Common problems when raising young children

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Feeding problems are quite common, affecting nearly half of normally developing children and up to 80% of children with developmental delays. Usually most of these problems are not serious, especially if a child is doing well in terms of growth and development. Here are the things to know when raising babies that parents should "take it to heart".

1. Children avoid new foods

Elizabeth Ward, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feeding Your Baby and Toddler, says: "Children are equipped to refuse new foods." This is just one of the problems with babies. To help your child accept new foods, start with small portions. Also try to make the new dish look like the familiar dish. If your child likes pureed carrots, you should try pureed sweet potatoes.

2. If the child eats indiscriminately: 'Let the child eat on the floor'

Cereals on the floor and peas in the child's hair? Congratulations, your child is showing signs of independence. Around 9 months of age, babies begin to want control over feeding times and placement of foods. While it can be hard to sit still and watch the mess in front of you, it's an important step in your baby's learning and development of independence. This is one of the notes when raising babies that parents need to know.

3. Vomiting, vomiting, reflux in children

Small amount of regurgitation is a common problem in infants. Your baby's digestive system is still developing. A baby can also have stomach acid reflux into the esophagus. To help control reflux, try feeding your baby more slowly or less at a time, loosen diapers, and keep your baby upright after feedings. Reflux usually resolves on its own without treatment by the time a child is 12-14 months old.

4. Children don't want!- Refuse food.

You just feed your baby a little and they turn their head, grab a spoon or close their mouth. Babies sometimes refuse to eat for many reasons: They are tired, sick, distracted, or full. Don't force your baby to eat - one of the things to keep in mind when raising a baby, but if you're concerned talk to your doctor.

5. How about children who are picky eaters?

While picky eaters can last for weeks or even months, it rarely lasts. Ward says children become picky eaters for a variety of reasons. When babies aren't feeling their best - like when teething - familiar foods are more comforting. Or your baby is not ready to try a new food. Make sure you don't give your kids snacks just because that's all they want to eat, a common mistake parents make when caring for children. Cook healthy foods for kids, and hungry kids will eventually eat them.

6. Food allergies and intolerances

According to research, about 8% of children have food allergies. Symptoms of a food allergy in children, such as a rash, diarrhea, vomiting or upset stomach, can come on suddenly. Although children can be allergic to any food, milk, nuts, eggs, soy, wheat, and seafood are the most common.
Food intolerance in babies is more common than allergies causing gas, bloating and colic. If you suspect your child has a food allergy, see your pediatrician for safe food options.

7. Colic and baby's appetite

You need to know when raising babies that up to 2 out of 5 babies face colic symptoms - cry for hours on end. Colic can start around 3 weeks old and usually goes away by 3 months. Although colic won't affect your baby's appetite or ability to suck, crying babies can take time. to calm down before eating, and the child may vomit small amounts.
However, call the doctor if your child has vomiting, diarrhea, fever, weight loss, or blood or mucus in the stool. These are not symptoms of simple spasmodic pain.

8. Diarrhea and constipation

Diarrhea can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration, important note when feeding children. Warning signs include dry mouth, decreased urination or wet diapers, no tears when fussy, weight loss, lethargy or sunken eyes. If diarrhea occurs with any of the above signs, you should call your child's doctor immediately
Young children are rarely constipated and it is difficult to assess whether they are constipated because of the frequency of bowel movements. Every child's appearance is different. For example, an exclusively breastfed baby may have hard stools just once a day. Signs of constipation include hard, large and painful stools, and blood around the stools. Contact your pediatrician before trying home remedies.

9. Canned food for babies and stomach ache

Canned baby food is one of the mistakes when taking care of babies because it can cause digestive problems for babies. That can happen if you feed them directly from the food jar and save the leftovers for another meal. Doing so introduces bacteria from the mouth into the food the child will next eat. When your baby eats leftovers, it leads to stomach problems like vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms.

10. Older children and junk food

Sometimes parents are the source of children's eating problems. “There is a temptation to give older children the same foods that you are eating,” says Ward. But it's never a good idea if what you're eating is unhealthy.
You should be aware when caring for children that it will be difficult to change unhealthy eating habits when they are toddlers if you introduce foods rich in sweet, salty or fatty foods early on.

11. Food should be avoided for children

A child's underdeveloped digestive system cannot cope with some of the foods that an adult's body can. For example, honey can lead to botulism in infants, which can be fatal. Always stay away from foods that pose a choking hazard such as popcorn, hot dogs, raw fruits and vegetables, raisins, and meats or cheesecakes.

12. When to Get a Pediatrician's Advice

Since so many things cause problems with your child's diet, it would be better to talk to your doctor to get a full expert advice. Always call your pediatrician right away if your child has weight loss, is vomiting, has diarrhea, is dehydrated, is constipated, or has reflux. You shouldn't feel shy talking to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Pediatrics department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, diarrhea, constipation in children, food allergies products,... With a system of modern facilities, medical equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread, Vinmec will bring satisfaction to customers. products and are highly regarded by industry experts.

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Reference source: webmd