HomeAnswersPediatricslow birth weight

Can gradual weight gain have any long-term effect in babies?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am worried about the weight gain of my baby. She was born three years back and had weight: 7.41 lbs, length 20.08 inches and head circumference 13.78 inches. We started exclusively breastfeeding. On the 30th day appointment she had weight 8.82 lbs, length 22.05 inches, and head circumference 14.96 inches. 60th day appointment: weight 10.47 lbs, length: 22.44 inches, and head circumference 15.75 inches. 90th day appointment, weight 12.30 lbs, length 24.02 inches, head circumference 16.14 inches. Since then she did not gain any weight for two weeks, so we started giving also Formula, without much success, she barely drinks 120 ml for one meal. Her weight gain has not been good since, on the 120th day appointment, she was 13.03 lbs. How can I make her drink more at each meal? Would my baby be described as failure to thrive? What are the long-term effects of this slow weight gain pattern?

Answered by Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim is a compassionate Pediatrician dedicated to providing specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents. He focuses on managing childhood illnesses, promoting growth and development, and guiding parents on preventive healthcare practices. With his expertise in pediatrics, Dr. Malim ensures child-friendly consultations and comprehensive treatment plans to support the overall health and well-being of young patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The weight of your baby is slightly less. See it is not about the quantity, it is about the frequency of the feeds and the calorie content of each feed.

1. Feeding should be done every two hourly. Even at night.

2. Fortification of the milk can be done by using Simyl MCT oil (saturated fatty acids) and HMF sachet (multivitamin) in each feed. In food fortification, the quantity of each feed remains same but the calorie content increases.

I hope this helps your baby gain weight. Weight should double birth weight by 6 months, triple by 1 year, and be 4 times by 2 years.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At October 25, 2019
Reviewed At July 3, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim is a compassionate Pediatrician dedicated to providing specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents. He focuses on managing childhood illnesses, promoting growth and development, and guiding parents on preventive healthcare practices. With his expertise in pediatrics, Dr. Malim ensures child-friendly consultations and comprehensive treatment plans to support the overall health and well-being of young patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim is a compassionate Pediatrician dedicated to providing specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents. He focuses on managing childhood illnesses, promoting growth and development, and guiding parents on preventive healthcare practices. With his expertise in pediatrics, Dr. Malim ensures child-friendly consultations and comprehensive treatment plans to support the overall health and well-being of young patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

low birth weightformula feeding

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.