#asktheexpert My baby girl is now 1 yr 5 months, weight is now 7.400 kg and birth weight was 2.200 kg , is she under weight??
how can I improve her weight

Question

#asktheexpert My baby girl is now 1 yr 5 months, weight is now 7.400 kg and birth weight was 2.200 kg , is she under weight?? 
how can I improve her weight

Accepted Answer

At 1 year 5 months (17 months), your baby girl weighing 7.4 kg is on the lower side of the average weight range, especially considering her birth weight of 2.2 kg. However, it's important to note that each child grows at their own pace, and factors such as genetics, activity level, and diet can influence weight.

Is She Underweight?

According to growth charts by the World Health Organization (WHO), the average weight for a 17-month-old girl is around 9.5 kg, though it can vary. Since she is below the 3rd percentile, her weight may be considered on the lower end. However, it's crucial to monitor her growth patterns, including her height, developmental milestones, and overall health, to get a clearer picture.

Ways to Improve Her Weight:

Here are some suggestions to help improve her weight in a healthy and balanced way:

1. Increase Caloric Intake:

Whole Milk: If she is drinking milk, switch to whole milk instead of low-fat milk. Full-fat dairy is calorie-dense.

Cheese and Paneer: These are high in protein and fats. Add small amounts of cheese or paneer to meals.

Healthy Fats: Incorporate ghee, olive oil, butter, and avocado into her meals for extra calories.

2. Offer Nutrient-Rich, Calorie-Dense Foods:

Bananas: They are packed with energy and help with weight gain.

Nut Butters: Offer almond or peanut butter (if no allergy), which is rich in calories and healthy fats. Spread on bread, mix with fruits, or add to smoothies.

Full-Fat Dairy Products: Yogurt, custard, or smoothies made from full-fat milk can help boost her calorie intake.

Rice and Dal: A good source of complex carbs and proteins. Make khichdi or rice with dal, adding a bit of ghee for extra calories.

3. Frequent, Small Meals:

Toddlers may not eat large meals, so offer smaller meals more frequently. Aim for 5-6 meals per day.

Snacks: Offer high-calorie snacks like boiled eggs, cheese, dry fruits (chopped), and nuts (if safe).

4. Incorporate Healthy Grains:

Add oats, quinoa, and millets to her meals for complex carbohydrates and protein.

Roti with ghee, porridge with milk and nuts, or dosa with chutney are also great meal ideas.

5. Hydration:

Ensure she is hydrated, but avoid filling up on liquids like water and juices before meals. Too much liquid can make her feel full without getting enough calories.

If she drinks fruit juices, make sure they're freshly squeezed or diluted to avoid excess sugar.

6. Introduce Healthy Fats:

Avocados, coconut, and nuts are high in healthy fats that can help her gain weight.

Ghee and butter can be added to most of her food.

7. Introduce Protein-Rich Foods:

Eggs: Scrambled, boiled, or in an omelet. They’re high in protein and healthy fats.

Legumes and Lentils: Lentils (dal), chickpeas, and beans can be included in her diet to provide protein.

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Other Factors to Consider:

1. Check for Medical Conditions: Sometimes, slow weight gain can be linked to health issues like malabsorption, food allergies, or even issues like worm infestations. It’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician to rule out any medical causes.

2. Track Growth Over Time: Monitoring growth over several months is important. Sometimes children grow in bursts or plateau for a while.

3. Be Patient: Weight gain may take time. Keep offering nutritious meals regularly and monitor for other signs of healthy development like her activity levels, developmental milestones, and mood.

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When to Consult a Doctor:

If you're concerned about her weight or growth, or if she isn't gaining weight despite dietary changes, it’s a good idea to speak with your pediatrician. They can track her growth more accurately and provide specific advice or tests to ensure everything is on track.

Let me know if you need more meal ideas or further assistance!

#asktheexpert My baby girl is now 1 yr 5 months, weight is now 7.400 kg and birth weight was 2.200 kg , is she under weight?? how can I improve her weight