Every parent likes their baby chubby with red cheeks and a round belly. However, in some conditions, babies fail to gain weight accurately, which becomes a reason to panic for parents. Well, let us burst this bubble for our readers. According to experts, newborns lose up to 10% of their weight within a few days of childbirth, but they regain this within 2 weeks. By the time of a year, they weigh their birth weight thrice, indicating healthy growth.
But sometimes, the baby’s weight does not increase as expected, and the parents start to worry. In this blog, Dr. Promilla Butani, the best pediatrician in South Delhi, explains the possible reasons. She also suggests tips for the parents to help the baby gain accurate weight. Scroll down to know more.
Reasons Behind Poor Weight Gain in Babies
Several factors can contribute to the baby’s insufficient or no weight gain. Below mentioned can be the causes:
- Low-calorie intake: Most full-term, healthy newborns consume approximately 30-60 mL of milk every 2-3 hours. As they grow, the quantity of milk per feed increases while the feeding frequency decreases. Mothers must make sure that babies get the required number of calories. In some cases, the baby is unable to get enough calories. This could happen because of several reasons like:
- Wrong feeding angle
- Baby sleeps while breastfeeding
- Low breastmilk production
- Short feeding sessions
- Baby has started eating solids
- Underdeveloped facial muscles lead to problems with suction.
- Low-calorie absorption: In some cases, the baby gets enough calories, but cannot absorb them. This could happen due to some of these reasons:
- GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disorder) or indigestion
- Food allergy or intolerance
- Jaundice
- Celiac disease
- Calories Over Utilization: In certain conditions, the baby’s metabolism works very quickly to exhaust the calorie intake. Such conditions could also lead to low weight gain in babies. These are:
- Premature birth
- Breathing issues in the baby
- Heart-related problems
How to Help a Baby Gain More Weight?
Dr. Promilla Butani, an expert in the field and a renowned pediatrician in Delhi, suggests some tips for parents to help their babies gain accurate weight.
- Mothers must focus on boosting the milk supply
- Help the baby consume more calories
- Check for any underlying medical condition by consulting a child doctor
- Check the baby’s latch
- Do not use pacifiers unless the baby is breastfeeding properly
- Try keeping the baby awake while breastfeeding
- Feed the baby frequently
- Try using a mixed-feeding approach
Alarming low weight, delayed signs of development, or other problems, it could be a symptom of an underlying disease in babies. It is suggested to consult a pediatrician for better tips and treatment to help the baby gain accurate weight. For more information on baby health and diseases consult General Pediatrician in Delhi, Dr. Promilla Butani.
