Toddler refusing to eat?

Question

My 16 month old has been refusing to eat and drink for the last two days. When she does take a few bites, she gags and chokes on every bite to the point where she nearly vomits. We have never dealt with this before. Instead, she just cries and cries and cries, like she is hungry, but she just won't eat. This started yesterday when we fed her some mashed potatoes, and has carried to this morning while trying to feed her oatmeal. We have even tried letting her feed herself, to no avail.

She also refuses to drink her milk or even water. She is refusing absolutely everything!! We even tried regressing and giving both to her in a bottle, and she just threw it away and began to cry.

We think she may be cutting one of her "eye" teeth, but she's never refused food and drink when teething before. She's also been whining and crying since she woke up at 6:30am. It's almost 8:30am now.

I'm at a loss. What is/could be wrong with her? Should we see a doctor?

Answer 1

I'd call the doctor--she may have a sore throat or an ear infection, and her pediatrician would be the best one to help you out with that.

Best of Luck!!

Answer 2

If I were you I would call the doctor to be honest it sounds like she might have an ear infection.  Both of my kids did the same thing when they had ear infections because it hurts them when they swallow

Answer 3

I would get her into the doctor.  I babysit a 2 yr old and there were a few times she was like this.  She had an ear infection.  She has actually had quite a few since I started watching her.  It could also be a sore throat, thats why she is gagging casue it hurts to swallow.  Please call her pedi and get an appointment if possible :)

Answer 4

i have a 14 month old, it could be her teeth or a sore throat, when my little one stops eating i find that is what is wrong. sore ears, sore throat may need an antibiotic.

Answer 5

Get her to the pediatrician IMMEDIATELY, or better still the ER.