#asktheexpert hello doctor....
my daughter is 9 months old and her wight is just 7 kg. please help me for her wight gain.

Question

#asktheexpert hello doctor.... 
my daughter is 9 months old and her wight is just 7 kg. please help me for her wight gain.

Accepted Answer

For a 9-month-old baby, a weight of 7 kg may be on the lower side depending on her birth weight, growth trajectory, and overall health. However, there are several strategies you can implement to help her gain weight in a healthy manner:

1. Increase Caloric Intake:

Breastfeeding or Formula: Continue breastfeeding if possible, as breast milk provides essential nutrients and is high in fat. If you're formula feeding, ensure you're using a high-quality infant formula suitable for her age.

Foods High in Healthy Fats: Include healthy fat sources in her diet, such as:

Full-fat dairy: Offer whole milk (if advised by your doctor after 1 year), full-fat yogurt, and cheese.

Avocados: Mash or puree avocado as it’s high in healthy fats.

Nut butters: If your baby is not allergic to nuts, you can offer smooth peanut or almond butter mixed with food.

Olive oil: Add small amounts of olive oil to her purees or vegetables.

Protein-Rich Foods: Include soft, mashed or pureed protein-rich foods like lentils, beans, chicken, eggs, and fish.

Oats and Rice: These are good for providing calories and energy. You can mix them with milk or add fruits like bananas.

2. Offer Frequent, Small Meals:

Babies at this age might not eat large quantities at once, but they can eat more often. Offer meals or snacks every 2-3 hours.

Include a variety of textures (purees, mashed foods, and soft finger foods) to keep her engaged and interested in eating.

3. Use High-Calorie Snacks:

Homemade Smoothies: You can blend fruits with yogurt, milk, and a small amount of honey (if baby is over 1 year) to make calorie-dense smoothies.

Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers: Serve as an easy, nutritious snack.

Bananas and Peaches: These are high in calories and easy to mash.

4. Include Iron-Rich Foods:

Iron helps with overall growth and development. Include iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals. Pair these with vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges) to enhance iron absorption.

5. Hydration:

Make sure she’s drinking enough fluids. While breast milk or formula is the main source of hydration, you can also offer small amounts of water, especially after meals, to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.

6. Tummy Time and Physical Activity:

Encourage movement, tummy time, and crawling to build muscle mass and strength, which can also aid in weight gain.

Be sure she's developing motor skills and strength for a healthy weight gain trajectory.

7. Consult a Pediatrician:

Since weight gain is a crucial part of your baby’s development, it's always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical concerns that might be affecting her growth, such as digestive issues or malabsorption.

8. Track Progress:

Monitor her weight gain and growth patterns. It’s helpful to keep a record and share it with her doctor. If she's following a steady growth curve (even if slower), there’s likely no cause for concern.

Incorporating these changes gradually into your baby’s diet should help her gain weight in a healthy and sustainable way.

#asktheexpert hello doctor.... my daughter is 9 months old and her wight is just 7 kg. please help me for her wight gain.