So your 2-month-old Baby has been eating less than usual, and you’re starting to worry. A 2-month-old baby eating less than usual is a common problem as babies become more aware of their surroundings. They start taking in all the new sights and sounds around them. Fortunately, there are many easy things to try that could help your 2-month-old baby eat more.

Why Babies Eat Less Than Usual?

After Coughing and Sneezing

When your 2-month-old baby has been coughing and sneezing and barely eating anything for 3 or more days in a row then something may be wrong with your baby’s digestive system may have an illness. This is very serious, 2 months are actually at higher risk for dehydration. Especially when 2-month-olds are sick and won’t eat much at all. Dehydration can be life-threatening to babies so please call your pediatrician immediately, if you notice that your has been coughing and sneezing for several days in a row and not eating much.

While Traveling

A 2-month-old baby eating less than usual while traveling is very common. Babies can get easily distracted by all the new sights and sounds of traveling. They forget to pay attention to their hunger cues.

Sick or Tired

Babies of 2 months old eat less than usual when sick. This is because they’re probably paying more attention to what they are feeling than worrying about their hunger. It’s also normal for babies this young to lose their appetite after waking up from sleeping. Babies of this old take 2 hour long naps during the day then 2-month-olds just aren’t that hungry.

Not Getting Enough Daylight

Baby eating less than usual if getting less amount of sunlight each day. However, 2 month old is still waking up too early to eat then they may be having trouble telling if they are hungry or tired. This means that you should wait until after you’ve given 2 months old a chance to play for an hour before offering her food. Even if it’s nighttime. You also need to make sure 2 months old has at least 2 or 3 hours of sunlight each day. So 2-month-olds get used to eating when awake.

Teething

Babies eat less when teething because they feel more pain. They lose lots of salivae which makes it harder for them to swallow food. During teething, they bite down on their fingers, toes, or hands more often. That’s why you’ll need to help your baby extra. Ensure that others in the house understand not to tease. Also, there should be no small objects within reach.

Not Getting Enough Sleep

Babies usually eat less when they don’t have enough sleep. Babies need lots and lots of sleep but it does happen. When this happens 2 months miss out on enough daytime rest. Which makes it hard for 2-month-olds to stay up much past 7 PM. Even if 2 month old is wide awake at 6 PM. Babies need 12-14 hours of sleep each day.

They should be getting at least 15 hours of sleep every day. Babies not eating at night time might be serious. 2 months old will usually eat more if given some extra time to rest during the day. Also if they are allowed to take short (10 minutes) afternoon naps. This means that 2-month-olds who are just too tired to eat are likely to fall back asleep after being awake for only 10 minutes.

Warm Weather

Baby eating less than usual warm weather. This is because they lose lots of water on their skin even if they are fully hydrated. They lose their appetite easily and start to get being irritated. This means that 2-month-olds need to drink more to compensate for lost fluids. Babies should always wear a hat outdoors when it’s warmer than 70 degrees.

8 Simple Ways To Make Your baby Eat More

1. Breastfeeding

Breast milk contains important nutrients that your baby needs to grow properly. It may also be easier for 2-month-olds to digest than formula or solid foods. If you bottle-feed, you might consider switching back over to breastfeeding. As it may encourage your 2-month-old baby to eat more.

2. Time to Eat

As babies grow, they get better at coordinating the muscles needed for eating. However, this process takes time and 2-month-olds are still getting used to it. This means they may need more time to finish a feeding. Therefore, a 2-month-old baby eating less should be no reason for concern if you feel that your 2-month-old baby is actually still hungry after a feeding session.  

3. Start Mixing Formula with Breast Milk or Solid Foods

If your 2-month-old baby isn’t drinking much formula but does seem hungry after breastfeeding then try mixing in some formula into breast milk or starting to give solid foods in addition to breast milk. This will help your baby to eat more without having to switch over completely to formula. Baby eating food may help them feel fuller after breastfeeding.

4. Offer Nutritious Foods

2-month-olds babies need high-calorie foods that are nutritious. However, ensure that it is also simple for them to digest without getting an upset stomach. Since 2-month-olds usually get their tummies upset easily.   

5. Try Some Gentle Foods Like Avocado, Banana or Butternut Squash

Banana and butternut squash can be mashed with or instead of breast milk while avocados can be offered as a puree mixed in with breast milk or healthy fats like olive oil. 2-month-old babies should not eat citrus fruits and avocado is the best replacement because it has similar properties and 2-month-old babies can digest it easily.

6. Try Some Solid Foods 2-Month-Olds Can Handle

2-month-olds overall don’t eat much solid food. But if your 2-month-old baby is eating less than usual, you might want to introduce some solid foods. Make sure that they can handle it like mashed veggies or ground-up meats. Babies need pureed foods. So. just mash or grind whatever non-citrus fruits or vegetables you’re offering. Then your baby will do the rest of the work.  

7. Stop Baby From Eating Too Much

If your 2-month-old is eating solid food, you might have to start regulating how much they eat. So they don’t gain too much weight too soon. This can make them feel overly full and discourage them from eating more. You can do this by using a small plate or bowl for feeding times. Filling it halfway with the food you’re offering.  

8. Consult Pediatrician

If your 2-month-old baby eating less than usual for a longer period of time, it is better to consult your pediatrician right away. This is to diagnose your baby if something is going on in your baby’s body.

Final Thoughts

Finally, we’ve come to the end of the article. There are lots of reasons why a 2-month old baby was eating less than usual. Also, there are many ways to make your baby eat more.

Want to know more about your child’s development? Check these articles out.

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5 Week Old Baby: Checking Your Child’s Development

7 Week Old Baby: Checking Your Child’s Development

9 Week Old Baby: Checking Your Child’s Development

12 Week Old Baby: Checking Your Child’s Development

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