The evaluation of infant feeding problems starts with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in an infant with feeding problems include signs of the following conditions:

• Ear infection
• Corneal abrasion
• Throat infection
• Respiratory infection:
• Pneumonia
• Bronchiolitis
• Meningitis
• Dehydration:
• Sunken fontanelle
• Dry mouth
• Crying without tears
• Dry skin
• No urine production in the past 12 hours
• Herpes gingivostomatitis

Testing may be necessary to evaluate serious causes of infant feeding problems.

Tests that may be used to evaluate infant feeding problems include:

• Complete blood count
• Kidney profile
• Urinalysis
• Urine cultures
• Strep screen
• Blood cultures
• Chest x-ray
• Lumbar puncture
• Stool cultures
• Barium enema