hello doctor..my baby completed 8 months but his weight is 7kg 700gms..how do I increase his weight

Question

Accepted Answer

At 8 months, a baby weighing 7.7 kg is within a normal range for many babies, depending on their birth weight and growth pattern. However, if you’re concerned about your baby’s weight and overall nutrition, you can focus on providing calorie-dense, nutritious foods while maintaining a balanced diet. Here's how you can support healthy weight gain:

1. Include High-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense Foods

Fats: Add ghee or unsalted butter to your baby’s meals in small quantities for extra calories. Coconut oil can also be mixed into purees or porridge.

Dairy: Offer full-fat yogurt, paneer (cottage cheese), or small amounts of cheese.

Avocado: Mash avocado and serve it alone or mixed with banana for a calorie-rich snack.

Banana: Rich in calories and nutrients, banana is an excellent option for healthy weight gain.

Sweet Potatoes: Mash or puree sweet potatoes; they are filling and rich in energy.

2. Increase Protein Intake

Lentils and Legumes: Mashed dal or lentil soups can be nutritious and filling.

Eggs: If your baby is not allergic, introduce boiled egg yolk (mashed) or scrambled eggs.

Chicken and Fish: Offer pureed or finely mashed chicken or fish (well-cooked and deboned) for protein and healthy fats.

3. Offer Energy-Dense Cereals

Ragi (Finger Millet): Ragi porridge is a nutrient powerhouse and can be sweetened with dates or jaggery for added energy.

Rice and Dal Khichdi: Prepare it with a little ghee and vegetables for a balanced, calorie-rich meal.

Oats: Serve oats porridge with milk and fruit puree.

4. Frequent and Balanced Meals

At 8 months, your baby should have 3 solid meals a day along with breast milk or formula.

Incorporate snacks between meals, such as mashed fruit, boiled potato, or puffed rice.

5. Continue Breastfeeding or Formula

Breast milk or formula remains a vital source of nutrition and should be given on demand. If you’ve reduced feeds, ensure the baby still gets enough milk throughout the day.

6. Introduce Nuts (After 8 Months)

Finely powdered nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews can be mixed into porridge or purees. These provide healthy fats and calories.

7. Hydration

Ensure your baby stays hydrated with water and breast milk but avoid overloading with liquids like juices, as they can reduce appetite for solids.

8. Monitor Feeding Patterns

Offer smaller, more frequent meals if your baby has a low appetite.

Avoid distractions like screens during meals to help your baby focus on eating.

9. Encourage Active Play

While it might seem counterintuitive, physical activity promotes a healthy appetite and muscle development. Allow your baby to crawl and explore safely.

10. Consult Your Pediatrician

If weight gain remains a concern, discuss it with your doctor. They can assess your baby's growth curve and rule out any underlying health issues.

By incorporating calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods and maintaining consistent feeding practices, your baby should gradually gain weight in a healthy and sustainable way.