Baby got shots 10 days ago...?

Question

My 10 week old got his first shots 10 days ago... ever since his appetite has gone way down.... he was eating 25-28 oz a day now he's eating 12-15 a day... I thought i would just give him some time to get over the shots but it's been 10 days! Any ideas? what really can the paediatrician do?
thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Babies won't eat if they're not hungry. His growth may have slowed a little, so he may not need as much right this moment. They do grow in "waves" - big spurts followed by little "lulls". If this pattern persists longer than 2 1/2 - 3 weeks, it would be pertinent to call his doctor for some guidance. There will be times that it'll feel like you can't fill him up though.

Answer 2

I'm sorry to disagree with the others, but I don't think this is normal. Your baby needs to take in approximately 2.5 oz. of breastmilk or formula for every pound of body weight each day. So, if your 10 week old weighs 12 lbs., then he needs approx. 30 oz. He can't sustain his weight or growth on only 12-15 oz. per day.

The fact that it started at the same time as his shots is probably just a coincidence. I would talk to his pediatrician immediately. He/she should be able to help walk you through possible causes and remedies. Good luck.

Answer 3

There are many reactions that a child can have to vaccines, including fever, irritability, inconsolable screaming, allergic reaction, and general systemic reaction, to name a few.
http://vran.org/vaccines/dpt/pentacel-dpt.htm
"General systemic reaction can include a body rash, vomiting or diarrhea within hours of the shot. Or, the child may suffer a sudden decline in health by way of loss of appetite and weight (ie failure to thrive)... Failure to thrive or chronic illness are reasons to have the child checked by a medical doctor and/or alternative therapist. A general systemic reaction may be a warning that further vaccination could result in a more severe reaction."
I think that a baby's appetite being cut in half for perhaps a couple of days is normal, but 10 days is a little extreme, especially for a newborn.
You should contact your paediatrician, and also report the reaction to the FDA's VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, call 1-800-822-7967 for the form or report online http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaers/vaers.htm) - don't assume that your doctor will do this.

Answer 4

Interesting, my daughter was 4 months old when she got her first shots (I had some reservations about shots to begin with), and the same thing happened - her appetite reduced dramatically the next day. I thought it was odd at the time and kept trying to feed her the same amount but she refused. Eventually, she started eating more again. She is now almost 8 months and she has grown normally, so I dont think it is anything to worry about. One thing, is he pooping normally? Because my daughter does eat less when she hasnt gone according to schedule.

Answer 5

It may not even be from the shots. All 3 of my kids experienced a drop in appetite as they approached 3mos. I don't know why it happened, but it picked back up after a few weeks.

As long as the baby isn't appearing sick otherwise, I think he's probably fine.

Answer 6

He could be just going through a phase, babies change schedules and eating habits constantly. I would wait another week, then call the doctor if it doesn't change. Chances are he is just fine. Good Luck!

Answer 7

its normal for a newborn to drop down in weight.. i had the same problem if your son has a lot of hair your going to notice him loosing it as well.. don't worry your son is perfectly fine.

Answer 8

I think all is well. You can call his doctors office and talk to the nurse, just for peace of mind.

Answer 9

Sorry to hear that.

I havent gotten my son vaccinated and he is 5 1/2 months.
Call his pediatrician and see what he says... I can tell you he is going to say that its normal because of the shots.


Best of luck to you.