Patient's question:
Daughter is artificially fed. Recently, she doesn't like to eat milk, and her milk intake has decreased. She can drink water. Her mental state is okay. She sleeps lightly during the day but is okay at night. Previous treatment history and effectiveness: Used Meiban Appetite Enhancer, but it didn't show any effect. What kind of assistance is desired: Wondering what the cause...Doctor's answer:
4 to 5-month-old babies have started to increase their milk intake, but their appetite is poor, which worries parents about whether they are getting enough nutrition. In fact, this is a common "milk aversion" phenomenon in babies. Parents should not be overly anxious and can adopt appropriate measures once they carefully identify the cause of the milk aversion.Guiding Suggestions:
Cause 1: Physical discomfort (e.g., teething, vaccinations, illness)
Method: If the baby is teething, they can use a larger hole nipple to drink milk, which may reduce the pain caused by sucking. Alternatively, mix the formula with oatmeal, rice powder, or other foods to create a milk porridge and feed it with a spoon.
Cause 2: Curiosity leading to distraction and playfulness
Method: When feeding, avoid creating distracting noises or objects around the baby to help them focus on eating.
Cause 3: Physiological milk aversion, poor appetite, and poor weight or height development if the aversion lasts for more than 2 months
Method: Consider giving the baby digestible baby vitamins or consult a doctor on how to use appetite stimulants to regulate their digestive function and improve appetite.
Cause 4: Developing taste buds and a lack of interest in the same, bland milk flavor, as they crave new tastes
Method: Do not force diaper changes, as this may cause the baby to resist. When introducing complementary foods, use a variety of foods to offer different flavors, and prefer natural flavors without added seasonings (for children under 1 year old).
Wishing your baby good health and softness!