I don't want to eat! I won't!

Appetite problems affect all children, at every stage of development. According to doctors' estimates, children between the ages of two and five are the biggest bad eaters. It should be noted that after the intense growth in the first twelve months of life, children entering the period between two and five years of age slow down. But what can cause a lack of appetite in children?

Health problems

Infections - whether viral or bacterial cause decreased appetite - sore throat, runny nose do not encourage eating. Health problems such as anaemia, iron deficiency or parasite infections also contribute to a lack of appetite and consequently weight loss. Problems with the digestive system also play a major role - allergies, food intolerances, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome cause a range of unpleasant discomforts that a child may associate with eating. Thyroid problems can also affect reluctance to eat.

Other aspects

What else can discourage a child from eating? The unattractive appearance of the meal, monotony - yes, this also influences whether the child wants to eat. But what if the child consistently refuses to eat? In the case of newborn babies, problems with lack of appetite may be due to health problems or be the consequence of an incorrect feeding technique. In such cases, it is worth trying to contact your midwife, paediatrician or lactation consultant. In the case of infants, problems often arise when expanding the diet, in which case it is advisable to use the small steps technique and not to force the baby.

Warning signs that should give you cause for concern

There are situations where prolonged episodes of food aversion can result in serious health consequences. In a situation where you observe:

A long-lasting aversion to food,
Rapid weight loss,
Increased thirst,
More frequent urination,
Flatulence, loose stools, stools with blood
Changes in the appearance of the mucous membranes of the hair, skin, nails
Drowsiness,
Apathy,
Decreased mood,
Pruritus of the anus

If any of the above symptoms occur - contact your paediatrician. Your child may be struggling with an infection that is causing an unwillingness to eat. But what if the child does not want to eat? In addition to verifying that the underlying problem is not a health problem, it is worth rethinking the "strategy" and trying, for example, to diversify the menu. Sometimes even a change in the appearance of the meal can encourage eating - for younger children colourful meals, animal-shaped sandwiches or sandwiches decorated with fancy cut-outs from vegetables or cheese work well. If your child has favourite foods - don't give them up. At the stage of reluctance to eat, it is the favourite foods that can become the meals your child will eat most eagerly.

Importantly, limit sweets and sugar - excessive sugar intake interferes with feelings of hunger/satiety, so appetite may also be lacking. Do not under any circumstances ignore your child's reluctance to eat! Always try to find the cause, which will make it easier to respond appropriately.

way4cure.com

My baby doesn't want to eat - advice for mums of bad eaters

Related

Topics

See also in

WE RECOMMEND CATEGORY CONTENT Prevention