#asktheexpert Mam my child's weight is 8kg 300 g and he is 1yr 4 months old. He is very active but caught from cold and cough frequently. Please suggest how to increase his weight as well as immunity.

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Your child’s weight of 8.3 kg at 1 year 4 months is on the lower side of the growth chart, but it's important to consider that weight gain is a gradual process and depends on several factors, including activity levels, health, and genetics.

Here are some tips to help increase your child’s weight and improve their immunity:

1. Increase Caloric Intake:

Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, ghee, and nuts in their diet. You can add ghee to their meals or give them mashed avocado with whole-grain bread.

Full-fat Dairy: Offer full-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese instead of low-fat versions.

Nut butters: Peanut butter or almond butter spread on bread or mixed with oatmeal can help increase calorie intake.

Protein-Rich Foods: Include protein-rich foods like eggs, lentils, chicken, paneer, and fish. Protein helps in muscle growth, which is important for overall weight gain.

2. Frequent, Small Meals:

Since toddlers can have smaller appetites, offer small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of large meals.

Offer a variety of food textures and flavors to make meals more appealing.

3. Healthy Snacks:

Give snacks like banana with peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, or cheese with crackers between meals.

4. Monitor and Treat Frequent Illnesses:

Cold and cough: If your child is frequently getting sick, try to boost their immunity by offering fresh fruits (like citrus fruits for vitamin C), vegetables, and warm soups.

Ensure they are hydrated and getting enough rest.

If the cold and cough persist or are frequent, it may be good to check with a pediatrician to rule out any underlying health concerns or allergies.

5. Encourage Physical Activity:

Since your child is very active, this is a positive sign! Encourage play and physical activities like crawling, walking, or dancing to help increase appetite.

You can also gently massage your child’s back and tummy after meals to stimulate appetite.

6. Iron and Zinc:

Iron and zinc deficiencies can affect weight gain. Include foods rich in these nutrients, such as green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils, and eggs.

7. Consult a Pediatrician:

If your baby is consistently falling behind the growth curve or facing frequent illnesses, it's best to consult your pediatrician for a thorough evaluation. A healthcare provider can help identify if there are any deficiencies, allergies, or underlying conditions impacting weight gain and frequent sickness.

8. Vitamins and Supplements:

If recommended by your pediatrician, certain multivitamin supplements (like vitamin D or probiotics) may help support growth and immunity.

With a combination of nutritious foods and good healthcare practices, your child’s weight and immunity should improve over time.