Why do Babies Eat Very Less Some Days

As parents, you may often notice that your baby’s appetite can change dramatically from one day to the next. It’s a common concern during the Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) journey, and understanding why these fluctuations happen can help ease your worries.

Why Does Baby’s Appetite Fluctuate?

There are several reasons why your baby’s appetite may vary. Here are some common causes:

Growth Spurts:

Babies go through rapid growth at various stages, which can lead to increased hunger during certain periods and decreased interest in food during others. Growth spurts usually happen at predictable intervals, such as around 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months, 18months, 24 months. During these phases, babies may eat more to support their development, while in between spurts, their appetite may dip.

Teething:

Teething can cause discomfort, leading to less interest in eating. Babies may refuse solid foods and prefer breastfeeding or formula feeding during this time. Their appetite typically returns once the teething pain subsides.

Illness:

When babies are unwell, their appetite may decrease. It’s common for them to eat less when they have a cold, fever, or stomach upset. This is usually temporary, and once they recover, their appetite should normalize.

Developmental Milestones:

When babies are learning new skills, like crawling/walking/speech, they may be more focused on mastering these skills than on eating. This can lead to temporary appetite loss, which often resolves once the milestone is achieved.

What’s Normal and When to Worry?

Fluctuations in your baby’s appetite are usually normal. Babies are good at self-regulating their food intake, and their hunger levels change naturally based on their growth, activity, and health. However, there are some signs that could indicate a need to consult a healthcare professional:

1. If your baby consistently refuses to eat for several days.
2. If they are losing weight or not gaining weight according to growth charts.
3. If they appear lethargic, dehydrated, or overly fussy during feedings.

How to Manage Appetite Fluctutions

While it’s important to respect your baby’s cues, there are a few ways to navigate appetite changes:

Offer Balanced Meals:

Continue offering a variety of nutritious foods, even if your baby isn’t eating much. Babies may eat smaller portions, but consistently providing balanced options ensures they’re getting the nutrients they need.

Avoid Pressuring Your Baby to Eat:

Trust your baby’s ability to regulate their hunger. Pressuring them to eat more can lead to negative associations with mealtimes and food.

Keep Mealtimes Calm and Enjoyable:

Maintaining a stress-free environment during meals can help your baby feel more relaxed, which may encourage them to eat.

Stay Consistent:

Offer regular meals and snacks to provide structure, even if your baby doesn’t eat much. Over time, their appetite will likely return to normal as they go through different phases.

Final Thoughts

Managing your baby’s appetite fluctuations is a natural part of the Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) journey. Understanding the reasons behind these changes and staying patient will help you navigate through them. Remember that babies are excellent at knowing how much they need to eat, and fluctuations in appetite are usually a normal part of their growth and development.