Loss of Appetite in Kids: Causes, Remedies & When to Worry
Last updated: January 2026
Quick Answer
Is loss of appetite normal in children? YES - temporary reduced appetite is very common and usually not a cause for concern.
Most parents worry when their child refuses to eat or shows less interest in food. The truth is, children's appetite naturally fluctuates based on growth spurts, teething, illness, or even just their mood. If your baby or child is active, happy, and growing well, occasional days of eating less are completely normal. However, persistent loss of appetite (weeks, not days) combined with weight loss needs medical attention.
What Causes Loss of Appetite in Children?
Watch: Baby Spitting Milk after Feeding? Know if this is a Cause for Concern | Babynama Child Care
Normal Causes (Usually Nothing to Worry About):
For Babies 7-12 Months:
Teething - Sore gums make eating uncomfortable
Starting solids - Baby is adjusting to new tastes and textures
Developmental milestones - More interested in crawling/walking than eating
Growth slowdown - After the rapid growth of first 6 months, appetite decreases naturally
For Toddlers 1-3 Years:
Neophobia - Fear of new foods (very common at this age!)
Independence - Wanting to feed themselves, rejecting parental help
Grazing on snacks - Too many biscuits, chips between meals
Too much milk/juice - Fills tummy, leaves no room for food
Distracted eating - TV, phone, toys during meals
For Older Children:
School stress - New school, exams, social issues
Picky eating habits - Developed food preferences
Constipation (kabz) - Full bowel reduces appetite
Emotional issues - Anxiety, changes at home
Medical Causes (May Need Doctor's Attention):
Viral infections - Common cold, fever, throat infection
Intestinal worms - Very common in Indian children
Anemia (low iron) - Causes fatigue and poor appetite
Constipation - Pet dard and bloating reduce hunger
Allergies or food intolerances - Discomfort after eating certain foods
Gastric issues - Acidity, gas, GERD
Medications - Some medicines reduce appetite as a side effect
Symptoms to Watch For
Signs That Appetite Loss May Need Attention:
Not eating properly for more than 2 weeks
Weight loss or failure to gain weight
Child seems tired, weak, or less playful
Pale skin (could indicate anemia)
Swollen belly with poor appetite (could be worms)
Pet dard (stomach pain) regularly
Fever that doesn't go away
Refusing even favorite foods
Difficulty swallowing or pain while eating
Changes in potty (diarrhea or constipation)
Home Remedies to Improve Appetite (Bhook Badhane Ke Upay)
Dietary Changes:
Small, Frequent Meals
5-6 small meals instead of 3 big ones
Less overwhelming for picky eaters
Always have healthy snacks ready
Reduce Milk Intake
Limit to 2 cups (400ml) daily for toddlers
Milk fills tummy, reduces hunger for solids
Don't give milk just before meals
Cut Down on Juices and Sugary Drinks
These fill the stomach with empty calories
Offer water instead
If giving juice, dilute and limit quantity
Make Food Appealing
Colorful plates with variety
Fun shapes and presentations
Let child help in cooking/preparation
Traditional Indian Appetite Boosters:
Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
Add to parathas, rotis
Make ajwain water (boil, cool, strain)
Improves digestion and appetite
Ginger (Adrak)
Add to dal, sabzi, or as ginger water
Stimulates digestive juices
1/4 tsp grated ginger with honey (for kids 1+)
Pudina (Mint)
Add to curd, chaas, lemonade
Freshens taste and aids digestion
Mint chutney with meals
Chyawanprash
Traditional appetite booster
1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily (for kids 2+)
Brands: Dabur, Zandu, Baidyanath
Hing (Asafoetida)
Add to dal and sabzi
Helps with gas and improves appetite
Especially good for babies starting solids
Saunf (Fennel Seeds)
Give after meals to aid digestion
Saunf water for babies
Helps reduce gas and bloating
Lifestyle Changes:
Fixed Meal Times
Same time every day builds routine
Body learns when to expect food
Don't let child graze all day
No Screen Time During Meals
TV/phone distracts from eating
Child doesn't recognize hunger/fullness cues
Make mealtime family time
Increase Physical Activity
Active children are hungrier
Outdoor play before meals
Limit sitting/screen time
Make Mealtimes Pleasant
No pressure, no forcing
Don't threaten or bribe
Positive, calm environment
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate care if:
Child is losing weight rapidly
Signs of dehydration (dry lips, less urination, no tears)
Should be used short-term and under doctor's guidance
Foods That Increase Appetite
Food
How It Helps
How to Give
Curd/Yogurt
Probiotics improve digestion
With lunch/dinner, with mint
Peanuts
Increases metabolism
As snack, in chutney
Ajwain
Stimulates digestive enzymes
In paratha, as water
Ginger
Promotes appetite
In dal, sabzi
Pomegranate
Rich in iron, improves appetite
As fruit, juice
Dates (Khajoor)
Iron, energy, stimulates hunger
2-3 daily as snack
Almonds
Healthy fats, zinc
Soaked and ground
What's Normal Appetite By Age?
Age
Typical Eating Pattern
7-9 months
2-3 meals + breast milk/formula, still learning to eat
10-12 months
3 meals + 1-2 snacks + milk, may be choosy
1-2 years
Appetite decreases from infancy (normal!), grazing common
2-3 years
Very picky phase, may eat same food repeatedly
3-5 years
Appetite increases, still has preferences
5+ years
More consistent eating, peer influence begins
Expert Insight: Dr. Sumitra explains: 'Every baby's poop schedule is different. Some go 7 times a day, some once a week - both can be normal.'
FAQs
Q: My 10-month-old suddenly stopped eating solids - is this normal?
A: Yes, very common! This can happen due to teething, a mild illness, or just developmental changes. Keep offering but don't force. Continue breast milk/formula. If it lasts more than a week or baby seems unwell, consult your pediatrician.
Q: Should I give appetite syrup (like Practin)?
A: Appetite syrups should only be used if prescribed by a doctor. They are not a long-term solution. First, try dietary changes, fixing meal routines, and ruling out underlying causes. Medicine should be last resort.
Q: My toddler only drinks milk and refuses food - what should I do?
A: This is very common! Milk is filling and children often prefer it. Gradually reduce milk to 2 cups daily. Don't give milk 1-2 hours before meals. Make food interesting and offer when child is genuinely hungry.
Q: How do I know if my child has worms?
A: Signs include: poor appetite despite looking okay, itching around bottom (especially at night), pet dard, and sometimes visible worms in stool. Get a deworming dose from your doctor - it's safe and recommended every 6 months.
Q: Is it okay if my child eats very little but seems healthy and active?
A: If your child is growing well (check growth chart with doctor), active, and meeting milestones, eating less may just be their pattern. Children have smaller stomachs and varying appetites. Trust their hunger cues rather than forcing a certain quantity.
Q: Can constipation cause loss of appetite?
A: Absolutely! When the belly is full of stool, there's no room or desire for food. If your child is constipated (hard potty, less than 3 times a week), treating the kabz often brings back appetite.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. For personalized advice about your child's appetite, consult with Babynama's pediatric experts on WhatsApp.
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