needs to be supplemented.

And if the baby is put on something other than bm or formula before a year of age, then definitely some sort of extra nutritional supplement is necessary.

WOW! I have never heard that! And I thought I had heard everything. :lol:

I don't think anyone would argue that BM isn't the exact same as Formula. But, our ped has never mentioned anything about our FF baby needing a supplement to meet her nutritional requirements. In fact, we were told that for her first 6 months of life there was no need -- other than social for baby food or cereal.

Actually, it's one of the reasons that the AAP recommends ff babies starting solids sooner than bf babies, and that vitamins are highly recommended for ff babies.

Also, I know that the person was probably thinking of their toddler, who is off formula, but a lot of moms now bf toddlers. Toddlers are notorious for being exceptionally picky eaters. So, b/c I'm still bf-ing, I don't have to worry about things like pediasure b/c my toddler still gets her nutritional needs met through the bm. Once babies go off bm or formula to go onto cow's milk, it's always going to need some sort of supplement, for sure, b/c cow's milk is genetically engineered for cows, not humans. So, it's made to build strong legs (to carry all that weight) whereas human milk is created to build strong brains. So, when you go to something inferior, you have to nutritionally supplement somehow.

When parents stop nursing at a year or stop ff at a year, then there is usually a need for vitamins or some other nutritional supplement. If you are still nursing your toddler, then you definitely don't need to nutritionally supplement.

Well I am kinda getting off the topic, or moving it a different directiong... but, do you give them pediasure AND whole milk, or in place of? Landon just isn't a big fan of cow's milk... and he's on a nursing strike. (hopefully, not weaning cold turkey) So, I am just wondering about the pediasure thing.

I also have never heard of formula babies also needing pediasure. Yes, bm cannot be duplicated, but formula still has lots of stuff in it. (fortified) Also they get other nutrients from food they eat. I think most dr's would give a vitamin first rather then filling them up on more liquids.

My niece was on pediasure when she was little, but that was because she wouldn't eat anything. She had a feeding tube and we'd feed her the pediasure at night through that. So, I can see it for those uses... but in addition to formula AND solids..wow, I just can't imagine!

I think it's in place of whole milk... cuz it's like a milkshake, right?

I wouldn't use it in place of whole milk as it is like a meal replacement.
Yes it is like a milkshake but is lactose free. I use it in addition to soy milk as well.
My son's daily intake usually consists of a nutrigrain bar for breakfast or an apple. Some crackers or chicken nuggets at lunch. Yogurt and something else for supper. These all alternate but he really doesn't at much at all.
From experience if he doesn't have a filling snack before bed he will wake up around 3am and is hungry.
There are days when he eats well and I will just give him soy milk with a small snack.
However on days when he has barley nibbled anything he gets pediasure with his snack.
He only gets it once a day at the most at bedtime. If he doesn't finish that is ok.
I will not give it to him in place of any meal becaue I want him to eat during the day.
Like I mentioned before my son is 21 months old, weighs maybe 30 pounds and is about 34 inches tall.
My advice is to encourage solids during the day and if you are concerned about their intake before bed offer the pediasure.

They are lactose free? how wonderful! I know so many moms who have babies with milk allergies!

I added more to my post.

Actually, it's one of the reasons that the AAP recommends ff babies starting solids sooner than bf babies, and that vitamins are highly recommended for ff babies.
After reading this I grew concerned that my Alex wasn't getting what she needed nutritionally. I looked on the AAP site for the above recommendation and couldn't find it. Would you mind pointing me to the article? THANKS!

While searching, I did find this about BF babies needing to make sure they were getting enough Vitamin D. So here is an FYI for the BF babies out there!

"Exclusively breastfed infants are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and rickets. This is because human milk typically contains only small amounts of vitamin D, insufficient to prevent rickets." http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/aprvitamin.htm (http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/aprvitamin.htm)

2. Q: Why is it necessary to give vitamin D supplements to my breastfeeding baby? Doesn’t human milk have all the essential nutrients for babies?

A. The AAP recommends breastfeeding of infants for at least 12 months and for as long thereafter as the mother and infant desire. However, human milk does not contain enough vitamin D to prevent rickets. Sunlight is the usual source of vitamin D production in the skin.

