When babies are young, they often experience gas and bloating. Many refuse to eat due to abdominal discomfort. What should mothers do in such situations?
What to Do When Your Baby Refuses to Eat Due to Gas (Public Health Network)
What should you do if your child refuses to eat because of gas?
1. First, visit a reputable hospital's pediatric or gastroenterology department for a comprehensive examination to rule out chronic conditions that may cause loss of appetite, as well as iron or zinc deficiencies.
2. Maintain a regular eating schedule with consistent meal times and ensure food hygiene; establish a routine with adequate sleep and regular bowel movements; provide balanced nutrition by incorporating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while limiting snacks, sweets, and sugary drinks.
3. Improve the eating environment to help the child focus on meals and maintain a pleasant mood.
4. Limit hard-to-digest foods. For babies already eating solid foods, reduce intake of foods that are difficult to digest and prone to causing gas, such as sweet potatoes, beans, and leeks.
5. Consider whether indigestion is the cause, as a child's stomach and intestines are very delicate.
6. Maintain good dietary hygiene, which may alleviate symptoms. Regular exercise can also boost the child's immunity.
Improper feeding can cause abdominal distension in babies, resulting in a rounded belly that sounds hollow when tapped. This often leads to poor appetite and reluctance to eat.