As kids start exploring a variety of food items, they start developing their culinary likes and dislikes. Several times, kids refusing to eat a particular food item can cause great distress to parents as the child might be missing out on important nutrients
Sometimes parents expect too much, which can cause unnecessary worry. Being too strict can make a child not want to eat even more. Parents need to consult doctors to check for any illness. They need to share their child’s eating habits.
Around 25% to 35% of toddlers and preschoolers are labelled as picky eaters by their parents. They often worry about their child’s eating habits. This can lead to conflicts between parents and children.
Nevertheless, most of these children have a normal appetite for their age and growth rate. Parents must consult with their family physicians or paediatricians for assistance and have proper guidance to prevent mealtime struggles and reinforce positive feeding behaviours.
Evaluating the loss of appetite in children
Parents must gather a comprehensive history to determine the root cause of a child not eating, whether it is a decrease in appetite or an organic issue. A detailed dietary history spanning 3 to 7 days can provide insight into the child’s calorie intake. Noting typical portion sizes, mealtime duration, and the overall mealtime environment is important. Unrealistic expectations can also be a factor, in cases where specific foods are consumed one day but rejected the next.
When appetite loss is linked to an organic disease, it tends to manifest suddenly and impact the overall dietary preferences of the child. Parents need to consult a doctor for a thorough functional assessment to rule out various acute or chronic illnesses associated with anorexia. Parents must note that certain medications can also lead to appetite suppression.
The doctor will examine the child to identify the signs of malnutrition. After the examination, the doctor determines the condition of the child. If the child appears healthy and shows normal physical growth, the refusal to eat is likely physiological.
Parents who seek assurance regarding their child’s growth even before consulting a doctor can check their child’s BMI to understand better. They need to make a note of their child’s height and weight regularly and accurately. A Body Mass Index[BMI] of a child determines whether the child has the correct weight for the age. Parents can search for any BMI tool online to know their child’s BMI.
Formula to calculate BMI = Weight (kg) / (Height (m)* Height (m))
Causes for a child not eating
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), babies grow rapidly, gaining 7 kg and growing 21 cm in their first year. The growth slows down in the second year with most toddlers reaching an average weight of 12.3 kg and a height of 87 cm. Between two and five years of age, weight gain continues at a slower pace, with most children gaining 1-2 kg and 6-8 cm per year.
During this time, toddlers and preschoolers may not feel like eating as much, which is normal. Parents should not force their children to eat more, as this can have an adverse effect. It is normal for children to be picky eaters, but their overall energy intake stays the same. Parents who worry about their child’s size or nutrition may overreact to changes in their child’s appetite.
Toddlers may not want to eat when pressured, as they want to be independent. They may also be hesitant to try new foods at first, but they can learn to like them over time. Drinking too many sugary drinks or eating too many sweets can make a child less hungry for healthier foods. Snacking too much can also affect a child’s appetite.
Refusing food may be a way for a child to get attention or show that they are having trouble with their parents. Threatening or forcing a child to eat can make them eat less. Encouragement and setting a good example can help children eat and try new foods.
The atmosphere at mealtimes is important. Being patient and giving guidance can help a child eat well, while arguing and distractions can make it harder. Being too strict about table manners can also affect a child’s eating.
How to increase appetite in children
The underlying cause for a child being a picky eater should be dealt with as soon as possible. Here is some advice for parents to resolve the loss of appetite in children.
- Parents should provide nutritious food options, while allowing children to decide how much and what to eat.
- Nutrient-dense snacks should be given between meals to avoid affecting the child’s appetite for the next meal.
- Eating should be a pleasant experience, without pressuring or bribing children to eat.
- Children should have limited mealtime distractions, like toys or TV, and a set amount of time at the table.
- Family meals offer a social learning experience for children through imitation.
- Appetite stimulants are not typically recommended for occasional food refusal, and supplements should only be considered if the child’s diet quality is in question.
Conclusion
Treating the underlying cause, and that parents should be reassured that a decrease in appetite is normal for children aged two to five. Parents are responsible for offering nutritious food and structured meals, but children should be allowed to decide how much and what to eat. It is recommended to offer small portions of food at meals and to avoid snacks that interfere with the child’s appetite for the next meal.
Consulting a paediatrician or a family physician could help parents know the health condition or the reason for their child’s loss of appetite.
At Mothers’ Pet Kindergarten, we care for your child’s overall growth and development. We ensure your child develops a strong personality and individuality through our carefully crafted fun activities and learning modules. These activities help them understand their relationship with food and the positive impact of a healthy diet on their body and mind. We make the process of learning fun and easy which contributes to the cognitive and physical development of each and every child.
