Patient's question:
The baby used to sleep through the night for six months, but after starting solid food, they had sticky bowel movements for a month. Now it's better, but during that time, they stopped breastfeeding and drank rice porridge and vomit-inducing formula. Now at seven and a half months, the baby only eats apple puree, pumpkin, and rice porridge for solid food. Now they cry at night, like they're hungry, but wake up every hour or so, and they wake up around the same time each day. When they wake up, they cry, and no comforting works—so they have to be fed. Each feeding lasts for an hour or so, and if they fall asleep and are removed, they start crying again. Now, I don't understand what the reason is.Doctor's answer:
Based on the above situation, it is likely that your baby is experiencing calcium deficiency. In the early stages of calcium deficiency, babies may exhibit symptoms such as excessive sweating, bald spots on the back of the head, irritability, crying, poor sleep, night sweats, night terrors, and frequent waking. For your baby's condition, it is recommended that the mother diversify her diet. The baby's complementary foods can include more calcium-rich options. Sunlight exposure should also be increased to enhance calcium absorption. It is advisable to give the baby acidic calcium supplements, such as calcium gluconate or calcium lactate, as they are better for absorption. It is essential to take calcium absorption enhancers like cod liver oil or Ad drops together to improve calcium absorption. Wishing your baby a speedy recovery.