ExpertPriyanka BhawalkarNutritionist4 years agoA. Hi mom, this is very common in toddlers, What you can do is include varieties like pasta,sandwich, noodles sometimes ,macaroni with lots of veggies in it..Make colourful paratha and chilla..Make funny faces or any cute animal on it and serve it to be child and let baby eat on his own.
Shubhashnee katreGuardian of a 9 m old girl3 weeks agoA. It is very common for children to lose their appetite when they have a lingering cough. When a child’s body is busy fighting off an infection or dealing with persistent throat irritation, eating often feels like a chore—especially if swallowing or chewing triggers another coughing fit.
At the 10-day mark, her lack of appetite is usually due to a few simple factors:
Why She Might Not Want to Eat
Congestion & Taste: If she is even slightly congested, her sense of smell and taste are dulled, making food unappealing.
Sore or Sensitive Throat: A dry cough for 10 days can make the throat feel raw. Scratchy or heavy foods (like crackers or thick meats) might actually hurt to swallow.
Post-Nasal Drip: Swallowing mucus (drainage) can cause a mild upset stomach or a "full" feeling, even if she hasn't eaten much.
Fatigue: Coughing all day (and potentially at night) is exhausting. Sometimes kids are simply too tired to put effort into eating.
Tips to Get Her "Grazing" Again
Don't worry about full meals right now. Focus on "Mini-Meals" and hydration.
Prioritize Fluids: Staying hydrated is more important than solid food. Offer "fun" fluids like diluted fruit juice, clear broths, or even fruit popsicles (which also soothe a scratchy throat).
Soft & Cool Foods: Try foods that slide down easily. Yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, or mashed bananas are gentle on a cough-worn throat.
Small, Frequent Bites: Offer a few bites every hour rather than asking her to sit for a whole meal. A "snack plate" with a few grapes, a piece of cheese, and some soft bread can feel less overwhelming.
Chicken Soup: It's a classic for a reason! The warm saltiness helps thin out mucus, and the broth provides hydration and easy-to-digest nutrients.
When Appetite Loss Becomes a Concern
While a dip in appetite is normal during illness, you should contact her doctor if:
She stops drinking: If she refuses fluids and shows signs of dehydration (fewer than 3 wet diapers/urinations in 24 hours, dry mouth, or no tears when crying).
Significant Weight Loss: If she looks noticeably thinner or lethargic.
Difficulty Swallowing: If she seems to be in pain when she tries to swallow or is drooling excessively.
SanthoshiMom of a 8 yr 5 m old girl4 years agoA. Hi sir Give your kid the food they love to have. Dont force feed they won't have. Have a weekly plan that won't repeat any food again. Make it colorful, attractive, see what other healthy alternatives can be given
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