3. Q: If my baby goes out in the sunlight every day or every other day for an hour or so, isn’t that enough?

A: It may be enough sunlight exposure in some parts of the country throughout the year, but sunlight exposure is difficult to measure. Factors such as the amount of pigment in your baby’s skin and skin exposure affect how much vitamin D is produced by your body from sunlight. In the more northern parts of the country during the winter, the amount of sunlight is not enough for any baby. Exposing infants and children’s skin to sunlight has been shown to increase the risk for skin cancer later in life. We now recommend that infants and young children not be in direct sunlight when they are outside, particularly infants younger than 6 months of age. Sunscreens should be used on all children when in sunlight but it prevents vitamin D formation in the skin.

http://www.aap.org/family/vitdpatients.htm

Lissa, I didn't feel Landon was getting enough breastmilk to get the vitamins that he needed. Antibodies, yes... but not so much nutritional. After age one it's less nutritional and more just for the antibodies. So, about a week ago I got some enfamil liquid vitadrops for him. Thanks for sharing that information, I knew that the vitamin D was an issue, but I was told with a good diet and sunlight exposure that it shouldn't be an issue. :)

Actually, it's one of the reasons that the AAP recommends ff babies starting solids sooner than bf babies, and that vitamins are highly recommended for ff babies.

Also, I know that the person was probably thinking of their toddler, who is off formula, but a lot of moms now bf toddlers. Toddlers are notorious for being exceptionally picky eaters. So, b/c I'm still bf-ing, I don't have to worry about things like pediasure b/c my toddler still gets her nutritional needs met through the bm. Once babies go off bm or formula to go onto cow's milk, it's always going to need some sort of supplement, for sure, b/c cow's milk is genetically engineered for cows, not humans. So, it's made to build strong legs (to carry all that weight) whereas human milk is created to build strong brains. So, when you go to something inferior, you have to nutritionally supplement somehow.

When parents stop nursing at a year or stop ff at a year, then there is usually a need for vitamins or some other nutritional supplement. If you are still nursing your toddler, then you definitely don't need to nutritionally supplement.
I know that you are very pro-breastfeeding which is great. However to make a parent feel bad for not bf is unacceptable. I was unable to breastfeed. I didn't chose not to b/f. My son was sick.
I was also unable to find the info that ff babies need to start solids sooner than bf babies. All formulas have the right nutrients and vitamins.
It's the bm that lacks the vitamin d.
Even if a parent stops bf or ff at a year there isn't a need for a supplement unless they aren't eating. If your toddler doesn't want to nurse and is a pciky eater he/she MAY need a supplement.
Can you please put your sources here so we can read what you say they are saying?

Sorry, never meant to make anyone feel bad.

It's that the AAP says starting solids between 4-6 months of age, but then they say that exclusively bf infants don't need solids before 6 months of age. It's a connection that I made that they may not have intended. What the entire AAP puts out sometimes clashes with what the Breastfeeding section puts out, which isn't always surprising in a large organization, I guess.

I certainly never intended any harm to anyone or to upset anyone. I'll just walk away now and keep my mouth shut when I'm around non-bf mothers.

It's that the AAP says starting solids between 4-6 months of age, but then they say that exclusively bf infants don't need solids before 6 months of age. It's a connection that I made that they may not have intended. What the entire AAP puts out sometimes clashes with what the Breastfeeding section puts out, which isn't always surprising in a large organization, I guess.

I certainly never intended any harm to anyone or to upset anyone. I'll just walk away now and keep my mouth shut when I'm around non-bf mothers.
A comment like that is what I am talking about. I support bf/extended bf. Like I said I couldn't breastfeed. I think it's great that you are able to do this. Not all mom's can or chose to.
You are not superior because you breastfeed. It is a personal choice.

bAck on topic here....
We give Aidan pediasure at times. We started it recently. He is 22 months old and for most of his life, he was NOT a picky eater. He's eat anything I gave him. In the past few months, its gotten worse & worse...partially b/c he is a typical toddler, partially b/c he is teething again and he goes on eating strikes when teething. So, if we've had a particularily bad food intake day, I will give him pediasure right before bed, so that he doesnt go to bed on an empty tummy. However, it is my last resort...I always try nutritious solids first...esp. ones that are jam packed with good for you stuff.

Mary, I want to apologize for this thread going off topic. I just had to defend my point. Thanks, Karri.

