#asktheexpert baby is not gaining the weight

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Accepted Answer

For your 9-month-old baby, it's important to choose a gentle, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free lotion to keep their skin soft and moisturized. Here are some baby lotions that are known for being safe and effective:

1. Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion: Key Features: This lotion is formulated with natural oatmeal, which is great for soothing and protecting your baby's skin. It's free from parabens and phthalates and is dermatologist-tested. Best For: Dry, sensitive skin. 2. Johnson's Baby Lotion: Key Features: Johnson's baby lotion is a gentle moisturizer that is free from harsh chemicals. It is designed to keep your baby's skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. Best For: Regular use, general skin hydration. 3. Mustela Hydra Bébé Body Lotion: Key Features: Mustela products are well-known for their safety and gentle formulas. This lotion is made with 97% plant-based ingredients and provides long-lasting hydration. Best For: Sensitive and dry skin. 4. CeraVe Baby Lotion: Key Features: CeraVe is known for its gentle and non-irritating formulas. This baby lotion contains ceramides and other nourishing ingredients to help restore and protect the skin barrier. Best For: Dry, flaky skin or eczema-prone skin. 5. Eucerin Baby Lotion: Key Features: Eucerin is known for providing moisturization and protection for sensitive skin. This baby lotion is fragrance-free and designed to soothe and hydrate delicate skin. Best For: Dry and sensitive skin. 6. Burt's Bees Baby Nourishing Lotion: Key Features: Burt's Bees products are made with natural ingredients, including shea butter and sunflower oil, to keep your baby's skin soft and smooth. Best For: Babies with sensitive skin who prefer natural ingredients. 7. Pigeon Baby Moisturizing Lotion: Key Features: Pigeon is a gentle, safe product for babies that moisturizes without being greasy. It is mild and safe for daily use. Best For: Babies with sensitive or delicate skin. General Tips: Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Always opt for fragrance-free and paraben-free lotions to avoid irritation. Patch Test: If trying a new lotion, do a patch test on a small area of your baby’s skin to ensure there’s no adverse reaction. Moisturizing Routine: For best results, apply the lotion after your baby’s bath when the skin is still damp to lock in moisture.

Always consult your pediatrician if your baby has sensitive or allergic skin reactions.

Accepted Answer

If your 1.5-year-old baby is not gaining weight, it can be concerning, but there are several factors to consider. Here's a step-by-step approach to help identify the cause and support healthy weight gain:

1. Evaluate Diet and Nutrition: Ensure Balanced Meals: Offer a variety of nutritious foods that include proteins (eggs, chicken, lentils), healthy fats (avocado, ghee, olive oil), and carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, pasta). Add calorie-dense foods like nut butters, cheese, and whole milk. Increase Caloric Intake: Sometimes babies need more calories than we realize. Adding healthy fats like ghee or olive oil to foods can help. Offer Frequent Small Meals: Toddlers often have small appetites but may eat more frequently. Offer meals and snacks every 2-3 hours. Smoothies: Make smoothies with full-fat yogurt, milk, fruits, and a spoon of peanut or almond butter to increase calories in an easy-to-consume form. 2. Check for Feeding Issues: Picky Eating: It's common for toddlers to become picky eaters. Keep offering new foods along with their favorites, and avoid force-feeding. Make mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free. Teething or Oral Pain: If your baby is teething, it could be affecting their appetite. Soft, cool foods might be more comforting. Food Sensitivities or Allergies: If your baby has digestive issues or seems uncomfortable after eating certain foods, there could be underlying sensitivities. Common allergens are dairy, wheat, or eggs. 3. Monitor Growth and Development: Growth Curve: Keep track of your child’s growth by comparing their weight and height with growth charts. Sometimes a child may have a naturally smaller body type, but it's important to track their development over time. Activity Level: If your child is very active, they may burn calories quickly. Ensure they're getting enough nutrients to support their activity. 4. Address Any Medical Concerns: Digestive Issues: Conditions like constipation, reflux, or food intolerances can affect appetite and weight gain. If your baby has frequent stomach issues or discomfort, it’s important to consult a pediatrician. Infections: Recurrent infections (like respiratory infections) can affect weight gain. If your baby seems to have frequent illnesses, discuss this with your doctor. Delayed Development or Growth Disorders: In rare cases, lack of weight gain can be related to growth or metabolic disorders. If your baby is also behind in developmental milestones, seek professional advice. 5. Consult with a Pediatrician: If your baby’s weight gain is still insufficient after trying these tips, it’s important to visit a pediatrician. They can evaluate your child’s health, run tests if necessary, and determine if there are any underlying conditions affecting growth.

Supporting a balanced diet, ensuring a positive mealtime experience, and consulting with a healthcare provider can help your baby get back on track for healthy growth.