The Cause Of Poor Appetite In Babies

What could be causing my baby’s poor appetite?

Know this: Babies grow at the fastest rate from 0 to 6 months, then start to slow between 6 and 12 months, and slow much more from 12 to 18 months. So it’s highly possible that your 15-month-old is eating less now than when he was 11 months just because he doesn’t need as many calories.

If a phase of slower growth doesn’t seem like the answer, take a look at what your baby or toddler has had that day that isn’t food: He may have filled up on juice, milk or other liquids, so he’s just not hungry for that pasta or sweet potato. He may also just be a little under the weather with a virus and not in the mood to eat (most of us aren’t when we’ve got a bug).

When should I bring my baby to the doctor with a poor appetite?

Closely track what your baby or toddler eats for a few days. Don’t be alarmed if it’s just a couple days of poor appetite, but if it continues for a week or so, it’s worth getting him checked out. Also, if his loss of appetite is accompanied by a fever, rash or changes in his stool (he’s got diarrhea or is constipated), give your doctor a call.

What should I do to treat my baby’s poor appetite?

Be patient. In most cases he’ll start to eat more on his own, so provide lots of different age-appropriate food choices. Make sure your toddler is getting about 16 ounces of whole milk (after 12 months), but cut out the juice and other liquid calories.