Most infants gain weight rapidly during the first year of life, but if you're concerned that your baby isn't growing at a healthy rate, increasing his caloric intake may help him put on some weight and increase his nutritional intake. Because the inability to gain weight may be a sign of a serious medical disorder, consult your infant's pediatrician and use a calorie-boosting diet as part of your doctor's recommended treatment plan.
Step 1
Eat a balanced diet if you're breastfeeding to increase the amount and the nutritional content of your milk supply. FamilyDoctor.org recommends that nursing mothers eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and whole-grain cereal products. You'll need to eat approximately 500 calories a day more than you ate before you were pregnant.
Step 2
Give up coffee and don't drink alcohol while you're nursing. Ask your doctor if any medications you're taking might be affecting your breast milk supply and preventing your infant from getting adequate nutrition. Don't smoke if you're breastfeeding.
Step 3
Schedule frequent feedings. Even if your baby isn't crying, she may accept more milk once she begins eating. Whether you're nursing or your baby is on formula, shortening the time between feedings may encourage her to eat more.
Step 4
Burp your infant during feedings to release any air trapped in his stomach, which may be preventing him from eating enough. After your baby burps, continue the cycle of feeding him and burping him until he will accept no more food.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor about switching to formula if you're breastfeeding and your infant does not gain weight. In rare cases, a mother's breast milk may not provide sufficient calories or nutrients for healthy growth and development, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition." Your doctor may recommend a milk- or soy-based formula.
Step 6
Add solid foods to your baby's diet when he's about 4 months old. According to the "Gale Encyclopedia," a baby's first solid food is usually a fortified infant cereal to which breast milk or formula is added. When your infant begins to eat solid foods, you may introduce one new food per week.
Tips and Warnings
- Some infants may be on the small side due to genetic factors. If one or both parents are small, their baby might be small also, according to ABC of The First Year. Relax and take your time during feedings. Feeding your baby when you're rushed may result in an incomplete feeding.
- Avoid feeding an infant homemade formula or cow's milk until he's a year old, advises the "Gale Encyclopedia." If your baby loses weight or if his skin seems loose and his muscles appear smaller, he may be suffering from failure to thrive, a rare but dangerous childhood disorder. Contact your pediatrician immediately.
References
- "ABC of The First Year"; Dr. H.B. Valman; 2002
- Family Doctor: Hints to Help You Get Off to a Good Start
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2008
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