We’ve been slammed with a monster combination of two teeth coming in at the same time, as well as a severe cold (high fever, runny/stuffed nose, cough). My son is normally a good eater. When he is sick or teething, he eats less, but he eats something. This was the first time he flatly refused anything we gave. I didn’t want any of his go-to sick foods, any safe foods, or even my husband’s sweet cereal, which was all he ate the night before. I know fluid intake is more vital, but it’s difficult not to spiral.
That is completely common for that age, even if he is not teething or has a cold.
I follow Bloomdpc on Instagram, and she makes videos on what to expect at certain ages, and she says that about 15-18 months is when toddlers start developing on air. You simply watch how much they consume in a week and aim for one nice meal per day, rather than three.
My 13-month-old daughter has already started doing this; she often skips lunch.
Thank you for this; it helps me feel better. It’s difficult having a good eater suddenly refuse food, especially safe things.
I second this. My son was going through an air phase around this time. He’s 20 months old and devouring food.
Omg I adore her!! “Weird shit newborns do” was a relief for me when we first got our son home. She even covered some of the most esoteric topics.
As long as he keeps hydrated, everything is OK. Juice, popsicles, Gatorade, Pedialyte, whatever they want. Taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen alternately can also be beneficial.
My 16-month-old son just did this for a week straight since he had pneumonia. We were giving him pediasure and laying him down with a cup like a bottle to get him to drink it (which he did). It helped him stay hydrated and consume calories. It’s very sweet, so I guess that helps. He’s also getting those two molars, which is a killer. I completely understand, but rest assured, this is not uncommon. Our pediatrician just mentioned water is what matters, and any calories he can receive, even if they are in liquid form.
Have you or your partner ever skipped a meal or two because you felt ill? Probably, correct? Personally, I’ve been sick for a few days and survived on nothing but a little bowl of rice cereal or broth.
It’s unfortunate that he feels so horrible, but it’s not a permanent solution to not eating.
My son and I shared covid when he was 16 months old. We syringe gave him water, apple juice, and pediasure, doing our best to keep him hydrated and give him some calories. It was terrible. I feel your anguish. I hope your little one recovers shortly.