Baby Care
Updated on 6 November 2023
Medically Reviewed by
Dt. Mansi Goyal
Specializes in Critical Gestational Diabetes, PCOS Patients - BSC| MSC (Home Science, Food & Nutrition)
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As a parent, one of the most worrying things is when your baby starts refusing food. While it's common for babies and children to have occasional picky eating habits, there could be other underlying reasons why a child may not be eating. There can be multiple reasons behind a baby not eating food and it's important to understand these reasons in order to find a solution.
In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind a baby refusing to eat, signs to look out for, causes, health risks, and how to increase baby appetite.
Loss of appetite in babies is when a baby refuses to eat or shows a lack of interest in food. This can be a temporary phase or a long-term issue. It's important to note that babies have small stomachs and their appetite can vary from day to day. However, if your child refuses to eat anything or is losing weight, it's important to seek medical advice.
Here are some signs to look out for that may signal a loss of appetite in your baby:
Refusing to open their mouth when presented with food
Spitting out food
Throwing food or utensils
Crying or fussing during feeding times
Taking only a few bites before refusing to eat more
Consistently refusing to eat certain foods or food groups
Losing weight or not gaining weight as expected
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take action to help your baby regain their appetite.
You may also like: How to Gradually Incorporate New Food Items into Your Baby’s Diet?
Now, let us understand the possible reasons for a baby refusing to eat:
Babies may lose their appetite due to illness, such as infections or a sore throat. Sore throat can make swallowing difficult and result in decreased appetite. Similarly, infections such as flu and ear infections can cause pain and make it difficult for babies to eat. Teething can also cause discomfort and pain, leading to a loss of appetite.
Any significant changes in a baby's routine or environment, such as starting daycare or traveling, can affect their appetite. Babies may feel unsettled and less inclined to eat during such transitions.
Overfeeding can lead to a baby feeling full and not hungry, while underfeeding can result in a lack of energy and decreased appetite.
Babies with food allergies or intolerances may experience digestive issues or discomfort after consuming certain foods. This can lead to a loss of appetite.
Babies can pick up on their parents' stress or anxiety, which may affect their appetite. Emotional stress or changes in the family dynamic can also impact a baby's eating habits.
Certain medications can have side effects that affect a baby's appetite. It is important to consult with a doctor about any potential effects of medications on a baby's appetite.
Babies go through various developmental stages, and these changes can affect their appetite. For example, during growth spurts, babies may experience fluctuations in their appetite as their nutritional needs increase. Similarly, babies' growth slows down after the first six months, so their calorie intake decreases accordingly.
Understanding the cause of your baby's loss of appetite can help you find a solution.
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If your child refuses to eat anything, it may raise the following health concerns for them:
Malnutrition is a significant health risk for babies who refuse to eat. Malnutrition can result from inadequate protein or energy intake. Malnourishment can cause unintentional weight loss, reduced appetite, and slow growth in children. If left untreated, malnutrition can lead to severe illness and even death.
Dehydration is another risk associated with not eating food. When a baby doesn't eat enough, they may not be getting enough fluids, which can cause dehydration. Dehydration can cause fatigue, irritability, and in severe cases, seizures and shock.
When a baby doesn't get the nutrients they need, their growth and development may be affected. Slow growth, changes in behavior, and low energy levels are common symptoms in underdeveloped children.
Babies who don't eat enough may not have the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy immune system. This can lead to frequent illnesses and infections.
Hunger can cause irritability and fussiness in babies, which can lead to behavioral issues like tantrums and difficulty sleeping.
Malnutrition and dehydration are the most serious health risks associated with a baby's loss of appetite. It's important to seek medical advice if you have concerns about your baby's health.
You may also like: Top 10 Tips to Manage a Fussy Eater Toddler
Having understood the causes and health risks of baby loss of appetite, let us now understand how to increase baby appetite:
Establish regular meal and snack times to create a structured eating schedule.
Introduce a wide range of nutritious foods to encourage interest and prevent boredom.
Create a pleasant and relaxed environment during meals by engaging in positive interactions and conversation.
Try not to have anything around your baby that may distract them from the food on their plate. For example, you can probably tell your child some interesting stories while you feed them.
Encourage the baby to try different foods, even if they initially reject them. It may take several attempts before they develop a liking for certain flavors or textures.
Instead of overwhelming the baby with large portions, provide frequent small meals and snacks to stimulate their appetite.
Avoid a boring menu and introduce something more attractive and exciting. Try to offer your baby foods in different colours and shapes to appeal to their senses.
Ensure that the baby stays hydrated by offering fluids like water or breast milk/formula in between meals.
Make sure that you increase the zinc portion in your child's meal. Lack of zinc in your baby's body affects the appetite.
There are certain ingredients that, when mixed into your baby's food, will improve digestion. Ajwain, Hing, ginger and cinnamon are great ways of enhancing your baby's appetite.
One of the most important rules is - never to force-feed your baby. Forcing your baby to eat food may put them off food even more. Let your baby decide when he/she is full.
Praise and reward the baby for eating well or trying new foods, which can reinforce positive eating behaviors.
If despite constant efforts to increase your baby’s appetite, you don’t see any positive results, it may be best to consult a pediatrician who can help diagnose the reason and recommend an effective solution.
It's important to remember that each baby is unique and what works for one may not work for another. Finding the best approach to increase your baby's appetite may take time and patience.
Loss of appetite in babies can be a worrying experience for parents. However, with patience and persistence, it's possible to help your baby regain their appetite. Understanding the reasons for a baby not eating food, signs to look out for, and ways to increase your baby's appetite can help you find a solution. If you have concerns about your baby's health, seek medical advice.
1. Lifschitz CH. (2001). Feeding Problems in Infants and Children. Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol.
2. Yang HR. (2017). How to approach feeding difficulties in young children. Korean J Pediatr.
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Medically Reviewed by
Dt. Mansi Goyal
Specializes in Critical Gestational Diabetes, PCOS Patients - BSC| MSC (Home Science, Food & Nutrition)
View Profile
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An expert in content marketing, Shaveta is an alumnus of IIT, Bombay, she knows what the audience is looking for. She ha
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