my baby is 8 month old but it's weight is 6.15kg only. he is not eating nicely. how to make him eat and what food to give to increase his weight ?

Question

my baby is 8 month old but it's weight is 6.15kg  only. he is not eating nicely. how to make him eat and what food to give to increase his weight ?

Accepted Answer

At 8 months old, it's important to ensure your baby is getting a balanced diet that supports healthy growth and development. Here are some tips and food suggestions to help improve his appetite and increase his weight:

### Tips to Encourage Eating:
1. **Establish a Routine:**
   - Offer meals and snacks at the same times each day to create a routine.

2. **Small and Frequent Meals:**
   - Offer smaller portions more frequently rather than large meals.

3. **Make Mealtime Enjoyable:**
   - Create a positive and stress-free eating environment. Avoid distractions like TV or toys during meals.

4. **Offer a Variety:**
   - Introduce a variety of foods to keep meals interesting and to expose your baby to different tastes and textures.

5. **Lead by Example:**
   - Eat together as a family whenever possible, so your baby can see and learn from you.

### Foods to Increase Weight:
1. **Breast Milk or Formula:**
   - Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as it remains an essential part of your baby's diet.

2. **High-Calorie Foods:**
   - **Avocado:** Rich in healthy fats and calories.
   - **Bananas:** High in calories and easy to mash for babies.
   - **Full-Fat Dairy:** Yogurt, cheese, and paneer (if there are no dairy allergies).

3. **Protein-Rich Foods:**
   - **Lentils and Legumes:** Mashed lentils, moong dal, and chickpeas.
   - **Eggs:** Mashed or scrambled eggs (ensure they are fully cooked).
   - **Meat and Poultry:** Pureed chicken or meat.

4. **Healthy Fats:**
   - **Nut Butters:** Smooth peanut butter or almond butter (spread thinly to avoid choking hazards).
   - **Olive Oil or Ghee:** Add a small amount to cooked vegetables or purees.

5. **Fruits and Vegetables:**
   - **Sweet Potatoes:** High in vitamins and calories, easily mashed.
   - **Peas:** Nutrient-dense and can be pureed.
   - **Carrots and Pumpkin:** Rich in vitamins and easy to mash.

6. **Grains:**
   - **Oatmeal:** Cooked and pureed with a little breast milk or formula.
   - **Rice Cereal:** Mixed with breast milk or formula for added calories.

### Sample Daily Meal Plan:
- **Breakfast:** Mashed banana or oatmeal with a little formula.
- **Mid-Morning Snack:** Small pieces of avocado or yogurt.
- **Lunch:** Pureed chicken or lentils with vegetables like sweet potato or carrot.
- **Afternoon Snack:** A small piece of cheese or a mashed boiled egg.
- **Dinner:** Rice cereal mixed with pureed vegetables like peas or pumpkin.

### Additional Tips:
- **Hydration:** Ensure your baby stays hydrated with breast milk, formula, or small amounts of water (as recommended by your pediatrician).
- **Avoid Junk Foods:** Steer clear of foods high in sugar and salt.

### Monitor Progress:
- **Regular Check-Ups:** Keep up with regular pediatric appointments to monitor your baby’s growth and weight.
- **Growth Charts:** Track your baby’s growth using growth charts provided by your pediatrician.

If your baby continues to have difficulty gaining weight or has a poor appetite, it’s important to consult your pediatrician for further evaluation and personalized advice. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide specific recommendations based on your baby’s needs.