Baby with fever not eating anything!!

[dreamerkr]

Hey guys, since the last almost 2 days, my 10 month old DS has a fever. It was really high yesterday so we took him to A&E and it turns out that his tonsils are inflamed. He has a viral infection and is taking calpol and nurofen. He’s breastfeeding normally, but he’s usually a big eater and he loves to eat healthy. However, he won’t even drink water now. I’m guessing it’s because his taste is off because of the fever. He only wants juice which we are giving him sips of, and also, since last night he hasn’t eaten anything. Yesterday for dinner he only had 2 small bites of potato and that’s it. He managed to eat a couple of fries and a nugget yesterday that DH gave to him (he was asking for it and didn’t even want to look at any other food). Honestly I was glad that he ate that at least, because we offered so much other stuff to him which he didn’t want at all. Any advice guys on what I can make him eat? Is it okay if he only wants juice and processed food? He’s only 10 months old. Am I bad that I want him to eat anything even if it’s unhealthy? He usually is a healthy eater and loves his fruit and veg but he’s completely off it right now.

If he is still having milk and wet nappies I wouldn't worry x

I'd just keep offering but if he's having breastmilk and isn't getting dehydrated i'd say that's enough until he feels better. In fact i'd offer more breastmilk than normal if he's taking it but rejecting food.

His temp reached 39.5 yesterday which is why the out of hours doctor told us to go to A&E and he cried all night (day before yesterday). Last night he slept pretty well because the Nurofen managed to break his fever. He has a fever today too, I haven’t checked it yet but it’s probably about 38, not higher. He’s feeling a little better than yesterday but he’s not eating 🥺 I can’t see him like this, this is the first time he’s so ill. FTM here 😭

As long as he's taking fluids and is having wet nappies I wouldn't worry. If you're having trouble getting clear fluids into him try making some ice lollies or freeze melon slices, the cold may help soothe his throat and you'd be getting extra fluids in at the same time.

He’s having breastmilk and a bit of juice and he does have wet nappies but they might be a bit less than before? I’m not sure. The A&E doctor yesterday said he’s not dehydrated though. I hope not! I’ll keep offering him food and just hope that he eats anything. I feel so bad because he got the viral infection from me, I was unwell with a fever and cold too in the last few days 🥺

The not-eating thing is totally normal when they're unwell. I remember my DS having a virus when he was about 14 months and he barely ate a thing for two weeks. As he was still drinking regularly, the GP wasn't concerned at all.

Good idea, thank you so much ❤️

Two weeks? 😔
All DS wants is juice 🙄, to be held, or to be outside. It’s quite hot outside right now though, I just got back with him after a short walk in his pushchair. I breastfed him not long ago too.

@dreamerkr It's hard seeing them so unwell isn't it? I tend to trust them that their bodies know instinctively what they need though - milk, fresh air and cuddles. In a week or two, I'm sure they'll be back to normal. For what it's worth, DS is now 4 and stills goes through phases when he'll barely eat for days (and have mornings like today when he had 4 bowls of cereal and a croissant for breakfast!)

It's normal as others have said. Offer plain foods but if he doesn't want it then that's fine. Hope he feels better soon.

If he’s still having wet nappies and drinking milk I wouldn’t worry too much. Keep offering food and diluted juice.

The only real danger is dehydration. If he's drinking, he'll be fine and will eat again when he feels better. Breast milk is the perfect thing for him - hydration, comfort and your antibodies to help fight the infection all in one. I'd offer the breast as much as he likes and keep yourself well hydrated too.

This is all totally normal, for children and adults too. He'll make up for not eating when he's well.

As long as he is breastfeeding plenty then it's fine. My eldest didn't eat a thing until she was 10 months old, just wasn't interested and even then it was like one spoon of carrot or one bit of veg. Hope he feels better soon x

Thank you so much everyone ❤️

My DS didn't really eat until he was over 1 and lived on breast milk, as long as he is still drinking I wouldn't worry. Give him the juice if that's all he will have as well as continuing to breastfeed.

Breast milk changes to the needs of your baby so it will be giving him all the nutrients he needs. Offer him that regularly and he'll be grand. If however if nappies go dry please do take him back to A&E.