hlo mam....My baby is 23 months old and very weak...Her weight is only 9 kg.....But my baby is active...She was born prematurely and her birth weight was only 1.5 kg...please let me know how to increase her weight

Question

Accepted Answer

To help increase your 23-month-old baby’s weight, especially given her premature birth and low birth weight, consider the following strategies:

1. **Nutrient-Dense Foods**: Offer foods that are high in calories and nutrients. Examples include avocados, full-fat dairy products, nut butters (if no allergy concerns), and eggs.

2. **Frequent, Small Meals**: Provide several small meals and snacks throughout the day. This can be easier for a small appetite to handle and helps increase overall caloric intake.

3. **Healthy Fats**: Incorporate healthy fats into her diet. Olive oil, coconut oil, and nut oils can be added to meals and snacks to boost calorie content.

4. **High-Calorie Beverages**: Include high-calorie, nutritious drinks such as smoothies made with milk, yogurt, fruits, and a bit of honey or syrup if age-appropriate.

5. **Balanced Diet**: Ensure her diet includes a variety of foods: proteins (meat, poultry, fish, beans), carbohydrates (whole grains, potatoes), and vegetables.

6. **Regular Meals**: Establish a routine for meals and snacks to ensure she’s eating regularly and has consistent opportunities to gain weight.

7. **Monitor Development**: Keep track of her growth and development milestones. Consult with her pediatrician to ensure she’s on a healthy growth trajectory despite her low weight.

8. **Consult a Nutritionist**: A pediatric nutritionist can provide tailored advice and meal plans to address her specific needs and any nutritional gaps.

9. **Encourage Appetite**: Make mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free. Avoid pressuring her to eat, as this can create negative associations with food.

10. **Address Any Medical Issues**: Ensure there are no underlying medical conditions affecting her weight. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician can help identify and address any potential issues.

Given her history of being born prematurely, it’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to ensure her weight gain and overall development are on track.