My baby’s birth weight is 2.810 kgs. He is now 9 months old and his current weight is 7.1 kgs. He is gaining weight very slowly. What to do?

Question

Accepted Answer

dear mum, for healthy weight gain of your 9 months old baby, give homemade balanced diet having variety of food groups especially seasonal fruits and vegetables even green leafy vegetables. give top food four times a day and up to three fourth Katori every time. add Ghee to every meal. add powdered nuts like almond, peanuts, cashew nuts, walnuts to baby's food. you can give eggs and other non veg food. use full cream top milk to prepare recipes like porridge, kheer and give as milk products like curd, paneer, cheese. continue to breastfeed baby.

Accepted Answer

A weight of 7.1 kg at 9 months, given a birth weight of 2.81 kg, does indicate slower weight gain, but it's important to consider the overall growth and development of your baby. Here are some steps to encourage healthy weight gain:

1. **Balanced Diet:**
   - **Breast Milk or Formula:** Continue to offer breast milk or formula, as it is still an essential part of your baby's nutrition at this age.
   - **Solid Foods:** Ensure your baby is eating a variety of nutrient-dense solid foods. Include mashed fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein sources like lentils, eggs, and well-cooked meat.

2. **Frequent Meals:**
   - Offer small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day. Babies have small stomachs, so they need to eat more often.

3. **High-Calorie Foods:**
   - Include high-calorie, nutritious foods like avocado, sweet potatoes, bananas, full-fat yogurt, and cheese.

4. **Healthy Fats:**
   - Incorporate healthy fats into their diet. You can add a small amount of olive oil or butter to their purees and meals.

5. **Iron-Rich Foods:**
   - Include iron-rich foods like pureed meats, fortified cereals, and lentils to support growth and development.

6. **Stay Hydrated:**
   - Ensure your baby stays hydrated but avoid filling up on too much water or juice, which can reduce their appetite for nutritious foods.

7. **Monitor Growth:**
   - Regularly monitor your baby's growth and development with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice and ensure there are no underlying health issues affecting weight gain.

8. **Create a Calm Eating Environment:**
   - Make mealtimes pleasant and stress-free. Avoid distractions and encourage your baby to focus on eating.

9. **Responsive Feeding:**
   - Pay attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues. Offer food when they are hungry and avoid forcing them to eat.

10. **Physical Activity:**
    - Encourage age-appropriate physical activity. Crawling and playing can stimulate appetite and support healthy growth.

If you continue to be concerned about your baby's weight gain, it's important to consult with your pediatrician. They can assess your baby's overall health, growth patterns, and nutritional intake, and provide specific recommendations or interventions if needed.