Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Slow Weight Gain In An Infant
Question: My baby girl is 8 months old. At the time of birth, her weight was 3.2Kg. Last month, she was 6.2KG and according to our paediatrician, in 5 months, baby's weight should be doubled. I am little bit concerned regarding her weight. Her current diet is Breast Milk (Breast milk is very limited as my wife is not able to generate it much), rice, carrot, sweet potato, oats, ragi, occasional avocado and banana. What else should be added? We are thinking to start feeding cow milk but there are a lot of varieties of milk in the market and we are confused. Please guide us regarding this as well.
Brief Answer:
Growth charting is important
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Although the birth weight is supposed to double by 5 months of age, one reading of weight is not enough to comment on the development. Weight needs to be recorded at 3 monthly intervals and plotted on a growth chart. If the weight follows the same trajectory and does not cross lines, there is no reason to be concerned. But if the growth chart indicates growth faltering, additional measures might be needed.
The child needs semi solids. Basically it is the time of transition to the mashed form of adult diet low on oil and spices. So you can introduce all sorts of food items (in mashed form of course) gradually one at a time per week. I would not recommend cow milk or any other formula. Formula milks are mostly cow milk based. It might be difficult to digest. Besides, if the nutrients can be procured from other sources, milk becomes just an optional component of the diet of the infant. Instead, a home made rice based meal made by boiling with pulses and all sorts of vegetables, makes a much more healthy diet.
Hope that helps.
Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
Growth charting is important
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Although the birth weight is supposed to double by 5 months of age, one reading of weight is not enough to comment on the development. Weight needs to be recorded at 3 monthly intervals and plotted on a growth chart. If the weight follows the same trajectory and does not cross lines, there is no reason to be concerned. But if the growth chart indicates growth faltering, additional measures might be needed.
The child needs semi solids. Basically it is the time of transition to the mashed form of adult diet low on oil and spices. So you can introduce all sorts of food items (in mashed form of course) gradually one at a time per week. I would not recommend cow milk or any other formula. Formula milks are mostly cow milk based. It might be difficult to digest. Besides, if the nutrients can be procured from other sources, milk becomes just an optional component of the diet of the infant. Instead, a home made rice based meal made by boiling with pulses and all sorts of vegetables, makes a much more healthy diet.
Hope that helps.
Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thanks for your reply.
When can we start giving her an egg? And which is the correct method? Boiled?
When can we start giving her an egg? And which is the correct method? Boiled?
Brief Answer:
You can give eggs.Can be given in boiled or scrambled but mashed form.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking back. Sorry for the delay in replying.
You can start giving her eggs even now. There is not problem if you give eggs, fish or meat so long it is soft and mashed so that she can accept it. Boiled or scrambled, it does not matter, but I would not prefer deep fried.
Regards
You can give eggs.Can be given in boiled or scrambled but mashed form.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking back. Sorry for the delay in replying.
You can start giving her eggs even now. There is not problem if you give eggs, fish or meat so long it is soft and mashed so that she can accept it. Boiled or scrambled, it does not matter, but I would not prefer deep fried.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
