#asktheexpert My Baby is 8 Months old his weight is just 6.5 kg. what should I do for him so he can gain weight.

Question

Accepted Answer

At 8 months old, your baby's weight of 6.5 kg could be considered on the lower end of the typical weight range, but weight gain depends on many factors including genetics, activity levels, and overall health. It's important to focus on providing a balanced and nutritious diet while ensuring your baby’s overall development is on track.

Here are some tips to help your baby gain weight:

1. Continue Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding:

Breast milk or formula milk should remain the primary source of nutrition up until the first year. If you're breastfeeding, try to offer breast milk frequently (at least 4-6 times a day) or offer formula milk if you're using it.

Breast milk and formula provide the right balance of fat, protein, and other essential nutrients needed for growth.

2. Increase Caloric Intake with Solid Foods:

At 8 months, your baby can eat a variety of solid foods. You can add higher-calorie options to help with weight gain. Consider offering:

Avocados: Rich in healthy fats, they are perfect for weight gain.

Full-fat yogurt: A good source of protein and fat.

Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes: High in calories and easy for babies to eat.

Oats: Cooked oats with a little full-fat milk or yogurt.

Nut butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter (in small amounts). These are calorie-dense and nutritious.

Cheese: Soft cheeses like cottage cheese or mild cheeses are good sources of fat and protein.

Eggs: Scrambled or boiled, eggs are high in protein and healthy fats.

3. Offer Small, Frequent Meals:

Babies at this age might not eat large amounts at once, so offering small meals throughout the day can help increase calorie intake.

Include snacks like mashed fruit, crackers with cheese, or small pieces of soft fruits (banana, apple slices) as snacks.

4. Avoid Low-Fat Foods:

When feeding solid foods, make sure they are high in healthy fats. Choose full-fat options rather than low-fat or non-fat versions.

5. Encourage Self-feeding:

Let your baby explore food by offering finger foods. Self-feeding can increase interest in food and encourage more eating.

6. Monitor Baby’s Health:

If your baby is very active or crawling/walking early, they may burn more calories, which might affect their weight. Make sure to monitor growth, and if there’s a significant concern, consult with your pediatrician.

7. Check for Underlying Health Conditions:

If your baby is not gaining weight as expected, it could be related to factors like feeding issues, digestive problems, or even conditions like reflux. It’s a good idea to consult with your pediatrician to rule out any medical concerns that might be affecting weight gain.

8. Make Mealtimes Enjoyable:

Sometimes, babies can be fussy about eating. Keep mealtimes stress-free, and try different textures and flavors to keep your baby interested in food.

If you have concerns about your baby’s weight gain or growth, it’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician to ensure your baby’s growth is progressing well and that there are no underlying health issues.