Baby isn't eating... Am I doing something wrong?
Has feeding your baby become a nightmare for weeks? Does he refuse everything you offer, even things he used to ask for? No, you're not a bad parent! Several factors can cause your child's lack of appetite. Take a deep breath and read on…
Illness, toothache, growth... Your delicious meals aren't necessarily the cause!
Is your baby losing some of their legendary appetite? Don't panic! Here are the most common reasons for loss of appetite in young children:
- Your baby may be teething . The pressure exerted by food on the jaw can be painful, so your baby will likely turn their head away from the spoon you offer them.
- Check that your baby doesn't have a fever or consult your pediatrician to make sure they aren't sick. Ear infections, sore throats, or digestive issues can all reduce a baby's appetite.
- If your baby was vaccinated recently, it is very likely that he/she sleeps a lot and is not very hungry.
When the problem lies with the contents of the meal... no worries!
- If your child is between 2 and 3 years old, it is certainly a case of " food neophobia ", which is very common at that age.
- If he only refuses his green vegetables , it may not be because he is not hungry, but rather because he needs to get used to more bitter flavors .
- Beware of snacking and sugary drinks between meals, which fill the stomach and suppress the feeling of hunger at mealtimes.
In any case, most nutritionists and pediatricians agree that a child who does not eat large quantities but grows well (you can see it on their growth chart in the health record) is reassuring.
Good solutions to get everything back to normal
You are now reassured, but you are probably thinking, "What can be done to make this hunger strike end?"
- It makes perfect sense, but it's not something you necessarily think of at first; don't hesitate to talk about it with your pediatrician .
- Be patient . If your child's weight curve is growing normally, it may be a transitional phase that will pass... feel free to consult the many ideas and tips that we regularly publish on the Parents' Blog that make little ones love fruits and vegetables.
- Promote a calm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere during your baby's mealtime.
- "After the time, it's too late." This famous saying also applies to your baby's lunch and dinner. Forget the idea of offering them more of their purée until they'll swallow two bites and wait until the next mealtime . If they didn't eat at the previous meal, they're very likely to eagerly devour the small dish you serve them.
- Avoid distractions such as a television on or toys within reach that could divert your baby from the "mealtime" activity.
Sources:
Stéphanie Côté, nutritionist (http://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/etape/1_3_ans/alimentation/fiche.aspx?doc=bg-naitre-grandir-enfant-alimentation-caprice-alimentaire) http://sante.lefigaro.fr/sante/symptome/perte-dappetit/chez-lenfant
