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Baby doesn't eat food
Hello doctor... my baby is 3 year old now.. last 3days she doesn't eat her any meal and milk... only take outside chocolate n sweets ... whenever I try to feed her food and milk she started crying.. doctor prescribed her kute xtra and zincovit syrup... I gave her medicine from last 2 days... but she doesn't want to eat food now... please help me... what happened to her?
Answers (9)
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This is quite normal behaviour at this age. This is a temporary phase. Also the growth is slower after 2 years of age. So they have less appetite. Don't worry if the child is active. Lower your expectations. She will eat less but as per her requirement. Don't pamper her to make her eat
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Hello, I understand your concern
At 3 years, temporary food refusal and preference for sweets is common, especially after minor illness, teething, recent antibiotics, or change in routine.
Appetite stimulants/Vitamin tonics don’t correct feeding behaviour.
Remove chocolates/sweets completely - Keep them out of sight. Avoid using them as reward/bribe.
Next Steps
Follow structured feeding:
3 meals + 2 healthy snacks only
Water between meals, no grazing
Offer family foods; eat together
No TV/phone during meals
Allow 20–30 mins, then remove plate without negotiation
Don’t force-feed: Child decides how much, parents decide what & when. Appetite returns once hunger-satiety cycle resets (3–5 days)
Healthy options: Fruits, curd, dal–rice, chapati, vegetables, eggs, sprouts, dry fruits, homemade snacks.
Health Tips
Red flags:
Fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, dehydration, mouth ulcers, persistent refusal >1 week, poor growth.
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This is fine only they will do like that after 1 yr growth will slow down.They imitate others at that age ,when you go for meals , they follow.You go for more sittings with small meals. If weight is normal no need to force they feel angry.Natural appetiser s also less affective that age . Don’t worry
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It is normal for toddlers to have fluctuating appetites and be picky eaters, as their growth rate slows down after the first year. Refusing meals and having a preference for sweets can be a common part of their development or a way to assert independence.
Next Steps
Maintain Routine: Offer meals and healthy snacks at regular times each day.
Limit Sweets and Drinks: Avoid using sweets as a reward and limit milk or juice intake between meals to water so your child is hungry for mealtime.
Offer Small Portions: Large portions can be overwhelming. Start with a small amount (about one tablespoon per year of age) and offer more if they are still hungry.
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Hello, I understand your concern
She is fine , don’t worry
Stop her chocolate & sweet for a while , give her options of milk or meals
I think this is part of tantrums
From your description, destiny seems any illness
I need to ask few more questions regarding her diet or some symptoms
Contact me on practo
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Dr. D Sivaganesh
Pediatrician
15 yrs exp
Chennai
Child of this age having food fads is pretty normal. Need not worry. Deworming every 6 months needed. Can add appetizer syrup for a month
Next Steps
A CBC and a consult with paediatrician
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Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
I totally understand this problem
And It's very common in this age group kids
They have this On and off food taking and not taking behaviour it's totally normal
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
It's normal
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Dr. Vinit M Mehta
Pediatrician
10 yrs exp
Vadodara
Sugar makes it do that.
Reduce it to half in this week.
Then avoid too sugary items and home meals would be better again.
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