my son is 14 months old from 3 to 4 days he is rejecting every meal ..should I go to pediatrician or what should I do ?

Question

Accepted Answer

dont force for food 
give food as per demand only 
also note this 
Always better to give home made freshly prepared food items only

Exclusive breast feed ur baby till 6months of age

After 6months of age u can start with  dal rice water,

Moong dal puree

Rice kanji

Spinach and dal mash

Tomato soup

mashed fruit

Apple puree

Bloiled mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes

Give 3-4 serves in a day.

Continue breast feed as well till 1.5 yrs of age.

Accepted Answer

It's concerning when a young child suddenly starts rejecting meals. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue and determine whether a visit to the pediatrician is necessary:

### Assess Possible Causes:
1. **Illness**: Check for signs of illness such as fever, congestion, cough, diarrhea, or any other symptoms that might indicate your child is not feeling well.
2. **Teething**: Teething can cause discomfort and make eating less appealing. Look for swollen gums or new teeth breaking through.
3. **Changes in Routine**: Any recent changes in routine, environment, or diet could affect your child’s eating habits.
4. **Food Preferences**: At this age, children can become more selective about food textures and flavors.

### Initial Steps:
1. **Stay Calm**: Avoid pressuring your child to eat, as this can create a negative association with mealtime.
2. **Offer Variety**: Provide a variety of foods and let your child choose what to eat. Sometimes presenting foods in different forms can help.
3. **Small Portions**: Offer small, frequent meals instead of large portions. This can be less overwhelming and more manageable for your child.
4. **Hydration**: Ensure your child is staying hydrated by offering water or milk regularly.

### Monitor Symptoms:
1. **Observe Behavior**: Monitor your child's behavior and look for signs of pain, discomfort, or other symptoms.
2. **Keep a Food Diary**: Note what foods you offer and how your child responds. This can help identify patterns or specific food aversions.

### When to See a Pediatrician:
- **Persistent Refusal**: If your child continues to refuse food for more than a few days.
- **Weight Loss**: If you notice significant weight loss or if your child appears lethargic or unusually irritable.
- **Dehydration**: Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, and dark urine.
- **Other Symptoms**: If there are other concerning symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any signs of illness.

### Next Steps:
If your child’s food refusal continues or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician. They can evaluate your child’s health, check for any underlying conditions, and provide guidance on how to manage feeding issues.

Your pediatrician can also rule out any medical reasons for the sudden change in eating behavior and offer reassurance and practical advice on how to encourage healthy eating habits.