How to help him eat?

[nickfrommum]

I have a son. He is 17 months and he always coughs, especailly at night time. He also ignors to eat. At the same time, I don't stay with him all day untill 5:00 PM every day. What should I do to help him eat more food and be more healthy? 

[mummy]

I wouldn't worry too much about the amount he eats just make sure he has a little out of each food group. If your away from him till 5pm and i presume he is with childminder, either speak to the carer about what you would like him to be eating, or send a packed lunch then you know exactly how much he has eaten and that it is all the right foods.

hope you get on ok. all the best!

[natalie_1982]

I don't really understand the question but if he's alays coughing then shouldn;t you take him to your GP?

[Hgrove]

I think the eating and the coughing are separate issues and the coughing sounds like a sympton of asthma so I think you should see your GP.

[richfo]

Not sure how the previous poster can make the statement about Asthma, coughing is a symptom of many things. But you should get a persistent cough checked out, the night time is worst as they are laying down. Is his room ventilated? Is there any damp? Do you switch the heating off at night?

I would be quite relaxed about the food unless there is weight loss. I find parents anxiety causes more problems with eating than anything else. I promise you your child will not starve his self. My wife used to drive me mad chasing our first boy with a spoon. I eventually convinced her to stop, and now he has a massive appetite.

[AB Editor]

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