Tolerance Issues
Tolerance Issues
It can be quite the challenge when your child refuses to cooperate with you when it comes to food. Why is your child refusing to eat that particular thing or food in general? They may have gas issues, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting, all common distressing symptoms to watch out for when they cannot keep food down. Unless the discomfort is a symptom of a serious medical issue, the occasional discomfort may be because your child has not yet developed the tolerance or the ability to digest that certain nutrient yet.
Trouble with food
When a child has trouble with food, symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain and distension, gas, diarrhea, and rash will occur. Stool consistency and frequency changes are also key indicators.
Vomiting
Occasional vomiting up food, they could just not like it, is not generally a major health concern. But if they vomit food right back up after eating with much distress caused, this can be a sign of more serious and may be a symptom of an allergy.
Gas and fussiness
If you think adults are choosy eaters, have you ever tried feeding your child what they don’t want? But if they complain they have an upset tummy often after they eat the food and you notice excessive fussiness, check if the food itself is not causing the discomfort, ie. an allergic reaction or intolerance.
Protein sensitivity
Check if your child has any sensitivity issues. For protein, sensitivity to it may cause excessive diarrhea, rashes, and sleeping problems.
Stool color and consistency
Just like in adults, normal stools may be soft to well-formed and it all depends on physique and nutrition. A child that is mostly on supplementary foods may have pasty-looking stools. Stool color changes with the types of food your child consumes.
Frequency of bowel movements
Bowel movements are different by infant and type of diet. Breastfed newborns may have up to ten stools a day, often after each feeding, while others may have one stool every other day.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is usually thin, watery, mucusy, and offensive smelling. It can be a symptom of an illness and you should contact your healthcare provider. Because diarrhea draws and excretes an excessive amount of water from the body, dehydration can occur so be sure to provide your child with plenty of hydration when they have diarrhea.
Constipation
Normal stool should be soft to more formed, and just like watching for color and consistency, it all depends on your child and their diet. If they have difficulty passing it in a session, check if they are drinking enough water. Keep a logbook or chart of things you feed your child and assess how each food affects their bowel movements. If unsure of why your child is constipated, please contact a doctor.
Uncomfortable Burping
Assure that your child gets the nutrients they need because it is important for their growth and development. Feeding issues can interfere if their nutrition isn’t being absorbed properly, or that they resist eating because of associated discomfort.
- Proper eating positions – make them eat sitting up or at a dining table appropriately. Avoid letting them eat lying down or curled up.
- Do not force feed – if your child gets overly full, they are more likely to vomit or burp it up.
- No vigorous play after food – excess activity can aggravate and impede digestion.
- Proper meal times – try to provide food for your child before they are overly hungry because them trying to curb their haggard stomach will cause them to gulp down food and take too big of bites that cause digestive issues.
- Can’t keep it down – if your child cannot keep even the simplest of foods down, call your child’s doctor right away.
- Monitor stool – because the stools can tell you how healthy they are. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your child’s stools (frequency, color and consistency).
Ask Your Doctor
When in doubt, ask a doctor! Learn to recognize the symptoms of food issues of your child and discuss the concerns to rule out other possible underlying issues.
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