Babies bring joy to your life from the moment they enter the world. However, there are times when their appetite and mood can swiftly change due to unexpected ailments. Stay prepared for this issue by learning the difference between illness vs constipation: when to worry about your baby.

What Impacts Loss of Appetite

When your infant shows a lack of interest in their meals or shows signs of appetite loss, it isn’t an uncommon phase. However, if your baby otherwise expresses happiness, good health, and constant growth, you shouldn’t worry.

A temporary loss of appetite is due to developmental progress and shouldn’t impact their overall health. However, there are common reasons for appetite loss, such as teething, growth, overheating, solid food introduction, and excess fluid intake.

Signs of Illness

If your baby is showing signs of discomfort, lack of interest, unhappiness, or a change in mood, their loss of appetite may point to an underlying illness. For instance, sore throats can create difficulty swallowing. Furthermore, other illnesses can reduce your infants’ appetite, such as a fever, cough, cold, upset stomach, and other infections. Reach out to your pediatrician for treatment so your child can get back to consuming the nutrients necessary to grow.

Signs of Constipation

While constipation is a common problem for children of all ages, it’s crucial to recognize the signs in your infant. If your baby is refusing formula, it could be because of abdominal pain. Additional signs of constipation include:

  • Hard, pellet-like bowel movements
  • Less frequent bowel movements than usual
  • Signs of bowel movement pain
  • Back arching, buttock tightening, and crying

Constipation occurs during periods of pain, unfamiliar surroundings, and medical-related issues. You can speak to your pediatrician regarding at-home remedies and treatments, such as fruit juices, high-fiber foods, and formulas with iron.

When To Worry for Your Baby

So, when should you worry about your baby’s health? While the temporary loss of appetite is usually harmless, there are factors to consider.

If your baby experiences constipation, it can lead to dehydration, make them lethargic, and cause them to eat less. Ensure you take your child to the doctor if their mood shifts considerably, they experience weight loss, and they keep getting sick.

Your baby deserves the best nutrition possible to grow at a healthy rate. So, ensure that you monitor your baby through their first year for optimal health and happiness.