What could cause poor weight gain in infants?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 11-month-old baby has not put on any weight. Her weight is 6.5 kg now. She has been at the same weight with no increase for the past three months.

She does not eat any other solid or semi-solid food except breast milk.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The amount of food eaten would vary from child to child. Decreased intake, a fussy child, and worm infestation are the most common causes for reduced weight gain.

I would suggest a deworming for your baby. A single dose of 400 mg of Syrup Albendazole will suffice.
Also, I would suggest an appetite stimulator and digestive Syrup Aristozyme 5 ml, thrice a day after food.

It is important that you start experimenting with a variety of foods in your baby's diet. These will provide the calories, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for her growth. It is also important to note not to force food on kids. Keep trying new recipes.

Most of the time, it is the "Try and Error" method. Lots of patience would be required to find out which is the diet that tickles the child's taste buds, which also contains the maximum nutrients. You need to try multiple ones and find which your child loves to eat amongst those.

Initially, it may be difficult to shift to solid or semi-solid feed from a milk-based diet. Continued perseverance and trying out what the baby likes is the key. Also, try to keep your baby's daily sugar intake to less than 1 to 2 teaspoons, and use honey or palm sugar, or palm jaggery to sweeten the dessert instead of sugar.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.