Not getting enough nutrition and being underweight in early childhood can cause serious long term problems. Such problems may include learning disabilities, shortened height, behavioral problems and increased susceptibility to infection. Making sure that one’s baby is getting enough food is one of your most important parental responsibilities.
Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is an ideal way to feed a baby. Breastfed babies can easily reach a healthy weight without additional forms of supplementation for at least the first four to six months of life. If you have a breastfed baby who is underweight there are several strategies you can employ to help the child gain weight. A breastfed baby should be brought to the breast more often.
Co-Sleeping
Consider co-sleeping to allow for more nighttime feedings. Co-sleeping is placing a baby in your bed. This can be done safely by using one of the many commercial sidecars beds available. A sidecar is a bed for your child that can lifted to the height of your mattress. Underweight babies benefit from frequent feedings.
If your child is formula fed and still having trouble with weight gain, consider switching formulas. All formulas are made to federal specifications. Each must provide the same nutrition. So if one isn’t working well, there will be no medical harm in switching to another one instead. This can help your baby achieve a healthy weight.
For both formula and breastfed babies consider introducing more solids. Most doctors generally recommend introducing solids at four months. When feeding your child a specific food for the first time, be sure to introduce only one food at a time. This will allow you to see if your child has any underlying food allergies.
Different Rates of Growth
Remember that babies gain weight at different rates. A large aspect of healthy weight growth is linked to how the baby was fed. According to world renowned pediatrician Doctor William Sears, children who are formula fed will gain weight at a different pace than children who were primarily breastfed.
If your child is formula fed and still having trouble with weight gain, consider switching formulas. All formulas are made to federal specifications. Each must provide the same nutrition. So if one isn’t working well, there will be no medical harm in switching to another one instead. Check with your pediatrician if you aren't sure.
Follow a few simple healthy weight rules and you can help make sure your can maintain a healthy weight and start to thrive.
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