When a baby is underweight they are often diagnosed with a condition called "failure to thrive." About Kids Health describes this as a baby who is below the third percentile on the growth chart and whose weight is twenty percent below the ideal weight for his height. Additionally, a child who suddenly falls off the charts or who shows a dramatic decrease in growth could be assigned this diagnosis. A pediatrician can advise parents on steps to take to help their baby gain weight.
How to Put Weight on a Baby
Step 1
See a pediatrician. Parents can work with their child's doctor to determine if their baby needs to gain weight. The doctor will generally do several things to assess this, says Keep Kids Healthy. A nutritional history is taken to see what a typical day looks like in terms of food intake. A doctor will also do a physical exam and discuss symptoms as well as review past growth charts. A referral is made to a gastroenterologist, nutritionist or other specialist if needed.
Step 2
Increase the amount of formula or breast milk. According to Dr. Sears, a young baby who is given breast milk or formula in an unrestricted manner will grow well. If parents cannot get their baby to gain weight adequately, they may have to give them an IV to increase his calorie intake and get him to gain some weight, says Keep Kids Healthy.
Step 3
Change mealtime behaviors. For babies who are eating more than just formula or breast milk, parents are advised to be patient and let their baby have some independence at the table, says Keep Kids Healthy. This means letting a baby feed himself with age- and size-appropriate dishes and utensils so that they can feed himself, which often leads to more food being eaten. Allowing babies to choose from several healthy options lets them feel more in control, which can often result in an increase of food intake.
Step 4
Add calories. When the previous two steps do not produce the desired results, Keep Kids Healthy recommends beefing up meals with extra calories. Baby Center advises healthy and calorie dense options since they provide both calories and nutrients. Examples include, eggs, avocados, whole grains, potatoes, hot cereals, cheese and peanut butter. Finger foods, which should be cut into very small pieces to prevent choking, should not be introduced until after four months of age. After the meal, formula or breast milk can be given to fill a baby up and ensure proper nutrient intake.
Step 5
See a nutritionist or other specialist. When a child's doctor makes a referral, a specialist can help a parent determine the causes of "failure to thrive" and offer treatment accordingly. This can include underlying digestion issues, refusal to eat, diabetes or a parents' lack of knowledge on proper feeding habits for their baby.
Tips and Warnings
- Giving a child foods with high fat or sugar content can result in weight gain, but aren't as healthy as adding the foods mentioned in Step 4.
- Never give a child baby food or finger foods unless he can sit up and chew consistently.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy and calorie dense foods
- Formula or breast milk
- Small cups, dishes and utensils
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