Question
A nine-month-old baby, who previously had a good appetite, has suddenly developed anorexia over the past week. Parents are wondering what could be the cause and how to increase the baby’s appetite.
Answer
If the baby does not have constipation or other disease symptoms, anorexia may not be a sign of an impending illness. It is recommended that parents strengthen their observation of the baby’s behavior reactions and ensure proper warmth. They can try giving the baby more juice rich in vitamin C, which may help improve appetite. Additionally, the baby may be tired of the current food, so parents can try changing the types of food, such as offering starchy foods like pork congee, liver congee, soft noodles, or buns. When feeding, start with small amounts and gradually increase while paying attention to the texture from thin to thick. Cooking can use a small amount of oil, but avoid adding salt, especially when the baby is unwilling to eat. After one year old, babies can start eating with adults, but still need to be cautious about overeating.