This is one of the biggest worries moms have: if baby isn't eating (or not enough), something is wrong. But there is rarely cause for alarm, because at this stage of life, apart from possible pathological events, children's lack of appetite is quite normal. We give you the reasons and how to deal with the most “difficult” cases.
A baby's body is perfectly capable of regulating itself. If baby isn't eating, it's rarely because of a real problem. Often, infants who do not eat a lot go through a phase of change (such as the shift from milk feeding to food diversification) that disrupts their habits, causing them to temporarily refuse food. The most delicate phases are particularly in the first days and weeks of life, when the newborn sometimes does not want to drink milk. Also during the weaning period, when baby gets to know new flavors and textures.
Of course, one should not rule out the possibility that the lack of appetite is related to a physical problem. However, cases are less common and are often due, for example, to a cold, diarrhea or some food intolerance. Yet it is at this point that mothers' fears are at their peak and they begin to wonder what to do. To answer this question, we must first identify the cause, if it is specific, and then act accordingly. We remind you that you should never force a child who does not eat or who apparently eats very little, because only his body knows how much food is adequate for his growth.
Chantal Maurage, pediatrician specializing in nutrition, helps us with her expert opinion. She insists that if the baby is breastfed, the milk is not the problem. “Breast milk is always good”, She explains.
From 0 to 3 months: the fear that the baby will not gain weight
During the first three months after birth, there may be times when baby can be a little restless while feeding, which often worries parents. For them, a baby who doesn’t eat is a baby who doesn’t gain enough weight.
Regarding the fear that the baby will not eat as much as he should, it should be remembered that the only thing that matters in the early days is that his weight increases steadily, without any decrease. Usually, during the first trimester, an increase in weight of between 130 and 200 grams per week is considered sufficient (with a few exceptions), although after two months the weight growth becomes noticeably less regular.
Various factors can contribute to the lack of appetite of a newborn from 0 to 3 months. For example, the adaptation to the new environmental situation, completely different from the one he was used to in mom's womb. We can also consider that the stress due to possible changes in schedules and habits (especially in the management of breastfeeding), or to something which frightened and disoriented baby (even a ringing of the telephone at high volume). ) can contribute to this lack of appetite. In these cases, there is no need to worry – just wait for your baby to resume their beloved routine. The situation is different if the refusal to drink milk is due to some disease, but we will talk about this in more detail later.
Dr Chantal Maurage insists that if the baby is breastfed, the problem does not come from the milk. “Breast milk is always good”, She explains. If baby does not drink bottle milk, the quality is unlikely to be the problem. If baby refuses to eat, or if he is not eating enough, it is certainly a problem of disorientation and discomfort. The pediatrician uses the term “baby sponge", To say that an infant absorbs all emotions. If the parent who feeds the child is uncomfortable, stressed or agitated, the baby will feel it. And that is often the problem. Let's not directly think of the worst, the worry can sometimes be a little more spiritual!
Otherwise, in case of bottle-feeding, the milk may simply be poorly prepared. Chantal Maurage indicates that it is essential to respect the right dosages!
Weaning: what to do if the newborn baby does not want to eat baby food
After 6 months, the weaning phase begins for baby, that is to say the moment when he gradually gives up breastfeeding to start drinking from a bottle and taking his first meals. This is a natural stage of infant growth, which usually takes place without any particular trauma. However, there may be times when your baby has trouble getting used to the change and refuses to eat for the first few days. In this case, don't panic!
If the newborn cannot accept the milk from the bottle, try alternating it with the breast first, increasing the number of artificial feedings day by day. In this way, baby may not notice the "substitution" and begin to perceive the bottle nipple as natural. In the long term, he will get used to the nipple on the bottle. However, the nutrition specialist recalls that mixed breastfeeding should not be overused. In fact, the way the milk arrives in the mouth is not the same for the breast and the bottle. If we alternate too much, baby may not understand. Misunderstanding is one of the main causes of baby not eating! He must feel at ease, at ease. If you want, or absolutely have to alternate, Chantal Maurage advises that breastfeeding mothers should not bottle-feed. It's up to the other parent to do it. Otherwise, baby might actually be clamoring for his favorite thing: the breast.
The situation is slightly different if the newborn does not eat baby food. This is because new flavors, new smells and new textures come into play, which are completely different from milk. It is completely normal for babies to show a little suspicion at first. Food diversification is a big step!
If at 6 months baby does not want to eat purees and other compotes, the most important thing is to remain calm: in fact, remember that up to one year, milk remains the fundamental element in the diet of the baby. child and that baby food is only a supplement. Important, but still complementary. So don't worry: your baby won't starve to death even if he has trouble accepting food! Chantal Maurage reminds that baby's milk contains all the nutrients she needs to develop until she is 1 year old. Baby, therefore, should not be rushed. We are in no hurry! “He will eat at his own time”.
That said, there are many ways you can try to get her to like what's new. Often babies don't want solid food because of the taste. You can then try to make it sweeter or smoother by adding a particular ingredient or varying the flavors further. Another good trick is to make the child "interact" with the food, allowing him to touch it and play with it a little: in the end, he will waste half of it, but he will also want to taste it.
Let's also try to talk quietly to baby during the meal, or tell him a nursery rhyme, so that he can relax and not see the meal as a constraint. Do not get angry or, even worse, never cry out if the baby does not eat his meal: the newborn perceives the nervousness of his mother and if he is not calm, his urge to eat decreases even more. ! Zeeeeen attitude, although it’s not easy.
A little tip from the expert: if you want to give a child solid nature in pieces, it should not be hidden in smooth food. This will make him nauseous and he may throw up. On the other hand, give him food by hand, he will eat it with pleasure!
What if the newborn baby does not eat because he is sick? Causes and remedies
We have said many times that the possible inappetence of a baby should not be of particular concern, as it is often a natural phenomenon. However, it is not excluded that sometimes the refusal of food is caused by a physical illness that unfortunately struck the baby. In most cases, these are common illnesses (colds, flu, bronchitis, ear infections, gastroenteritis, allergies, possible food intolerances or vaccines) which have the effect, among other things, of depriving children of their appetite, which worries mothers, and not just a little.
What if the baby does not eat because he is sick? Sick babies should never be forced to eat, even if they have not touched the food for 24 hours. On the other hand, it is more than advisable to encourage them to drink: in case of fever, respiratory infection or gastrointestinal disturbances accompanied by diarrhea, it is preferable to give infants plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You may remember your parents telling you the magic phrase “Drink some water, it will be better" when you were little. It's your turn to take over!
Chantal Maurage also advises several things in the event of illness. If your baby has diarrhea, he will be thirsty. He will also need salt! If he's suffering from other things, hydration is still important. But, it is not forbidden to give your baby a little sugar. Indeed, since he eats less, he needs a little energy. Also, the pediatrician insists that when the baby is unwell, give him what he likes. A sick child needs comfort, like the grown-ups.
Don't worry, when they feel better, they will ask for food on their own, quickly making up for any weight loss caused by the disease. It goes without saying that if the lack of appetite persists for several days, it is always better to consult the pediatrician. We really avoid self-diagnosis!
The pediatrician specializing in nutrition reminds one very important thing: when babies grow up, they start to be physically active. So inevitably, their attention is no longer just focused on eating and sleeping. He will focus on his new activities, and maybe eat a little less. Besides, it's the same for everyone, when you exercise, you burn calories, and you gain weight less quickly! It’s just natural. Chantal Maurage insists on one last important point: babies also have reservations!
Thank you to Doctor Chantal Maurage for her expertise and for her time.