Loss of appetite in this heat?

[themothership]

Dd is nearly 14 months, and have never been a consistent eater. She is still breastfed but will often go for a week or so where she's off her food, and will barely eat more than weetabix, a yoghurt and some fruit in a day. Recently, her appetite had really perked up, and she'd been shovelling down pasta etc. and piled on the pounds which was such a relief.

However, she was ill at the start of this week with a 'bacterial' infection, and then was cutting her first molar. She's barely eaten anything all week and lost loads of weight, and it's heart-breaking seeing her become so skinny. She's happy and alert, but more tired than usual. It's absolutely baking down here, and currently 31 degrees in her room (we've ordered an air conditioning unit).

I keep on telling myself that it's just the heat, and that she'll eat if she wants to, but I've got my mum and my MIL making out that it's somehow my fault that she's not eating. I could take her to the doctor I suppose but I don't know what I would say or what they could do.

Anyone got any experience of this or any advice?

My dd is hardly eating in this heat. She's 2 and so far today has eaten a slice of toast, 3 Pringles, small handful of grated cheese, a teaspoon of peas and 1/3 of a breadstick, but she's drunk loads.

If she's drinking well i wouldn't worry, the heat can make them tired as well (dd has slept quite a lot today as well)

Thanks ProfYaffle, relief to know it's not just me then (she's drinking loads of water, so is fine on that front). Why do mothers and MILs always make you so paranoid!?!!

my two (4 and 20 months) are eating loads less than usual. at a bbq this pm and dd not even interested in birthday cake.

how about making fruit smoothies with crushed ice (and put lots of energy-dense stuf in like yogurt and banana or even ice cream maybe?)

That's a really good idea Dinny, thank you. Will give that a go today.

ds, 2, has had a big appetite decline in the heat. he's had a lot of water, will have cold milk and juice. content to eat cold cereal, cold cooked peas and sweetcorn. not really bothered

my two are both off their food too, dd is 4 and ds is 1. ds is hardly having anything atm but he's been ill too which hasn't helped. it is the heat that puts kids off, as long as they are having drinks so don't become dehydrated, they'll make up for it eventually by eating more when it goes cooler to compensate.