Normally, I don’t worry about an 8-month-old that won’t eat solids yet. The eating usually improves over the next few months. However, I am worried that your daughter is following her brother’s footsteps and might end up having a legitimate nutritional problem. 24 pounds is very small for a 3-year-old. I have more questions than answers for you on this one. Is there some sort of chewing or swallowing reflex problem? A speech pathologist or occupational therapist could help evaluate for this. Could this be GER (Gastro-esophageal reflux)? Your doctor might be able to help you look for the other clues: spitting up, fussy, poor sleeper, foul breath, and hoarse voice. Your doctor can also see the big picture that includes overall health and development for any clues to a metabolic problem. Maybe there is some other sensory aversion to the textures of solid foods – again, an occupational therapist might be a good specialist to visit. Boosting nutrition in both kids also will need to be a focus. Continued breastfeeding for the young one will be important. For the older child: Avoid junk food, and find nutrient dense foods that he likes. If he likes to dip, then California avocado (guacamole), hummus, and full fat yogurt are great.
Dr. Jim