Poor feeding in infants

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Toddler development

Feeding - infant's lack of interest; Infant - lack of interest in feeding

Watch closely for the development of other signs and symptoms of illness, such as dehydration.

Also watch the child's height, weight, and general development closely for signs of malnutrition or failure to thrive.

Contact your pediatrician if your child does not seem to be eating enough, is consistently losing weight, or if poor feeding is accompanied by other signs or symptoms.

A child who is feeding poorly will often have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition is based on a family history, medical history, and a complete physical exam.

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Questions your health care provider will ask may include:

• How does the baby (child) eat normally?
• Has the diet been changed recently?
• Has the baby (child) always been a fussy eater?
• Is the feeding getting harder?
• Has the baby been vomiting?
• Does the baby have diarrhea?
• Is there an abnormal stool color?
• Is there gagging or choking?
• Is there coughing?
• Are there other symptoms?

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Laboratory studies such as x-rays, gastrointestinal (GI) studies, and blood tests may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.

AFTER THE OFFICE VISIT

Although the health care provider maintains records on your baby, it is a good idea to maintain your own records of office visit findings, test results, and your own observations of your baby's health. You should add measurements that you do at home, such as height and weight.

Bring your records to the health care provider's attention if you notice any problems, or if you have questions about your baby's development.

Review Date: 08/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).