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What Causes Lack Of Appetite In A Toddler?
My 3 1/2 year old grandson and family arrived here last night from a long flight to the US from Japan. He refused to eat anything - this is not new. It is a constant battle between my daughter and him and she does not know what to do!!!! He will just refuse to eat. Suggestions?
Mon, 25 Apr 2016
Dear Customer , This is Dr. S. Tomar from healthcaremagic.com's medical team and I ll be your medical advisor for this question. First of all thank you for sharing your concern with us and showing trust on us.
First of all I would like to tell you that you are not alone , this problem is universal with toddlers . If the baby is active , skin is not looking pale , is not tired /lethargic then its normal and there is nothing much to worry . But if any such sign is present then should get a thorough check up with pediatrician .
Infants needs more food as compared to toddlers because in first year they need to gain minimum 7 kg but onwards every year 2 kg is gained normally so toddler does not need much food as compared in infancy .
A far as medical conditions are concerned so iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of decreased appetite which can be ruled out with a blood test . You can discuss about it with your pediatrician on regular checkup visits .
My suggestion would be to reduce the amount of meal in one time and increase the frequency .And keep in mind also that toddlers do better with grazing than sitting down and having a complete meal .
This is my initial response and discussion is open until you have any query or need further clarification.
I wish him good health .
Thank you for your question and feel free to contact further for any question .
sincerely,
Dr. Shardendu Tomar
First of all I would like to tell you that you are not alone , this problem is universal with toddlers . If the baby is active , skin is not looking pale , is not tired /lethargic then its normal and there is nothing much to worry . But if any such sign is present then should get a thorough check up with pediatrician .
Infants needs more food as compared to toddlers because in first year they need to gain minimum 7 kg but onwards every year 2 kg is gained normally so toddler does not need much food as compared in infancy .
A far as medical conditions are concerned so iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of decreased appetite which can be ruled out with a blood test . You can discuss about it with your pediatrician on regular checkup visits .
My suggestion would be to reduce the amount of meal in one time and increase the frequency .And keep in mind also that toddlers do better with grazing than sitting down and having a complete meal .
This is my initial response and discussion is open until you have any query or need further clarification.
I wish him good health .
Thank you for your question and feel free to contact further for any question .
sincerely,
Dr. Shardendu Tomar
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