Teething, loss of appetite and milk: what should you know?

Sore gums can make sucking, swallowing or contact with a teat uncomfortable. A child may take shorter feeds, prefer a different flow or pause more often. Teething does not explain every feeding change. Gastroenteritis may cause vomiting or diarrhoea, while Influenza or COVID-19 can cause fever and tiredness. Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer and Hepatitis A can affect appetite with tummy symptoms or yellowing. Depression is uncommon in very young children but mood and behaviour changes still deserve discussion. The feeding pattern and accompanying signs matter more than teething alone.

Offer the usual breast or formula feed more often in smaller amounts, while keeping the child upright and supervised. Pause if they cough, choke or become distressed. For babies using formula, prepare it exactly as directed and do not dilute it. A chilled teething ring before a feed may ease gum discomfort; avoid numbing products unless a clinician recommends one. Track feeds, fluids, wet nappies, alertness and vomiting. Do not replace milk with juice or add medicines to a bottle unless instructed.

Seek urgent help if the child is hard to wake, has breathing difficulty, blue lips, repeated choking, severe vomiting, a seizure or clear dehydration. Contact a clinician promptly when feeds are repeatedly refused, wet nappies become less frequent, urine is unusually dark, the mouth is dry, tears are absent, fever persists, or the child is losing weight or energy. A feeding assessment can distinguish gum discomfort from illness, swallowing difficulty or another problem.

Ask whether the feeding volume and wet-nappy pattern are adequate, whether the teat, latch or feeding position should change, and which pain-relief options fit the child’s age and weight. Mention vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, cough, rash, mouth sores and recent changes in formula or feeding equipment.