Question

If a 9-month-old baby is in good spirits but unwilling to eat, how should one handle the situation? During feeding with milk and rice porridge, it’s always like a battle. Recently, Qixing Tea and Shanyao Jianpi Oral Liquid have been given, but the effects are not significant. What could be the reasons? How should one respond? What were the past treatment scenarios and outcomes? Assistance sought: How to make the baby willing to drink milk calmly.

Answer

If the baby is unwilling to eat, first check whether it is due to weakness in the spleen and stomach. If taking spleen-strengthening medicine is ineffective, also consider whether a zinc deficiency could be causing a decrease in taste sensitivity, leading to anorexia. Additionally, consider whether there may be a lack of variety in the types of complementary foods introduced. First, focus on taking spleen-strengthening medicine for a period of time; if there is no improvement, consider using Xingpi Yang’er Granules. Next, check for zinc deficiency; if present, take glucose zinc oral liquid in conjunction. Finally, increase the variety of complementary foods, adjust the baby’s taste buds, and enhance appetite.