Q: My 6-month-old baby with a cold hasn't had formula for 11 hours. How long is fasting safe?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My 6-month-old baby has a mild fever, a severe cough, and a runny nose. Because of this, we stopped feeding solid foods, but yesterday, the baby's formula intake suddenly dropped by half. The baby usually drinks about 1000 ml a day, but only had 580 ml yesterday. The last feeding was around 12:40 AM (only 80 ml), and the baby hasn't eaten anything for 11 hours now. Usually, the baby wakes up 1 or 2 times during the night to eat. I think my baby is refusing to eat because the severe cough is causing a sore throat. How long is it okay for a baby to have an empty stomach? We went to the clinic yesterday, but should we go back? The baby had diarrhea once, played a little bit afterward, but is mostly crying, clinging to me, and sleeping constantly.

Answer:

It is completely understandable that you are worried, as your 6-month-old baby hasn't drank formula for 11 hours. While a loss of appetite is very common when a baby has a cold, this level of decrease in feeding requires close attention.

A drop from a normal intake of 1000 ml to 580 ml is a significant decrease, and there is a high risk of dehydration. Please check your baby immediately for the following signs of dehydration:

• Has the baby produced any urine in their diaper over the past 8 hours?

• Are the baby's lips and tongue dry, or are they moist?

• Does the baby produce tears when crying?

Here is what you can try at home right now to help:

1. Offer small amounts frequently: Try giving 30-50 ml every 30 minutes.

2. Provide lukewarm formula, as it might be more comfortable to swallow with a sore throat.

3. Try feeding the baby slowly using a spoon or a small cup instead of a bottle.

4. You can also purchase a pediatric oral electrolyte solution (like Pedialyte) from a pharmacy to help maintain hydration.

⚠️ You need to take your baby back to the doctor today if:

• The baby refuses to feed for more than 12 hours.

• There has been no urine output for more than 8 hours.

• The baby continues to be very lethargic, overly sleepy, or unresponsive.

• You notice severely dry lips, a dry mouth, or sunken eyes.

Because the fasting period is extending and your baby is showing signs of lethargy, it is safest to have your baby re-evaluated in person. Please visit your pediatrician or an emergency room today for a proper medical assessment and to prevent severe dehydration.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

🌐 Also available in: Español · 한국어