Feeding problems Dr Trisha Macnair Most children occasionally have a gastrointestinal problem that can influence their appetite or food absorption. More serious feeding problems can greatly disrupt a child's ability to take in vital nutrients.

In this article

What causes them? Who's affected?

What are the symptoms? What's the treatment?

The kind of feeding problem may depend on the age of the child.

Some new mothers take a while to get the hang of breastfeeding and may worry they're not producing sufficient milk or their baby isn't satisfied. But as long as the baby is gaining weight at the normal rate, there's no need for concern.

Occasionally, early feeding problems are due to anatomical difficulties (for example, a severe cleft palate or oesophageal atresia) or more general illness, but these are usually quickly identified.

Minor infections, such as a cold, can interrupt established feeding patterns, but rarely for long.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) can also make feeding difficult, affect weight gain and cause great stress for parents.

More serious conditions can interfere with the absorption of food and weight gain, including coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and food intolerance.

In toddlers and older children, emotional and social factors can cause feeding problems. Older children, especially girls, are more likely to develop eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

Feeding problems are common throughout childhood and affect both boys and girls.

The symptoms of feeding disorders can vary, but common symptoms include:

• Refusing food
• Lack of appetite
• Colic
• Crying before or after food
• Failing to gain weight normally
• Regurgitating or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Behavioural problems

Many feeding problems, especially in small babies, sort themselves out without the cause ever being established, but do get medical advice if you're at all concerned or if your baby is failing to gain weight.

In older children, try not to make food an issue but be as flexible as you can in adapting to the eating habits that suit them. For fussy eaters, try a wide range of foods, perhaps in more frequent, small meals.

Emphasise health rather than weight gain.

Midwives, health visitors or local National Childbirth Trust groups can be a great source of advice for parents worried about feeding problems.

If you think there may be a serious underlying problem, especially in older children, talk to your doctor.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in April 2008