It is a given fact that when a baby is born he may be of a healthy weight. But after a few days, you see his birth weight going down. This is completely normal no matter the kind of feed your baby is on. What I am talking about today is why under certain conditions some babies put on weight at a slower rate than others their age. If you are also worried because your baby is not gaining weight, then please read our article.

There are certain factors to be considered here in that case –

1. See that the baby does not have diarrhea or any food allergy. If it is the case, then the baby is not able to properly absorb the food eaten (or milk was taken). Whatever they have diarrhea, their entire stomach is emptied now and then, causing them to demand more food or milk but absorb less.
2. Another factor to watch out for is their need for calories. Some babies are more predisposed to more need for calories intake. But this is also accompanied by certain conditions like premature birth, heart conditions etc… If such is the case, then it is highly likely that your baby’s weight gain will be very slow.
3. Also, if your baby seems to have a reflux, meaning that he pukes whatever milk or food that is given to him, there is a chance of him not putting on weight. The reason being whatever he eats, he vomits. So there are very fewer calories going in.

ALSO READ – How To Increase Breast Milk Supply

What can you do to help your baby gain healthy weight?

First of all, if you have this first experience of breastfeeding and your baby’s weight is not growing properly then you need to pay attention to some basic things –

1. How many wet diapers are there? Are there too many or few? By their number, you will be able to guess whether your child is taking enough milk and should you really be worried about this or not?
2. Are you struggling with problems that are usually associated with the breasts, like mastitis, sore nipples, lumps etc.? If yes, then it is obvious that due to these problems, you will not be able to breastfeed properly. As a result, your child will get less amount of milk than the prescribed, which is obviously going to disturb his weight.
3. How is your milk supply? Is it good enough for your baby or not? If it isn’t sufficient then you should switch to mixed feeding or formula feeding, so that he gets the desired nutrients and his stomach filled.

Apart from some breastfeeding tips, here are some things you can do to increase the weight of your baby –

1. Do not give solid food to your child under 6 months. Before 6 months, giving solid food reduces the amount of calories and nutrients that the baby receives from breastfeeding and this directly affect their weight.
2. Learn how to properly give your baby tummy massage in order to improve digestion and his want for more milk.
3. Believe it or not, there were studies that say skin to skin contact is known to improve weight gain in babies. So, carry your baby closer to your skin as much as you can in a day.
4. Try to give more breast milk to your baby than you normally would.

All these methods are tried and tested by mothers who have complained of slow weight gain in their babies.

ALSO READ – Foods To Increase Breast Milk Supply

If, however, you have even the slightest of doubts regarding a more serious underlying cause of concern, then please visit a lactation consultant or your pediatrician for better advice.

Do you have any questions to ask us regarding slow weight gain in your baby? How was your experience in this area? Let us know.