ummu: hi dr. ppl uesd giv some madicines to the fussy eaters. wats ur opinion abt that? whats cyp-l drops? wil fusy eaters make this to eat? and also the gripe water?
Hi Ummu. Fussy eating is a huge problem in Maldives. It happens everywhere, but perhaps it is more common in Maldives. We need good data collection and analysis to see if that is the case or not but it is my observation. There are some possible reasons too: [1]parent put in too much of an effort to feed kids. Perhaps parent fussing too much about feeding could make kids fussy about eating. [2] Force feeding: this is much too common I have observed. Kids are more likely to resist when food is forced. More force = more resistance. Force feeding will not lead to kids giving up resisting and starting to eat better. On the contrary it is likely to ensure that the fussy eating is unduly extended for many many months. [3] Baby food given beyond early "weaning" age: many parent, with a view to giving more quantity, continue to mash and blend food while feeding bigger kids. Blended food is only recommended from 6-8 months. Increased consistency is recommended above 8-9 months.
[4] Using distractions at meal time: TV, games, etc are used by parents to distract kids during meal times while food it being offered. Kids eat while their attention is diverted. This does not help in getting kids to learn importance of meals and meal times. Meal times should be meal times. Get kids to sit and have meals without distractions. [5]Family meals may help: kids love to imitate and they learn from adults. If older kids and adults eat with the child (and eat well) a positive influence could be felt in the child. [6] Variety in texture and taste: kids (as adults) may not like to eat food that look, taste and feel the same at every meal! Variety in terms of appearance, taste and texture would help make the meal interesting.......I hope these pointers help.
I do not believe that medicines should be used to treat poor appetite on a routine basis. I understand that in some dire situations clinicians may try these measures.Ummu I don't kow if you were trying to write Cefo L. If that is the case - it is an antibiotic. I do not know a Cyp -l (perhaps Ciplactin: something commonly used to improve appetite, but effect not very clear in many). Gripe water: I do not recommend. I don't think there is adequate evidence that it helps!
