I need help..My toddler is not eating properly?

Question

Please tell me if you came across anything similar. My 18 mo. old had back to back ear infection for more than 3 weeks in a row and she is on antibiotics. She lost 2 lbs in 3 weeks and I am struggling to feed her and make her feel better. Without food how can she gain energy? What can I do?

Answer 1

Did your toddlers Dr. seem concerned with your toddlers eating habits?
I know when my son was little I was concerned also as he would go through odd phases of only eating vegetables or only eating fruit etc. my Dr. said that was normal and they would eat what their body required, so do not be alarmed.
We as adults tend not to eat allot when we are not feeling well and if your Pediatricians is not alarmed then relax and make sure your child is getting plenty of fluids.
If you force them to eat then their eating habits become a control issue IE. Pushing your buttons.
My daughter would pull her hair out and bang her head I was exceedingly alarmed and my pediatricians said do not pay attention as then it becomes an issue and the more you make of it the more they will do it.
Silently watch and make sure their is plenty to chose from your baby should be fine soon enough.

Answer 2

My 9 year old son just finished a prescription of antibiotics over the holidays too (for an ear infection). Just ensure to give her some type of pain medication. I use Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) which contains anti-inflammatories....which can help reduce inflammation and swelling. As soon as you know it's working, that's when you'll need to work on getting some food/drinks into her. Try foods you know she likes best (even if it's sweet or "junk" food). Even if she eats a little bit - it helps. I would try not to worry too much about the weight loss because once she's better, she'll probably REALLY want to eat and gain it back. Good luck & take care.

Answer 3

Toddlers are notorious for picking out their diets and ending up with what their bodies need. This can go on until 3 years of age. I had one that would only eat green beans for a week then switch to apples for a week and then eat rounded meals. It's perfectly normal for toddlers and they do outgrow this peculiar habit. Hang in there. Small weight fluctuations occur with illness. Keep her well hydrated with nutritional juices and milk if she will take it. No milk bottles to bed because the eustation tube is shorter and can contribute to otitis media, that dreaded middle ear infection. Water bottle at night is better. Have a great year and know that things will get better.

Answer 4

First off, CALL HER DOCTOR! Once the infection goes away though, I am sure her eating habits will come back too. If she has been on antibiotics for more than a few days though, she should be feeling better. My kids always lose their appetite when they are sick, for the entire time they are sick.. They will hardly eat anything for a week straight. I just try to give them a lot to drink, chocolate milk is always a hit, and wait it out. But, again, call her Doctor, they will be able to tell you 100% what to do, and you will feel 100X better.

Answer 5

It happens. There's also times they go thru stages where they will ONLY eat certain foods and totally shun other foods. Don't sweat it. Don't force her to eat - it'll cause a power struggle that neither of you need. Just keep offering her foods regularly - especially some favorites now and then. You can supplement with Pediasure for a short time - a steady diet of it isn't good, but it'll get some calories into her and it tastes like a treat.

Answer 6

Poor thing, I HATE antibiotics for that reason. They always mess with my kids' appetites and innards. If the ear infection isn't too severe (no waking in teh night screaming or anything) I would stop the meds. They overprescribe antibiotics anyhow. I have twice in my years of parenting taken a kid off their antibiotic because the side effects were worse than the original problem. They were fine.

Answer 7

I had something similar with my 18 month old child.

It is hard not to panic when the child doesn't want to eat, and you worry about weight loss.

I carried on feeding my child with baby formula, because it was one of the things she would take. I tried to stick to her eating routine as much as possible, even if she only ate a few mouthfuls.

She loved porridge with banana, joghurt, anything soft and easy to chew, no strong flavours, and everything liquidised. She loved soup at this time as well, and she would drink it from her beaker.

Things will improve, she will eat again and put on weight. Try not to worry

Answer 8

The antibiotics are probably making her stomach a little queasy. Try giving her some yogurt, or some sweet acidophilus milk. The milk tastes great, and the bacteria in it will help her stomach feel better. Another option is to give her saltine crackers with her medication, to help it digest more gently.

Answer 9

My question in return to this to you is.... Is your 18 month old drinking fluids at least? If so, get some Pedialyte and Pediasure that will help keep electrolytes in her system and pediasure will help her keep nutrition. If you're really concerned call the dr and ask them what can keep her calorie intake going so she's not losing weight since she's not eating. Otherwise just try and give her jello pudding nething that will taste good but you won't give her constantly. I had to do this with mine before.

Answer 10

I never gave my son antibiotics for ear infections. I just put a humidifier in his room and elevated his bed under head when he slept and just kept giving him decongestant.
Try to go easy on the antibiotics, the negatives far outweigh the positive. many times the child will get over a ear infection in a few days.