The 10.5 mo infant could simply be at a weight plateau.  I've seen this
before.  If the baby has gained weight steadily prior to this, I'd worry
less.  At 10.5 months, 17 lbs is somewhat light, but I can't comment without
knowing the baby's height and build (baby is a normal weight if she's short).
 Babies eat less well when they're sick, so it's not unusual for weight to
plateau if baby hasn't been eating well due to a cold or two.  A 10 mo infant
can certainly take extra fluids from a cup and should be eating a variety of
solid foods.  I would let the baby breastfeed, but also encourage additional
calories from cow milk in a cup (even if mom has to hold the cup until the
baby learns to use it herself--bottles should disappear on any infant by
around 12 months of age, so starting one at 10.5 months is just silly), and
lots of frequent solid food feedings.
Linda L. Shaw MD FAAP
Altoona PA

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