My 10 Month Baby Isnt Eating And Lost Weight!

by Paul
(Manchester UK)

My 10 and a half month old baby boy was very wheezy over the weekend. He was diagnosed with broncoleitus around 4 months ago; we tried him with his inhaler tube thing! This didn't help so we monitored him over the next few days.

By Monday evening he was projectile vomiting and coughing. We took him to the emergency doctors and they said he has only got a "cold".

He wasn't any better by Tuesday so we took him to our Family Doctors Wednesday morning who said he has a Chest infection and gave him Amoxicillin and Dioraylte.

Our son 2 days later wont take the Dioraylite and knows whenever he drinks his water or juice he is sick so will only take a small sip!

We tried him on a piece of toast this morning but he couldn't keep it down. He has been very lethargic over the past 24 hrs sleeping for most of the time and has lost weight. We haven't weighed him yet but you couldn't see his ribs and backbone before he fell ill.

I don't want to sound like an over concerned parent but should we be worried that he hasn't really eaten or properly drank in 2 days? Should we take him back to our Doctors?

Please advise.

Paul

Baby Help Line:

Lethargic 10 Month Old Not Eating And Drinking

I understand that you are worried and I agree with you; If you son is weak and isn't drinking and can't keep anything down, the doctor needs to take a second look at him immediately.

I know from my own experience that babies sometimes tend to throw up from just having a cold; I think it is the mucus that is the problem. So the fact that he is throwing up doesn't have to mean there is something else wrong to him (but you should still have him checked).

Also, don't be too worried about your son not eating and losing weight. In most cases, the weeks after such a period, babies tend to get an enormous appetite and compensate the weight loss. It is quite amazing! And when he starts eating again, you can also add extra fat to his food if necessary.

It is more worrying if he isn't drinking. Babies can become dehydrated fast and that can be really dangerous for them. So take him back to the doctor! And also try to offer him liquid very often. Even if he just takes a tea spoon every time, it is much better than nothing. (You can read more about signs of dehydration in babies here.)

I really hope your little son gets well soon and that he and you get all the help you should from the doctors.

Paula

(Answer approved by our Medical Reference Team)

More Babies That Won't Eat

Eating habits while teething

My baby wont eat anymore

10 month old doesn't eat much

Find answers and comments below.

Find more Sick Baby Q&As and other Baby Tips here:

Comments for
My 10 Month Baby Isnt Eating And Lost Weight!

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 28, 2012

Baby not eating and lost weight
by: Meera

Hi,

You have said that the ten months baby not eating and lost his weight. This is the age that the child starts playing around by crawling so they will forget themselves or otherwise going on playing so nothing to worry.

Oct 28, 2012

need advice please NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi, I'm worried about my 17 month old daughter. She has had hard bowel movement for a long time. But flexible almost two weeks now, They have been soft not loose, but it's every other diaper change that it's Pooh. She is starting to get a diaper rash due to how many changes and being g wiped. She also has never got a rash on her bottom til now. Her diet has not changed so I'm we worried. Maybe I can get some advise her before I call her Dr. She also has been acting pretty normal. The only thing Maybe her at night time. Ahead Wales you several times wanting milk.

Oct 30, 2012

Frequent BM at 10 months NEW
by: Paula (Easy Baby Life)

Hi,

Having frequent BM doesn't have to mean that something is wrong - if she has good appetite, is healthy and growing, then most likely she is fine. Has she started to move around recently? That could actually a reason for her more frequent stools.

Diaper rash can certainly come from all the wiping - if possible; let her spend time without diapers as much as possible.

Anyway, I hope she is fine. Let us know what the doctor said.

Best, Paula

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Sick Baby Q&A.