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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Child. Very Low Solid Food Intake. What Else Can I Give?

HI, my son is 18 months and weighs 23 lbs. he does not eat anything just have milk and 3 to 4 spoons of rice for lunch i tried different food but he is not eating. is it low weight for his age and he has iron deficiency. i give him milk only twice a day, he like strawberries very much and eats 7 to 8 a day. pls tell me what can i give him and how can i make him eat.
Thu, 2 May 2013
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Pediatrician 's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

First his iron deficiency should be corrected.
That could be responsible for his low appetite.

You should not give only milk. Give him a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Giving only milk reduces the appetite for other substances.

Hope this helps.
Take care.
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Pediatrician Dr. E Venkata Ramana's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.

Feeding an 18 months old child is a difficult task for parents as their appetite is low in comparison to the previous months and they develop autonomy so if you try to feed them, child refuses.

So first thing parents should have so much patients to feed the child.

Just milk is not sufficient for the child growth and activity at this age.

Try to give more solid food and make them more calorie dense by adding some ghee or edible oil.

Don't give anything before his regular meal time.

Encourage him to feed himself with a spoon in addition to feeding by mother.

Iron deficiency should be treated by addition of an iron syrup in a prescribed dosage.

For appetite increase you can give an oral multivitamin preparation after consulting your doctor.

His weight is ok, but a little bit on lower side of normal range for his age.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards.
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Pediatrician Dr. Synthyia Bhagat's  Response
Hi
Thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Relax,there is nothing to worry.Children are fussy eaters.
You have to be patient with them.
Feed him when other family members are eating.
Use two spoon method that is one spoon to him and one spoon to yourself.

Regarding weight it is n normal range.
As you mentioned he is having iron deficiency ,I suggest you to consult your doctor as he may need iron supplementation.

Wishing your child good health.
God bless..
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Child. Very Low Solid Food Intake. What Else Can I Give?

Hi, Thanks for writing to health care magic. First his iron deficiency should be corrected. That could be responsible for his low appetite. You should not give only milk. Give him a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Giving only milk reduces the appetite for other substances. Hope this helps. Take care.