12 month old refusing all food

[BySunnyWriter]

I feel like i’ve read every article but i’m not sure what the answer or even my question is so here goes..

My 12 month old used to be a fantastic eater, 3 meals a day and snacks. However the last 6 weeks he is refusing most meals. Previously he would always eat breakfast, but even this is a struggle now.

He will absolutely refuse and scream at food - but will happily eat a yoghurt or a packet ‘baby snack’… We’ve finger foods, normal meals, pouches, purées - no luck

We’ve tried literally everything. He has been and still is feeling a little poorly since starting nursery 4 weeks ago. However, how long is too long to not be eating well?

He is having about 8oz of whole milk morning and evening, which is being offered after food/meals but still doesn’t want to eat.

I guess we just feel so lost with what to do, is this normal? what can we do? when will it end? has anyone else had these issues for so long? did they resolve? We are waiting for the HV to call us after the christmas break to see if they can help.

Thanks for any help 🙏

I’d get the GP to check his mouth in case there’s something going on with the tonsils or something that could be causing pain when swallowing. Also, any signs of teething? They get their first molars around 1 and that can put them off food. Shouldn’t last 6 weeks though but could be illness then that. But 6 weeks is too long I think, and I would want to see the doctor personally, not the HV, as it sounds like it’s maybe more medical in nature and connected to him being unwell rather than a fussiness thing.

Thanks for your comment. We’ve been to the GP several times regarding illness and mention the eating. They’ve checked this throat and tonsils but there’s nothing they can see. He has had an ear infection which I would understand being a factor, but things were difficult before this and the ear infection is beginning to clear now (again, saw a doctor for this one too)

Yes to signs of teething, he has 8 teeth and I think there is a molar coming, but again 6 weeks feels a long time as you say

Completely normal! My daughter is now 4 and I think this is the first winter where she hasn't completely stopped eating in response to back to back viral illnesses

My daughter was 13 months before she ate her first meal and was 20 months before she ate enough to reduce the amount of formula she had. Viral illnesses, teething and life changes (starting nursery) all cancelled change the amount they eat. Food and eating is still relatively new to them and for some it doesn't take much to send them off their food. Keep offering food, top up with formula if needed. Keep on top of pain relief for teeth and colds and keep an eye on weight. Hopefully things will start to improve soon. The first month of nursery was hard for us with illness but after that we had a bit more of a reprieve and had less back to back illnesses

Thank you so much, this is really reassuring to read.

I feel like this is where we’re at! it’s back to back illness here and it’s extremely exhausting and for me, I feel like i’ve failed - I know it’s not the case, but it’s hard to not feel that way in the moment! We managed to have a puree pouch this evening, which hasn’t been much of interest recently but I feel better knowing he has something in his tummy.

DD went through similar phase, and when she's ill she literally just has milk or yoghurt. Try not to worry too much unless it continues x

Up to 2y kept being at the gp when her daily intake went down to 1-3oz water and 5 grapes to be checked for dehydration and infections. So stressful but feels like a lifetime ago now. You'll get through this. It's no judgement on you as a parent. Any food and drink in their little tummys is a win. Keep things simple and go with what they fancy

Thank you, I guess 6 weeks feels like a long time! x