Food strike with cold

[Kitcameron]

Is this normal/ common?

Little G started with a cold on Thursday and since then she's been eating less and less. Today she's had barely anything, even though Ive given her cheese and yoghurt, her favourites. She's nibbled on them and tried to eat the cheese but just spat it back out again mostly. She's not drinking any more than usual either, in fact probably less, also a but worrying. I thought you were meant to eat and drink more when you had a cold.

I'm happy to trust that she'll eat and drink when she's feeling a bit better but just wondered how common this was. Think tomorrow I'll just put out a plate of random bits and pieces and let her nibble as and when she wants. I've been trying to watch for hunger cues today but she's not giving any. She's slept more than usual, which I expected, so that's good at least. We got a lovely lie in til 9.30!!!!! This morning.

[FestiveTidings]

Totally normal - at least this is what roo does and to be honest I've never questioned it, just trusted he knows what he needs.

I imagine all the snot and mucus fills their tummy pretty quickly so they aren't actually hungry. Also I think having a cold changes the taste of foods so favourites always taste a bit strange (at least they do to me!). There is that old feed a cold starve a fever thing but I don't know if that's true or not. Roos appetite always wanes when he's poorly. We know he's getting better when he starts eating like a horse!

Snack plates with lots of fruit is usually what he survives on.

[Lily]

Yes, Izbiz always does this too. I find he'll often eat more at breakfast, especially toast and fruit, and snacks during the day, but he doesn't even want to sit at the table for lunch or tea. And I try to avoid dairy products, though he loves cheese and yogurt too - I think they can make you feel even more snotty if you've got a cold.

I agree with FT about flavours changing. Having a blocked nose means you can't taste much, so food is less tempting. Strong, simple tastes can be more appealing. I know it's not ideal for LOs in normal circumstances, but if you're really worried then try offering a salty or sweet snack as she should be able to enjoy those more. Textures can be good too; crunchy things are still nice to eat even if they don't taste of much.

[Kitcameron]

She's currently sort of munching on a raw carrot and had a crackerbread for brekkie. She won't entertain fruit at the minute but has had a gingerbread man and a piece of flapjack as well so not doing too badly I suppose.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[ChristmasGift]

Same thing has occurred here a couple of times too. I know its really bad when she refuses banana and blueberries which are her absolute favourites. Normal services usually resumes after a few days - often with a massive appetite to make up for lost time!

[Kitcameron]

She's been surviving on oat cakes today, and what I mentioned earlier. She's breathing better but sounds very fluidy. She keeps coughing up mucus but I can't persuade her to spit it out. She just swallows it again, urgh.

[NorthernKitten]

Coughing will also probably make her throat sore, so she may be avoiding swallowing solids. Munchkin is doing the same and I hadn't thought about the sore throat until I had the same bug.

[Zim_09]

Nice post!

[Kitcameron]

Which one in particular Zim?

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