What to do if the baby has no appetite
As soon as the hot summer arrives, the baby's appetite decreases significantly. Coupled with the fact that the baby sweats easily and loses water and nutrients, it's even worse that many chubby babies start to visibly lose weight! It's all because of the summer!
Causes caused by parents themselves
1. Restricting the baby's activities to avoid sweating: Many mothers are afraid that their baby will sweat and develop heat rash, so they don't let the baby engage in various activities. It can be imagined that with less exercise, the energy consumption will decrease, and the baby's stomach will naturally not feel hungry.
Suggestion: Let the child exercise more. In the morning and evening, take the baby outdoors when it's cool and let them walk and run. From 10 am to 4 pm, when the weather is hot, you can lay a mat on the indoor floor and let the baby play on it, or clean the floor and let the baby crawl, roll, and jump barefoot on the floor. In short, the baby should be allowed to play vigorously and work up a sweat every day to stimulate their appetite.
2. Drinking less water leads to a smaller appetite: Some parents themselves drink less water and often forget to give water to their baby. In summer, the water consumption is undoubtedly high, and if it is not replenished in time, the child will feel thirsty and lose their appetite. Therefore, once you find that the baby's urine output is less than usual, pay attention and promptly replenish water or fresh fruit juice.
Suggestion: When returning home from going out or waking up from a nap, remember to give the baby water. Remembering to give the baby water just before meals is too late, and the baby will definitely not enjoy the meal.
3. Drinking too much soda or fruit juice: Almost all babies like to drink sweet beverages. Some parents think that it's fine for the baby to drink more because they enjoy it, and they even replace water with soda for the baby. As a result, the baby's stomach is filled with sugar from the drinks, and naturally they have no appetite for eating.
Suggestion: It is essential to cultivate the habit of drinking plain water. In addition, parents should buy fewer beverages with high sugar content. Experts suggest that plain water is the best drink for babies.
4. Giving the baby hot food: Many parents worry that their baby may have diarrhea in the summer and are afraid to give them cold food. In fact, most cases of summer diarrhea are caused by eating unclean food or using dirty utensils, and not necessarily from eating cold food.
Suggestion: When the temperature exceeds 28°C, powdered milk or milk should be cooled to 10°C-15°C. You can give the baby food that is about the same temperature as tap water, which will make it easier for the baby to accept. Also, if the weather is too hot, you can give the baby some ice cream.
Baby's own reasons
Experts analyze that with the advent of air conditioning, the impact of hot weather on infants and young children is not as severe as before. At this time, the baby's poor appetite may be caused by themselves:
1. Increasing curiosity: Many babies enter the summer when their curiosity grows stronger. They become curious about everything and like to eat while playing. Even 2-year-old children can become easily distracted due to their intense curiosity. This is the result of the baby's psychological development reaching a certain stage.
2. Becoming more active: "Many babies are already very active, making it difficult for them to sit quietly and finish a meal.
3. Developing their own preferences: Children at 21 months old have the ability to distinguish tastes, and they often only accept certain types of food. If parents change the flavor, the child may cry and refuse to eat.
Suggestion: Not forcing and letting nature take its course is the simplest and most scientific method. If the baby doesn't want to eat, don't force them. Parents should calmly and happily interact with the baby, talking and singing, allowing the baby to "fully enjoy the happy time with mom" and gain the essential spiritual nourishment for their psychological development. Relaxing the mood will make the baby hungry and more willing to eat.