As for the Pediasure thing with Dylan we are trying a new schedule. He is now getting it in the AM as he never wants to eat when he gets up. I have lots of other snacks that are good that we are going to try.

I hope things are going well.

Thanks for getting this back on topic, Karri!!


Just in case anyone can't remember the original question:

Does anyone give this to his/her child? What has the outcome been like from doing so?

We bought a case of 6 or something like that this weekend. Janelle is a good eater usually, but she likes fruit and veggies the best, no fat in those at all. I had to wean her last week :( , something I never even considered doing untill I was 2 1/2 cm, 25% effaced, and contracting every 2-3 minutes at 29 wks pregnant. So we decided to have pediasure on hand just in case she has a bad eating day that used to be made up for in 4-6 nursing sessions a day.

We haven't used Pediasure yet but may start doing so. Our daughter, K, is currently receiving therapy for a delay in eating solid foods -- she doesn't eat enough solids to fill her up and subsequently is still on formula at the age of 14 months. Her pediatrician never recommended Pediasure in addition to the formula, however K has recently started waking in the night wanting a bottle after a few months of sleeping through the night. Another mom (you know who you are :) ) suggested Pedisure as a possible solution, and our therapist said sure, give it a try. Another suggestion I've heard is to add whole milk to powdered formula in lieu of water.

I"m thinking about giving Kalynn Pediasure...I may have to ask about it at her next appt.

Kalynn is not a good eater at all, I guess because of her being a typical toddler (she's 17 months). I wonder if I could give it to her as a snack, like in between meals?

I am a HUGE Pediasure person..ONLY BECAUSE...

My son Tylor has always been a picky eater..At ate 8 he is only 46 lbs. He is very small and tiny for his age..but you also have to understand I am only 4'11.

At age 2 there was some consern that Tylor was not only no eating but also had low..very dangerously low iron..Many things attributed to the iron deficiency..#1 he loved Tea and we found later..after about 10 specialists couldn't figure it out..that Iron runs straight through you if your drinking Tea and have a low iron count to begin with. SO finally I find a wonderful pedi who figures it out..BUt at the time he was on 3 cans of Pediasure a day..VERY EXPENSIVE..but also full of vitamins and nutrition he was not getting from meals. He LOVED milk..and we did not replace his cups of Milk with it..It was added to a meal. We always made him eat but we added a cup of pediasure in as snacks and at the end of a meal. I have kept him on it also. Just about a year ago I stopped because with school it was to hard. But he was down to about 1 can a day. IT will not harm them and it is very good for children. I was a nursing mother..I gave him all the nutrition that I could..This was after. And as I think Mary is asking she needs extra nutrition?

Now with my daughter Alyssa..who turned 2 in December and is 37inches tall and only 23 lbs. 14 oz. I asked the Dr if he recomended giving it to her and he said as active and healthy as she is (and she loves to eat) that she is just running off all her weight..She is as healthy as can be and it is not necessary..But if I have any concerns of feel that she has stopped eating then by all means go ahead and give it to her.

Jayne

Okay, how do you afford pediasure!?!? It was like $11 for 6 cans!!!

Just thought I'd pop back in here and say we're skipping the Pediasure, at least for now. Upon further consideration, I decided adding another item to Kiaeryn's life that would eventually need to be phased out was probably best saved as a last resort. Instead, I've been encouraging an extra one or two feedings per day of solid foods (we're in the kitchen all the time!) and have had some success. :rahrah: Looking at the price Ashley posted, I'll be glad to avoid going down this road.

Since we switched his Pedisaure to the AM, Dylan's appetite as actually increased.:rahrah:

We bought a case of 6 or something like that this weekend. Janelle is a good eater usually, but she likes fruit and veggies the best, no fat in those at all. So we decided to have pediasure on hand just in case she has a bad eating day that used to be made up for in 4-6 nursing sessions a day.
Well we bought the pediasure, and we gave her the pediasure, and then we dumped all 6 of them down the sink in the course of a week...she will NOT drink it...we've tried chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

Pediasure is very very expensive. It is rough to afford..and believe me we thought we were going to go broke in the beginning but we did what we had to..Another thing you can do instead of the pediasure is ensure. It has the same vitamins and great taste..it is cheaper..:dunno: MY dr. said Tylor could have this at age 3 if we wanted to make the switch.

Jayne