Answered by Loraine Stern M.D.
"I adore children and being a pediatrician because of all the hugging and laughing that we do," say Loraine Stern, M.D.
Loraine Stern, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics at U.C.L.A., has been in private pediatric practice for 35 years. Dr. Stern wrote for Woman's Day magazine from 1986 to 2005. She is a former editor of and contributor to Healthy Kids magazine. She has published two books on child care and has edited a book about pediatric nutrition for the American Academy of Pediatrics. A spokesperson for children and families, Dr. Stern has appeared on national networks and programs such as CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America.
Dr. Stern has two stepchildren but no animals or even green plants.
Question
My 21-month-old doesn't eat solids—can he live on milk alone?
Answer
The problem with milk is that it is not complete nutrition. Relying on one food alone can lead to deficiencies such as iron-deficiency anemia. Make sure your pediatrician checks your child's growth and does some blood tests to evaluate that.
I have dealt with this problem from time to time in my practice and it has always been a challenge. In fact, I am treating an 18-month-old now who has accepted only breast milk. This is more than picky eating. It is usually due to an underlying issue such as oral hypersensitivity or oral defensiveness. Children may be extremely sensitive and averse to textures, odors, or tastes in routine foods. They may have an inability to be messy and become agitated if their hands or faces are dirty.
There is no quick fix. Your child needs to be evaluated by someone skilled at diagnosing and treating these issues. Usually a university hospital offers resources such as occupational therapists or feeding problem clinics that can start a program of gradual desensitization and behavioral therapy. In time, this treatment can overcome the problem.
