My question is about my little daughter’s eating. My daughter is one year old.
Three days ago she had vomiting. We immediately showed her to the doctor, and he gave medicine. With the medicine the vomiting has now stopped, and she also seems well.
But now the problem is that she is not willing to eat anything. When we offer food, she turns her face away. When a child this small does not eat, as a mother I worry a lot that she will become weak or lose weight.
Everyone at home gives different advice: some say feed her by force, some say wait a few days. I cannot understand what is right.
My questions are:
– Is it normal for a child to lose interest in food after vomiting?
– What kind of food, and how much, should be given at such a time?
– How should water and fluids be given?
– Is it right to force-feed?
– Is there any safe Ayurvedic home remedy to bring back appetite gradually?
– Which symptoms mean I should show her to a paediatrician immediately?
I do not want to make any mistake with my daughter’s health, and I want to see her eating well again gradually. Your simple and safe advice will be very useful. Please also explain how much patience I should keep as a mother at such a time, and when I should worry.
Hello
Have a Healthy Day !!
Welcome to the world of health from Ayurveda conducted by Dr. Nikul Patel.
Direct answer: It is normal for a child’s appetite to stay low for a few days after vomiting or a stomach infection, because the digestive system gradually becomes healthy again. At this time, instead of force-feeding, giving enough fluids and light food a little at a time is most important. In most children appetite returns within a few days.
Understanding the problem
After vomiting, the child’s stomach is weak, and sometimes there is a shortage of water in the body (dehydration). Fluids are more important than food at first. Counting wet diapers is a simple way to know whether she is getting enough fluid.
The Ayurvedic view
According to Ayurveda, after vomiting Agni (digestive fire) becomes weak, and to increase it gradually, Laghu (light) and easily digestible food called Peya or Yavagu (thin gruel) is advised. This sequence is called Samsarjana Krama: first thin, then gradually thicker food.
Practical steps
- If breastfeeding continues, give it often.
- Small sips of water, ORS (as the doctor advises), thin dal water or rice water.
- Then thin moong khichdi, steamed apple, banana, dal-rice, a little at a time.
- Small amounts 5-6 times a day; no force.
- Avoid biscuits, juice, sweet drinks and outside food.
- A calm and happy atmosphere while feeding; do not feed by showing the mobile.
Medicine
For children, any appetite-improving or digestive Ayurvedic medicine is given only after looking at age and weight. The right medicine, dose and timing will be decided by the vaidya after examining your condition. Do not give powders or home-made ghunti on your own.
When to see a doctor immediately?
- No urine for 6-8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying
- Vomiting starting again, blood in the stool
- Extreme drowsiness, fever, sunken soft spot on the head
- No increase in eating at all even after a week, weight loss
Related Questions
Can milk be given to the child after vomiting?
Continue breast milk; other milk as the doctor advises.
How many days does it take for appetite to return?
Usually a few days to a week; it differs from child to child.
What is Samsarjana Krama?
In Ayurveda, the method of moving gradually from thin to thicker food after an illness.
In short: It is normal for a child’s appetite to stay low for a few days after vomiting. Instead of forcing, give breast milk, fluids, ORS and light food such as rice water and khichdi a little at a time; see a doctor immediately if urine decreases or there is drowsiness.
You can consult for your child’s health.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
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