"My child doesn't eat" may be the sentence Dr. Jenny hears most. Sometimes the child is growing perfectly and needs a calmer mealtime; sometimes there is an underlying problem — anaemia, constipation, reflux or an infection — taking the appetite away. Nutrition was one of the three pillars of her MD training.
Signs parents notice
- Refusing food or eating only a few items
- Feeling full after a few bites
- Long, stressful mealtimes
- Dependence on milk, snacks or screens to eat
- Paleness, tiredness or frequent illness
Common causes
- Normal variation in toddler appetite
- Too much milk, juice or snacks between meals
- Constipation, reflux or gut problems
- Iron-deficiency anaemia and other deficiencies
- Repeated infections
- Feeding-behaviour and mealtime patterns
How Dr. Jenny evaluates & treats
- Plotting growth on charts to see whether intake is truly inadequate
- A 24-hour diet recall and mealtime-routine review
- Screening for anaemia and other treatable causes when indicated
- A practical meal plan using familiar Bangladeshi foods
- Follow-up to monitor growth and adjust the plan
When to see a doctor
- Weight loss or falling across growth lines
- Food refusal with vomiting, choking or pain
- Picky eating with paleness or frequent infections
Serial: 01786-126908 · In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Watch: Dr. Jenny explains
Nutrition & growth
বাচ্চা খেতে চায় না? কারণ হতে পারে এই সমস্যাগুলো!
My child won't eat — possible reasons
Watch on YouTubeNutrition & growth
বাচ্চা একটু খেলেই পেট ভরে যায়? কখন চিন্তার কারণ?
Feels full after a few bites — when to worry
Watch on YouTubeFrequently asked questions
Do appetite syrups help?
Appetite stimulants are rarely needed and do not fix the underlying cause. Finding why the child is not eating and correcting it works better and lasts longer.
This page gives general information for parents and is being reviewed by Dr. Ferdous Ara Jenny. It does not replace a consultation — every child is different.