Feeding FAQ: 12-18 months – Other

Jo is 15 months old and was turning into a great eater. However, the last couple of days he’s been running a temperature, and now he’s refusing lots of foods, including some he normally loves, like mince. I give him the food as usual, but he spits it out. But then he’s happy to munch on breadsticks and hummus. Shall I just go with it and give him things I know he’ll eat? Or does this sound like he’s starting to get fussy? Do you find the appetite gets better once the illness is over?

It’s always worrying when little ones are unwell, and we also get concerned when they’re not eating… for any reason. In July I answered a question on ensuring young children drink enough fluid while they’re ill, (Click here to read question) and getting food in can be just as big a battle at these times. Fluids are the highest priority, as dehydration can occur quickly and with serious consequences, but taking some solid food can also help children to feel better. It helps to increase energy levels, and the intake of key vitamins and minerals might even enable their immune systems to function better, possibly speeding up the healing process. Having said that, try not to worry too much if Jo doesn’t eat much for a few days, so long as his fluid intake is okay.

For the time being, offer foods in small amounts but more frequently than usual. You don’t need to be too worried about getting in all their vitamins and minerals if it’s a short-term bug, so you can offer foods your child particularly enjoys without being overly concerned about whether he’s eating from all the food groups. If the loss of appetite is due to a longer-term illness, discuss your child’s intake with your GP and request a referral to a dietitian if necessary.

While Jo is off his food try to offer bland foods that are not high in fat – fattier foods remain in the stomach for longer and this fullness can be unpleasant when you’re feeling ill. Some suggestions are:

• Soup – preferably a type that’s fairly substantial but not too rich or creamy, such as potato and leek or scotch broth
• Breadsticks or rice cakes
• Chopped chicken breast
• Mashed potato
• Plain rice or pasta
• Toast and jam
• Plain vegetables
• Fruits such as banana or stewed apple
• Custard or yoghurt
• Milk drinks
• Breakfast cereal and milk.

Cold foods are often easier to eat if the appetite is poor – one reason being because they have less smell, which can be off-putting when you are feeling sick. Maybe this is why Jo is eating breadsticks and hummus rather than his usual mince. If so, breakfast cereal or half a sandwich may also go down well.

Just as children who have made the transition from bottle to cup may regress while they’re ill and want bottles only, they may also prefer more ‘babyish’ foods. For example, Jo may prefer mashed or chopped foods even though he’s progressed onto more solid meals, or he may want mum to feed him. He’ll get back on track as he recovers, and you can gradually increase the amount and decrease the frequency of meals. And with younger children it doesn’t matter if it takes a few days or even weeks to get back on schedule with their weaning. Just be warned: you may think you have a ravenous wild beast on your hands after Jo recovers, as appetites often soar for a few days to make up for lost eating time.