| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Poor feeding is the feeding pattern of an infant who either demonstrates a lack of interest in feeding, or an inability to take in adequate nutrition. |
| Alternative Names | Feeding or eating is poor; Infant with lack of interest in feeding |
| Considerations | Poor feeding is a nonspecific symptom seen in newborn and young infants that may 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. |
| Common Causes | Viral gastroenteritisGalactosemiaGroup B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn (late) MeningitisTracheoesophageal fistulaBeckwith-Wiedemann syndromeBirth acquired herpesBotulism ( infant botulism ) Congenital hypothyroidismHypoplastic left heartMeningitis H. influenzaPhysiologic jaundice of the newbornPatent ductus arteriosusPremature infantTetralogy of FallotTotal anomalous pulmonary venous returnTransposition of the great vesselsTruncus 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 . |
| Call your health care provider if | Your child does not seem to be eating enough or is consistently losing weight. Poor feeding is accompanied by other signs or symptoms. |
| What to expect at your health care provider's office | 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 thorough physical evaluation. The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include: Eating habits How does the baby (child) eat normally? Has the diet been changed recently? Time pattern Has the baby (child) always been a fussy eater? Is the feeding getting harder? Other symptoms 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, GI studies, and blood tests may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder. After seeing your health care provider: Although the health care provider maintains records on your baby, it may be helpful to maintain your own records of the well-baby findings. You should add measurements that you do at home (height, weight, etc.). Bring your records to the health care provider's attention if you notice any abnormalities, or if you have questions about your baby's development. If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as the cause of poor feeding, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record. |
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