Why is my 3-month-old baby not drinking milk?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
When a 3-month-old baby lacks trace elements such as zinc and iron in the body, it may lead to decreased appetite,表现为不爱吃奶 (manifested as a reluctance to breastfeed or take milk). These trace elements are essential for maintaining the baby's normal physiological functions and metabolism. Besides a reluctance to eat milk, this deficiency may also be accompanied by yellowish hair. Attention should be paid to adjusting the baby's diet and increasing the intake of foods rich in these trace elements.
Generally, a 3-month-old baby refusing to breastfeed may be due to reasons such as the nursing strike phase, deficiency of trace elements, thrush, indigestion, or respiratory tract infection. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow medical advice for treatment. The specific details are as follows:
1. Nursing strike phase: A 3-month-old baby is in a rapid stage of sensory and neurological development, with increased interest in the surrounding environment, which may lead to distraction during feeding, resulting in refusal to breastfeed or inattentive feeding, often accompanied by increased salivation. Parents need not be overly concerned, as the nursing strike phase typically gradually improves within 1-2 months. Parents can choose formula suitable for the baby's taste or try feeding when the baby is hungry to increase the baby's willingness to feed.
2. Deficiency of trace elements: When a 3-month-old baby lacks trace elements such as zinc or iron, it may lead to reduced appetite, manifesting as refusal to breastfeed. These trace elements are crucial for maintaining the baby's normal physiological functions and metabolism. In addition to refusing to breastfeed, symptoms may include yellowing of the hair. Parents should adjust the baby's diet to increase intake of foods rich in these trace elements.
3. Thrush: Thrush is an inflammation caused by infection with Candida albicans. When this fungal infection is present in the baby's mouth, it can cause white patches on the oral mucosa accompanied by pain, thus affecting feeding, and the baby may also show irritability. Antifungal medications such as Itraconazole Capsules, Nystatin Tablets, or Micafungin Sodium for injection should be used under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
4. Indigestion: The gastrointestinal function of a 3-month-old baby has not yet fully developed. Improper feeding or external environmental factors can easily lead to indigestion, resulting in decreased appetite and refusal to breastfeed, often accompanied by a sour and rotten smell from the mouth. Medications such as Bifidobacterium Tri-lactis Powder, Bacillus Subtilis Diarrhoea Live Pellets, or infant spleen-strengthening powders may be used under medical guidance to improve gastrointestinal function and promote digestion.
5. Respiratory tract infection: When a baby develops a respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or bronchitis, symptoms such as nasal congestion and cough may occur, leading to difficulty breathing during feeding, thereby affecting appetite, often accompanied by nasal congestion. Anti-infective medications such as Pediatric Common Cold Granules, Pediatric Paracetamol Chlorpheniramine Maleate Granules, or Fuganlin Oral Liquid may be used under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection.
Throughout the process, parents should remain patient and attentive, providing the baby with a comfortable and healthy growing environment.
