#asktheexpert my baby just recovered from fever and is not eating anything

Question

Accepted Answer

it is very common that during the disease process the child will have loss of appetite as well as after the disease the child will have decreased appetite for food and this will last for at least one week.
you have to provide plenty of water to drink and you can give food rich in fluids acs well as juice extracted from fruits which will help in improving the appetite.
if if the child is having nutritional deficiency the doctor will add multivitamin supplements to increase the appetite.

Accepted Answer

It's common for babies to have a reduced appetite after recovering from an illness like a fever. Here are some steps you can take to help encourage your baby to eat:

### Hydration
1. **Fluids First**: Ensure your baby stays well-hydrated with breast milk, formula, or small amounts of water if they are over six months old.
2. **Offer Electrolytes**: Oral rehydration solutions can help if your baby is dehydrated from the fever.

### Gentle Reintroduction to Food
1. **Small, Frequent Meals**: Offer small amounts of food more frequently throughout the day rather than large meals.
2. **Favorite Foods**: Start with foods your baby usually likes to encourage them to eat.
3. **Easy-to-Digest Foods**: Offer bland, easy-to-digest foods such as mashed bananas, applesauce, rice, or plain yogurt.

### Comfort and Patience
1. **Comfort**: Ensure a comfortable feeding environment, free from distractions.
2. **Patience**: Be patient and gentle, as force-feeding can create negative associations with eating.

### Nutritious Options
1. **Smoothies**: For babies over six months, blend fruits with a bit of yogurt or milk to make a nutritious and appealing smoothie.
2. **Purees**: Offer pureed vegetables and fruits, which are easier to eat and digest.
3. **Soft Finger Foods**: If your baby is ready for solids, try soft finger foods like small pieces of avocado or steamed vegetables.

### Monitor and Consult
1. **Monitor Symptoms**: Keep an eye on any signs of dehydration or illness, such as fewer wet diapers, lethargy, or persistent vomiting.
2. **Consult a Pediatrician**: If your baby’s appetite doesn’t improve after a few days, or if you have concerns about their health, consult your pediatrician for advice and a thorough evaluation.

### Encouragement
- **Positive Reinforcement**: Praise and encourage your baby when they do eat, even if it's only a small amount.
- **Routine**: Try to maintain a regular feeding routine to create a sense of normalcy and predictability.

Your baby's appetite should gradually return as they continue to recover. If you have ongoing concerns, don't hesitate to seek professional medical advice.