My 8 month old is teething, and he seems to eat less. He just got his first tooth. I have noticed lately his eating habits have deteriorated very much. He will always take a bottle but at breakfast, lunch and dinner he will only take a couple spoonfuls of baby food. Should I be worried or is his mouth just sore from teething??
Baby Help Line:
Babies’ Eating Habits While Teething
I don’t think you have to worry. Your son’s poor appetite may very well have to do with the teething or it is just a variation that no one will ever find the reason for. If he is on his way to get ill, you’ll know within a couple of days.
Children’s appetite varies a lot between days, weeks, and months and it is very easy to start worrying. When my kids get into periods like that I usually wait a couple of weeks, then I take them to their health care provider for an extra weighing. Usually, they have continued to gain weight and my worries were completely unnecessary. If not, you get a chance to discuss it with an experienced person who has met your baby.
So, unless your baby seems to be ill, don’t worry. You can always add an extra teaspoon of fat (butter or oil) to his meals. (Read about making your own baby food here.)
And do visit a doctor if your baby seems to lose weight or is in poor condition some other way.
If you want to learn more about childrens’ eating habits, read about what research says here.
Hope this helps!
Paula
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