Patient's question:
A 20-day-old baby weighing 10 kilograms, who used to be able to eat 180ML of milk per meal. They were fed about every 4 hours or slightly more than 4 hours. When the baby was around 4 months old, we started adding porridge. Both the formula and the rice cereal were from B&B brand. Here's how I fed them: 180ML of water, using B&B brand spoons, adding 4 level scoops of formula, then adding a suitable amount of rice cereal (if no rice cereal was added, 180ML of water should be 6 level scoops of formula according to the instructions). They were eating well, sometimes even eating up to 220ML when rice cereal was added. Starting from the day before yesterday, their appetite has dropped significantly. We prepared 180ML of milk, but they only ate 90ML. This has happened for several meals in a row. Originally, they could eat 180ML even at night, but now they only eat 90ML. When the baby is hungry, they cry and fuss. We prepare the milk for them, but after taking a couple of sips, they refuse to eat anymore.Doctor's answer:
If the baby does not have any illness or other abnormalities, it may be in a physiological phase of reduced appetite. The characteristics of this phase are that the child is developing normally and is very active, but their milk intake is temporarily reduced. This usually naturally recovers within about a month.During this phase, although the baby eats less, most can still maintain their expected growth, and there is no evidence to suggest it affects intellectual development. This period typically lasts for about a month, during which the baby's appetite is not always consistently low—it fluctuates, sometimes eating more, and sometimes eating less. Some babies with small appetites may experience bloating or other discomforts, making them less interested in eating. In this case, parents can gently massage their baby's abdomen when they are asleep, remembering to use the palm to make circular motions lightly.
Allowing the baby to engage in appropriate activities daily is beneficial for digestion and absorption, and can also improve their appetite. Good activities include exercise routines and slow jogging. When the baby is active, it's best for parents to join in, as this makes the baby more enjoyable and happy.