Common feeding problems in infants and young children include spitting up, vomiting, overfeeding, and underfeeding. Spitting up is normal for infants but vomiting requires medical attention. Overfeeding can lead to obesity while underfeeding causes failure to thrive. Proper feeding techniques and nutrition are important to address feeding problems and ensure healthy growth. Some issues may require intervention from medical professionals or social services.

1. BY: MANISHA SHARMA
NURSING TUTOR

2.  Feeding problems in infants and young
children are usually minor but sometimes
have serious consequences.
 Common feeding problems include
gastroesophageal reflux, gastroenteritis, too
much food, too little food, and dehydration
(fluid loss).
 Some feeding problems resolve without
treatment, but others require medical
attention or hospitalization.
 Proper nutrition and feeding techniques can
alleviate some feeding problems.

3. Spitting up
 Spitting up (burping up) is the effortless
return of swallowed formula or breast milk
through the mouth or nose after feeding.
Almost all infants spit up, because infants
cannot sit upright during and after feedings.
Also, the valve (sphincter) that separates the
esophagus and stomach is immature and does
not keep all of the stomach's contents in
place. Spitting up gets worse when an infant
eats too fast or swallows air. Spitting up
usually stops between the ages of 7 months
and 12 months.

4. Spitting up can be reduced by:
 Feeding infants before they get very hungry
 Burping them every 4 to 5 minutes
 Placing them in an upright position during
and after feeding
 Making certain the bottle nipple lets out only
a few drops with pressure or when the bottle
is upside down

5. Spitting up that seems to cause an infant
discomfort, interferes with feeding and
growth, or persists into early childhood is
called gastroesophageal reflux and may
require medical attention. If the material
that is spit up is green (indicating bile) or
bloody or causes any coughing or choking,
medical attention is needed immediately.

6. Vomiting:
Vomiting is the uncomfortable, forced
throwing up of feedings. It is never normal.
Vomiting in infants is most often the result of
acute viral gastroenteritis.
Infants between the ages of 2 weeks and 4
months of age may rarely have forceful
(projectile) vomiting after feedings because
of a blockage at the stomach outlet
(hypertrophic pyloric stenosis)

7. A child who is vomiting frequently may
tolerate small amounts of solution given
more often better than large amounts given
less often. Older children can be given
popsicles or gelatin, although red versions of
these foods can be confused with blood if the
child vomits again.

8. A child should be hospitalised if he/she:
 Has severe abdominal pain
 Is unable to drink and retain fluids
 Has a high fever
 Is lethargic or acting extremely ill or acting
very different than usual
 Vomits for more than 12 hours
 Vomits blood or green material (bile)
 Does not urinate in 8 hours
 These symptoms may signal dehydration or a
more severe condition.

9. Overfeeding:
Overfeeding is giving more nutrition than a child
needs for healthy growth. Overfeeding occurs
when children are automatically fed as a
response to crying, when they are given a bottle
as a distraction or activity, or when they are
allowed to keep a bottle with them at all times.
Overfeeding also occurs when parents reward
good behavior with food or expect children to
finish their food even if they are not hungry. In
the short term, overfeeding causes spitting
up and diarrhea. In the long term, overfed
children can become obese.

10. Underfeeding:
Underfeeding is giving less nutrition than a
child needs for healthy growth. It is one of
many causes of failure to thrive and may be
related to the child or the caregiver.
Underfeeding may result when a fussy or
distracted infant does not sit well for
feedings or has difficulty sucking or
swallowing. Underfeeding can also result
from improper feeding techniques and errors
in formula preparation.

11. Poverty and poor access to nutritious food
are major reasons for underfeeding.
Occasionally, abusive parents and parents
with mental health disorders purposely
withhold food from their children. In infants,
underfeeding can result in dehydration and
yellowing of the skin

12. Community services (such as RCH, ICDS) can
help parents purchase formula and can teach
them proper techniques for formula
preparation and feeding. If an infant is so far
below expected weight that supervised
feedings are necessary, the doctor may admit
the child to a hospital for evaluation. If the
parents are abusive or neglectful, Child
Protective Services (1098) may be called.

13.  Offer a variety of foods, even ones your child has
rejected in the past.
 Keep healthy foods in the house.
 Limit high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.
 Let kids help make meals. Give them simple jobs,
like tearing lettuce for a salad or helping set the
table.
 Set regular mealtimes and snack times so kids don't
graze all day long.
 Have regular family meals and make them pleasant
times for the whole family to get together.
 Set a good example by eating healthy foods yourself.
 Let the child take control.