A child did not gain weight: from 6 to 24 months

"A healthy child who eats well should progress in weight every month. If your child has not progressed enough since the previous measurement, it is necessary to react quickly to discover the cause of the problem. Sometimes you can find a solution yourself, and sometimes you need to turn to the doctor. "

A child who is not gaining weight during one or two months may need more food for a meal, more nutritious foods, or more frequent meals. The child may be ill and need more attention and care or help with meals.

Here are some important questions to consider to help identify the causes of growth and progression problems:

Does the child eat often enough? In addition to breastfeeding, a child aged 6-8 months needs 2-3 meals, and from the 9th month 3-4 meals of other foods. Additional nutritious snacks, such as a piece of fruit or bread with a healthy spread, may be needed 1-2 times a day. Children with delays or developmental disabilities sometimes need extra help and time to feed.

Did the child get enough food? A child aged 6-8 months initially needs 2-3 teaspoons of food, and the amount is gradually increased to ½ a cup (of 250 ml), for each meal at the age of 9-12 months.

Does the child's meals contain enough energy and nutrients? Foods that help a child's growth are beans, nuts, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, cereals and legumes. The daily inclusion of food of animal origin is especially important. A small amount of oil can provide extra energy. Quality "growth food" is especially important to ensure adequate growth in weight and height. Foods such as processed fatty foods or sweet snacks are not rich in vitamins and minerals or other important nutrients and can lead to excessive weight gain without adequate growth in height.

Does the child get too much sweet food (cakes, cookies) or sweetened liquids (juices, teas) or other unhealthy food for meals or snacks?Reduce or replace these foods with nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, meat ,according to dietary recommendations.

Did the child get too much milk formula or other liquids (juices, teas) and not enough solid food? The fluid fills the stomach and reduces the child's need for food.

Did the child refuse to eat? If the child does not like the taste of a certain type of food, he should be offered another. New foods should be introduced gradually.

Is the child sick? A sick child should be encouraged to eat small, more frequent meals. Breastfeeding should be more frequent. After the illness, the child should eat more than usual to compensate for the lost weight, energy and nutrients. If the child is often ill, you should seek medical help for him.

Did the child get enough foods that contain vitamin A? Breast milk is rich in vitamin A. Other foods that contain it are liver, eggs, dairy products, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, and green leafy vegetables. If these foods are not available in sufficient quantities, the child should be given a supplement (tablets or syrup every 4-6 months).

Did the child get the milk formula from the bottle? If the child is fed a milk formula, a clean cup or glass is recommended rather than a bottle with a pacifier.

Is food prepared and stored in a clean and safe way? If not, the child will often be ill. Raw food should be well washed or cooked, using clean water from a safe source. Cooked food should be eaten immediately; the remaining food should be carefully stored and properly reheated before eating.
Is the child often alone or left in the care of older children? A child needs more attention from adults, especially during meals.