Modern pediatrics rarely encounter such a phenomenon as underweight. Fortunately, wars and natural disasters bypass our country. Therefore, most children are healthy and gain weight well. Moreover, the number of babies suffering from overweight from the first years of their lives has greatly increased. However, cases of underweight still occur in medical practice.
Instructions
Step 1
If the pediatrician diagnosed the child with underweight, there is no reason for panic. First, pay attention to the build of mom and dad. If the parents are of short stature, thin, asthenic type, it means that the baby is simply under the influence of heredity. And there is no underweight. It's just that the baby is a little lighter in physique and smaller than its peers.
Step 2
If the weight of the child's parents is within the normal range, and the baby does not gain in kilograms, it is necessary to reconsider his nutrition. Perhaps the baby's diet is lacking in fats and carbohydrates. Or there is an excess of protein foods. It takes a lot of energy to digest protein, so be sure to give your child carbohydrate foods - cereals, vegetables, fruits.
Step 3
If you cannot gain weight on your own, see your doctor. Perhaps the baby is slightly behind in development. This can be successfully controlled with medication and exercise. And a properly selected high-calorie diet, coordinated with doctors, will help to quickly increase the weight of the child.
Step 4
If the child is still very young, feeds on breast milk, and at the same time does not gain weight, this is also a reason for a visit to the pediatrician. Most likely, mom will also have to undergo the examination. There are often cases when a woman's milk lacks the necessary elements for the development and growth of a baby. Then the baby is transferred to artificial feeding. Modern milk formulas provide the child with all the necessary elements for good nutrition. You may need to try several types of formula to find the one that works for your baby. As soon as you find a product that your child will enjoy eating, he will immediately begin to gain weight.
Step 5
If the child is too active, then there is nothing surprising in the lack of weight. It's just that all the calories received from food, he immediately spends in motion. And if the baby's health does not suffer at the same time, he is cheerful, active, and everything is in order with the stool, then you should not change his diet much. Add an extra meal between lunch and dinner, or between breakfast and lunch. But in no case do not overfeed the child, do not force him to eat if he does not want to.
Step 6
Many children, closer to adolescence, begin to grow rapidly, stretch upward. At the same time, it seems that the child has lost a lot of weight. In fact, this is not the case. He just became taller, the infant plumpness passed, and it began to seem that the child had lost a lot of weight. Do not worry. Most adolescents successfully survive this period, and by the age of 17-19, they regain their normal weight. Just increase the amount of food you used to feed your child. Make sure you have enough meat and vegetables in your diet. Boys aged 14-17 should consume at least 3200 kcal per day. Girls - 2800 kcal. And if the child is actively involved in sports, the amount of energy consumed should be increased by one and a half to two times.
Step 7
Most likely, there is nothing wrong with underweight. But if a child refuses to eat, has become lethargic, inactive, has dramatically lost weight - this may be a sign of a serious illness. Therefore, when these symptoms appear, do not delay seeking medical attention. Timely therapy and good nutrition will definitely help your baby gain weight.
