ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Poor feeding in infants

Definition

Poor feeding is when an infant has a lack of interest in feeding or a problem receiving the proper amount of nutrition.

Alternative Names

Considerations

Poor feeding is a nonspecific symptom seen in newborn and young infants that can result from many conditions, including infection, metabolic disorders, genetic disorders, structural abnormalities, and neurological disorders.

Poor feeding is not an indicator of the severity of the disease, but it is an indicator that (even in the absence of other symptoms) suggests close watching of the infant. Poor feeding is not the same as "picky" eating. Many children between ages 2 and 4 are picky eaters. Parents only need to give children what they like to eat at this age. However, children must continue to drink milk or an appropriate milk substitute.

Causes

• Viral gastroenteritis
• Galactosemia
• Group B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn (late)
• Meningitis
• Tracheoesophageal fistula
• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
• Birth-acquired herpes
• Infant botulism
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Hypoplastic left heart
• Meningitis H. influenza
• Physiologic jaundice of the newborn
• Patent ductus arteriosus
• Premature infant
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
• Transposition of the great vessels
• Truncus arteriosus
• Any disorder that causes damage to the nervous system or causes muscle weakness

Home Care

Watch closely for the development of other signs and symptoms of illness, including signs of dehydration. Also watch the height, weight, and general development closely for signs of malnutrition or failure to thrive.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

• Your child does not seem to be eating enough or is consistently losing weight.
• Poor feeding is accompanied by other signs or symptoms.

A child who is feeding poorly will often have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition is based on a family history, medical history, and a complete physical exam.

Your health care provider will ask questions, such as:

• How does the baby (child) eat normally?
• Has the diet been changed recently?
• Has the baby (child) always been a fussy eater?
• Is the feeding getting harder?
• Is there vomiting?
• Is there diarrhea?
• Is there an abnormal stool color?
• Is there abdominal pain?
• Is there abdominal cramping?
• Is there a sore throat?
• Is there a stiff neck?
• Is there a headache?
• Is there gagging or choking?
• Is there coughing?
• Are there other symptoms?

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Laboratory studies such as x-rays, gastrointestinal (GI) studies, and blood tests may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.

AFTER THE OFFICE VISIT

Although the health care provider maintains records on your baby, it is a good idea to maintain your own records of office visit findings, test results, and your own observations of your baby's health. You should add measurements that you do at home, such as height and weight.

Bring your records to the health care health care provider's attention if you notice any problems, or if you have questions about your baby's development.