hi ma'am kindly suggest for weight gaining food .for my baby but he birth weight is 1.830 . now 9 months 8 days for last two months I'm added formula milk Nan pro , but weight not improving, gave cerelac also , den home made cerelac.

Question

hi ma'am kindly suggest for weight gaining food .for my baby  but he birth weight is 1.830 . now 9 months 8 days  for last two months I'm added formula milk Nan pro , but weight not improving, gave cerelac also , den home made cerelac.

Accepted Answer

For a baby with a low birth weight and slow weight gain at 9 months, a nutrient-dense diet and proper feeding practices are crucial. Here's a plan to help improve weight gain:

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1. High-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense Foods:

Focus on adding calorie-rich and easily digestible foods:

a. Grains:

Ragi (finger millet): Rich in calcium and iron; prepare ragi porridge with milk or formula.

Rice: Soft-cooked rice with ghee or khichdi made with lentils and vegetables.

Dalia (broken wheat): Cook with milk or add jaggery for extra calories.

b. Protein Sources:

Moong Dal: Light and easy to digest; include in khichdi or soups.

Eggs: Start with well-cooked yolk; gradually introduce whites if no allergies.

Chicken or Fish: Boil and shred finely; mix into soups or purees.

Paneer or Tofu: Mash and mix into porridge or vegetables.

c. Fruits:

Banana: A calorie-dense fruit; mash and mix with milk or yogurt.

Avocado: Rich in healthy fats; mash and serve plain or with banana.

Apple and Pear: Cook and mash or serve as a puree.

d. Vegetables:

Sweet Potatoes: Mash with ghee for extra calories.

Pumpkin and Carrot: Boil and mash with lentils or rice.

e. Dairy:

Continue formula milk (ensure correct preparation).

Full-fat yogurt or curd can be added to meals.

f. Healthy Fats:

Add a teaspoon of ghee, butter, or olive oil to meals.

Use powdered nuts (almonds, walnuts) in porridges (if no allergies).

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2. Feeding Practices:

Small, Frequent Meals: Offer 3 main meals and 2-3 snacks daily.

Include Variety: Alternate ingredients to keep the baby interested.

Introduce Gradually: Allow the baby to adjust to new foods to avoid digestive issues.

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3. Homemade Feralik Alternatives:

If you are making homemade feralik (iron supplements), ensure it includes:

Dry fruits powder: Almonds, cashews, and dates roasted and powdered.

Iron-rich ingredients: Sesame seeds, jaggery, and ragi.

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4. Monitor for Issues:

Check for any digestive problems (like diarrhea or constipation).

Consult the pediatrician to rule out underlying causes like malabsorption or allergies.

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5. Supplements (Only After Consultation):

Iron supplements: If prescribed by your pediatrician, continue Feralik or a similar supplement.

Multivitamins: Consider adding vitamin D or other supplements if suggested.

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Sample Meal Plan:

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If your baby’s weight gain doesn’t improve despite these efforts, consult a pediatrician to explore other causes and solutions.