#asktheexperts now my baby is 8 month old but what I must do for weight gain now she is only 6 kg pass

Question

Accepted Answer

At 8 months old, a baby weighing 6 kg is slightly under the average weight, but with the right approach, you can help promote healthy weight gain. Here are some strategies you can follow:

Tips for Weight Gain:

1. Increase Frequency of Meals:

Offer small, frequent meals 2-3 times a day along with breast milk or formula. Gradually increase to 3 meals and 2 healthy snacks a day.

Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as it is still an important source of nutrition.

2. Nutrient-Dense Foods: Introduce energy-rich and nutrient-dense foods to ensure your baby is getting enough calories for growth. Some good options include:

Mashed banana: High in calories and nutrients.

Sweet potatoes: Rich in fiber and vitamins, mashed or pureed.

Avocado: Full of healthy fats and calories.

Full-fat yogurt: A good source of calcium, protein, and fat (avoid flavored yogurt with added sugars).

Mashed lentils (dal): Protein-packed and easy to digest.

Oats: Cooked oats with milk or water is nutritious and filling.

Egg yolk (if no family history of allergies): Cooked and mashed can provide good fats and protein.

3. Healthy Fats:

Add small amounts of healthy fats like ghee, butter, or olive oil to your baby’s food (like mashed vegetables, dal, or porridge) to increase calorie intake.

4. Protein-Rich Foods:

Introduce well-cooked chicken or fish (boneless and pureed) if your baby is ready for non-vegetarian food. For vegetarians, paneer (cottage cheese), tofu, and well-cooked legumes can be offered.

5. Monitor Milk Intake:

While breast milk or formula remains important, make sure that solids are not being replaced by milk, as babies need solid foods for calories at this stage. Try to balance milk feedings with meal times.

What to Avoid:

Avoid Sugary or Salty Foods: Stick to nutrient-dense options rather than empty-calorie foods like biscuits or sugary snacks.

Avoid Low-Fat or Skimmed Milk Products: Babies need healthy fats for brain development and growth, so always use full-fat dairy products.

Keep Track of Growth:

Regular Pediatric Check-ups: Make sure to monitor your baby's growth and weight regularly with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized guidance based on your baby's health and growth trends.

If your baby is active, healthy, and meeting developmental milestones, slight variations in weight can be normal. However, if there are concerns about growth, it’s best to work closely with your pediatrician for a tailored approach.