#asktheexpert My baby is not gaining weight...he is just gaining 200 gms per month

Question

Accepted Answer

If your baby is gaining only 200 grams per month, it’s essential to address this with a comprehensive approach. Here are steps you can take to evaluate and improve your baby's weight gain:

### **1. Consult a Pediatrician:**
- **Professional Evaluation:** Schedule a visit with your pediatrician to assess your baby’s growth patterns, health, and development. They can help determine if there are underlying health issues affecting weight gain.
- **Growth Monitoring:** Your pediatrician can track your baby’s growth using growth charts and compare it to typical growth patterns.

### **2. Assess Feeding:**
- **Frequency and Quantity:** Ensure your baby is feeding regularly and is getting enough calories. For infants, this may involve more frequent feedings or increasing the quantity of each feeding.
- **Breastfeeding:** If breastfeeding, ensure your baby is latching well and getting sufficient milk. Consider consulting a lactation specialist if needed.
- **Formula Feeding:** If using formula, check if the formula is suitable for your baby’s needs and follow the recommended amounts for age.

### **3. Nutritional Intake:**
- **Solid Foods:** If your baby has started solids, provide nutrient-dense foods that are high in calories and healthy fats, such as avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes, and fortified cereals.
- **Variety:** Offer a variety of foods to ensure your baby is getting a balanced diet.

### **4. Evaluate Health Conditions:**
- **Digestive Issues:** Check for signs of digestive issues or food intolerances that might affect weight gain.
- **Medical Conditions:** Investigate if there are any medical conditions or growth disorders impacting weight gain.

### **5. Monitor Development:**
- **Overall Development:** Ensure your baby is meeting other developmental milestones, as these can be indicators of overall health and growth.
- **Activity Level:** While being active is good, extreme fussiness or discomfort during feedings could be a concern.

### **6. Increase Caloric Intake:**
- **High-Calorie Foods:** If appropriate for your baby’s age, incorporate high-calorie foods and snacks into their diet.
- **Fortified Foods:** Use baby cereals and other foods fortified with vitamins and minerals.

### **7. Track Progress:**
- **Record Changes:** Keep track of any changes in feeding, health, and weight to discuss with your pediatrician.

### **When to Seek Immediate Attention:**
- **Significant Drop in Growth Percentiles:** If there’s a significant drop in growth percentiles or other concerning symptoms.
- **Failure to Thrive:** If your baby is not showing expected growth patterns despite interventions.

Addressing weight gain issues early can help ensure your baby remains healthy and develops appropriately. Your pediatrician will guide you on the best approach based on your baby’s specific needs and situation.