As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Babies go through phases just like older kids and adults do. They can get really finicky, or they can suddenly love everything. They can also go through drastic changes in eating habits for various reasons. Such a change is a cause for concern, but you don’t need to panic. If you’re very concerned, reach out to your child’s pediatrician. In the meantime, check out these possible reasons your baby isn’t eating.
Your baby may be a picky eater
It’s entirely likely that your baby could be a picky eater. Picky eating is a phase many children go through, and it typically fades naturally on its own with eager encouragement to try new things. Babies can go through these phases for a multitude of reasons. They may naturally have an aversion to certain foods, or they may simply dislike the texture of foods, just like some adults do. If your baby refuses to eat mashed peas, they may simply dislike the peas and will eat mashed up carrots just fine. Try experimenting with new foods to broaden your baby’s horizons.
They may be congested
If your baby is refusing to eat, not eating enough food, or not eating as much as they normally do, the problem could be congestion. Babies often have trouble eating when they’re feeling congested due to the excess mucus and difficulty breathing. Congestion can also affect your baby’s ability to eat if they eat in an angled or horizontal position, as this can encourage excess postnasal drip. For this, you can learn how to treat a stuffy nose in a baby or consult a doctor for further instructions and advice. When your baby is congested, try to feed them in a vertical or upright position to prevent postnasal drip while they eat.
They may not need as much food as you’re giving them
The amount of food a baby needs fluctuates based on the individual child. For example, a mother’s first baby may have eaten constantly, but her second child may not need as much food as the first. Babies also require different amounts of food at different stages in their infancy. If there has been a steep drop in how much food your child is consuming or if your child is losing weight rather than gaining it, consult a doctor.
Sincerely,
Leave a Reply