Loss of appetite in the child
In a child, loss of appetite is often the first sign when a disease is imminent. It is important here that a sufficient fluid intake is guaranteed. Parents should pay attention to other signs and if accompanying symptoms occur, consult a paediatrician.
Even if weight loss is added, the paediatrician should be informed. In children, the nutritional requirements are very much dependent on their energy consumption. If the child does not have the usual appetite on a given day, this may simply be due to little exercise or to eating a lot of sweets between meals.
Another reason for the loss of appetite can be stressful events. Annoyance at kindergarten or school or changes in daily life often lead to the child refusing to eat. Changes in diet, for example the switch from porridge food to solid food or the transition to eating independently, can also lead to temporary inappetence.
Teething is also a common reason for a decrease in appetite. Thyroid disease can also lead to a loss of appetite in children. Here, tiredness and listlessness are additional accompanying symptoms. A blood test by the doctor can confirm the diagnosis.
Loss of appetite in the baby
Temporary loss of appetite in babies is usually harmless and can happen at times. Just like in adults, the appetite can be bigger or smaller. However, if this condition lasts for a long time and the baby does not want to drink, the causes should be clarified.
Regular weight control is very important. A common cause is teething in babies. As this leads to pain and dissatisfaction, the baby refuses to eat.
Also, if a gastrointestinal infection develops, the appetite is reduced. Psychological stress can also lead to inappetence in the baby. The change from summer to winter time, for example, can be a possible cause, as can a restless environment during breastfeeding.
The mother should take care to create an atmosphere of sufficient calm during breastfeeding and she should make sure that the refusal to feed is not due to an incorrect breastfeeding technique. Reduced milk production by the mother can also be the cause, which is why the baby does not like to drink and, above all, does not want to drink enough. To make sure that the baby gets enough fluids despite the loss of appetite, the baby should be breastfed more often than usual. In addition, regular spoonfuls of water or tea help to protect the baby from dehydration and alleviate any discomfort caused by a gastrointestinal infection.