12 month old with cold on hunger strike- how long before I get really worried?

[beetlebat]

Not had to deal with a sick baby before so hope I am worrying unnecessarily but would be grateful for advice, please.

DD is 12mths next week and has had a cold for a few days and her food intake has plummeted. Today so far she has had about 4 mouthfuls of porridge and then approx 10 baked beans and a cherry tomato for lunch. Even her usual favourites are being shunned. Her milk intake is already low (10-15oz cows milk per day), partly because we have now got her on a cup at all times except a bottle at night times, but she's not wanting any more to compensate for lack of food.

I am sure she must be losing weight by now. She is a bit grumpy and has had a few loose nappies but is not acting really unwell. Just wondering how long it is OK for a child of her age to go without really eating anything? Thinking of trying to get a GP appt this afternoon but not really sure there's much point- would expect to be told "it's just a cold"- but it's the not eating for so long that's really bothering me. Any thoughts, please?

I do understand why you are worried, but as long as she's drinking something (and 10-15 oz cow's milk sounds good to me) she'll be fine. You just need to give her enough time to get over the cold, and then she'll get back to her usual self, although don't be surprised if it takes a while for her to regain her normal appetite. Good luck.

It's natural to worry but I really don't think you have anything to worry about at all. She needs to keep her liquids up (what you've listed sounds fine to me) but a good few days with very little food - even if it does mean a bit of weight loss - is nothing to worry about at this age! She will probably eat loads next week to make up for this week!!

Honestly, everything you've described sounds like a very bog-standard cold to me and you'll deal with plenty more over the years.

Just wanted to agree with previous poster that it might take a while to regain her appetite - perfectly normal and nothing to worry about!!

Thanks for your replies- just what I wnated to hear! She has had a few colds before that haven't really affected her appetite but this is undoubtedly the worst she's had. Will try to keep calm and be patient!