Loss of appetite in poorly 15mo DD

[JessieEssex]

My DD has been poorly with a nasty cold for about a week and the doc today diagnosed an ear infection. She has been off her food (she usually has an enormous appetite) for about 4 days and has eaten a few bits and pieces, and thankfully drinks lots of milk and water.
WWYD in this situation? Just leave her to eat/not eat when she wants, or persevere (I don't mean force her to eat, but keep trying different things to see if she will eat something)
Thanks all

Poor thing

I'd just be led by her... offer bits and pieces. She'll let you know when she's hungry. We as adults generally lose our appetites when we're ill, I think it's the same for babies and DC

Don't worry about food so long as she is getting plenty of fluids - I presume she isn't underweight or anything.

She may be in a lot of discomfort because of the ear infection (drinking and chewing may hurt). I would give her ibuprofen as pain relief (works much better than paracetamol for earache). I would give her ibuprofen spread out over 24 hours to keep pain under control and then let her choose how much to eat, just keep offering. As others have said, fluids are most important. Also, it may help to use saline nasal spray (for example sterimar) before feeds and before sleeping. Ear infections can become bacterial and in that case may need anti-biotics so keep a close eye on her temperature as well. Hope she gets better soon.

Hi there,

My DS is 15mo and had a cold for 10 days till this week. He is normal a greedy guts but ate two meals in total across 7 days of his illness (he still breastfeeds though). He rejected everything, even his top loves of raisins and yoghurt which never fail.

I offered him food at normal mealtimes or when he seemed hungry and if he said no and violently shook his head or pushed it away, I cheerfully said "ok, no yoghurt" and gave him a book instead. I tried not to appear worried in front of him about it. After 7 days, he suddenly accepted a yoghurt, then dinner and then lunch and now he is back to normal.

So I would suggest offering pain relief an hour before food (if timing works out) if she seems in pain, watch her temperature and don't stress too much yet about the food.

If you are really concerned though, go to the doctor. On this occasion, I was pretty sure DS was only on food strike as he was so snotty with his cold.

Hope she feels better soon.

Hi all
Thanks for your replies.
She is already a lot better having been given antibiotics for her ear infection (the first time she has had them...)
She is eating more and definitely on the mend.
Thanks for putting my mind at rest!