What Should I Do When My Baby Has No Appetite?

As a new mother, it is common to encounter situations where your baby has no appetite or eats poorly. This can be very stressful for parents. When such situations arise, the first step is to understand the specific reasons. For instance, is the baby suffering from indigestion, has a cold, or is feeling chilly? Depending on the specific symptoms, parents should take appropriate measures to help their child. So, what should parents do when their baby has no appetite? Let's take a brief look.

How to Deal with Baby's Loss of Appetite:

1. Massage the spleen meridian on the inside of the feet. The acupoints include Yinbai (the well point of the spleen meridian), Dada (the spring point of the spleen meridian), Taibai (the transporting and source point of the spleen meridian), and Gongsun (the connecting point). Since the source of the spleen meridian is located on the feet, massaging these points can fundamentally improve the baby's weak spleen and stomach condition. Additionally, bathing before meals, especially during the early morning or evening in summer, can help. Letting the baby play outdoors can help them expend energy and be in a better mood. Giving them a comfortable bath after playing can further relax them and improve their appetite.

2. Perform chiropractic massage on the baby's spine. This "chiropractic" therapy can regulate yin and yang, harmonize qi and blood, and strengthen the organs and meridians. It is particularly effective for treating malnutrition, indigestion, anorexia, diarrhea, and constipation. It is recommended to perform this massage in the early morning or one hour after meals, once a day, for a total of six days as one course of treatment. In addition, it is important to establish healthy eating habits. Meals should be timed and portioned, with attention paid to the color, aroma, taste, and presentation of the food. Creating a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere during mealtimes can also help cultivate good eating habits and improve appetite. It is also crucial to balance the diet, focusing on foods that are detoxifying, easy to digest, and avoiding sugary drinks, cold beverages, and desserts.

3. Supplement with probiotics. Probiotics can act as a "starter" by breaking down large molecular proteins and fats in food, aiding in digestion and absorption. Additionally, supplementing with child-specific complex vitamin B can enhance the baby's appetite. Complex vitamin B is known as an "energy vitamin" as it can promote gastrointestinal motility and increase appetite.