Help! I'm about at my witts end. 18 month old daughter, who normally eats everything on her plate (and then picks off Mommy and Daddy's plates :o}) is eating less then half of what she was eating up until she got a stomach bug last week. She seems back to normal in every other way, no fever, not as cuddley (unfortunately), happy, etc, but even here favorate foods she only eats a couple of bites and then pushes it away. Is her lack of appetite just a residual affect of the bug, or could it be something more serious? Has anyone else experienced this?
My son was the same way - he would eat anything and everything you gave him. But after having the flu at the age of 14 months it took a few weeks till he seemed to really get his appetite back. Bananas were one of his favorite foods before he got sick, but since he wont really eat any and has developed new favorite foods like apples - which he didnt really like before he was sick.
T.,my whole family had the bug and it took about 2 weeks for our appetites to return to normal. Usually when we are ill, we can still eat. This GI bug really had us down. My pediatrician told me that as long as the children were drinking not to worry about it that they will eat when they are ready.He also said once the vomiting stopped, it could take up to 2 weeks for bowels to return to normal. I hope this helps you.
Hi! Although I have not experienced this, my first guess before I even read your entire post, was that she probably has to get her appetite back. I know after I'm sick, I'm the same way!! And as far as the not wanting to cuddle part... she might be going thru the becoming more independent stage. Also, if she was showered with attention while she was sick (mom's do that, lol!!) she might just be saying, ok, i feel better, but give me some space already!!! Lol. My son is two and I'm getting the push-off too. Don't know how much help this will be, but good luck!!
My daughter is also off after some version of the stomach bug, but my doc only worries about liquids. I agree with the other mom that mentioned Older Toddlerhood is the time to fight over food. My daughter ate EVERYTHING up until this summer (around 15 mos.) and now is quite picky (yet still eats more than her playmates). Just allow lots of drinks and watery fruit if she'll take it, and continue with the parts of the BRAT diet that she likes (mine's into bread/toast, applesauce - in which I hide veggies!, and carbs in general). It will pass!
My 17 month old just had the stomach flu as well. It seems that this flu bug was a tough one. I wouldn't worry about your daughter not eating as much just yet. As long as she seems happy, sleeping well, and eating something it sounds like she's okay. Unless you think she's losing weight, I might call her doctor. Hope that helps!
Sounds like she's still eating more than a lot of kids I've run across! LOL
But I would be more watchful of her fluid intake than her food intake after a bug. Is she peeing enough? Just thinking to watch out for dehydration.
Hope she's ALL better soon!
I would think that she is fine, by what you described. I'm assuming she is consuming enough fluids??? If maybe 2 weeks after you think she's recovered, she still isn't eating you might want to check with your ped. But i kind of think that when their stomachs can't tolerate much, that it almost shrinks and they feel full sooner.
I would just caution that older toddlerhood is usually the time when picky eaters start showing up at the table, so you may want to think carefully about how you react to her not wanting much now. Just so that it doesn't set up bad habits for the future. It sounds like she has been a great eater for you and will probably bounce back, Just watch the between meal snacking and make sure you are sticking with healthy food, not just giving her stuff so that she'll eat.
Hugs to your little one and a big Mommy 5 five for comforting her during her illness.
my son is seventeen months old and had the stomach bug a few weeks ago. sometimes, kids are wierd with their appetite. i would not worry about it unless she is losing weight. make sure she is getting enough dairy,milk,yogurt and cheese. sometimes they eat a lot or in spurts during the day. that is normal for toddlers. if she is getting teeth she will not feel too well either. try to feed her several times a day and see if she eats better that way. now is the time when kids our age get molars. try different food also. soemtimes they get bored with the same things. everything will be alright. the main thing is that she is not losing weight at this point. if any other concerns call the pediatrcians office. happy new year
Hi T.,
My son is 18 months as well. He ate everything I gave him up until he turned about 14 months old. Now, it is hit or miss. He could love mac & cheese one day and then hate it the next. It goes in spurts. A lot of the times, I notice that when he is very picky, he is teething. He always drinks his milk and water throughout the day so I don't worry about it too much. He is a nice healthy weight.
If your daughter is otherwise healthy and getting her fluids, I think you should be fine.
