Poor feeding in infants

Alternative names

Feeding - lack of interest; Infant - lack of interest in feeding

Definition

Poor feeding is when an infant either demonstrates a lack of interest in feeding, or an inability to take in adequate nutrition.

Considerations

Poor feeding is a nonspecific symptom seen in newborn and young infants that can 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 gastroenteritis
  
• Galactosemia
  
• Group B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn (late)
  
• Meningitis
  
• Tracheoesophageal fistula
  
• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
  
• Birth acquired herpes
  
• Botulism (infant botulism)
  
• Congenital hypothyroidism
  
• Hypoplastic left heart
  
• Meningitis H. influenza
  
• Physiologic jaundice of the newborn
  
• Patent ductus arteriosus
  
• Premature infant
  
• Tetralogy of Fallot
  
• Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
  
• Transposition of the great vessels
  
• Truncus 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.