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What Causes Poor Weight Gain In An Infant?

Posted on Mon, 15 May 2017

Question: Hi Dr, my 8 and half mnth daugter has been constantly vomitin onc a day since the last 15 daysdue to which her weight is nt increasing. Her birth weight was 2.6kg as on 5th Aug-16 and her weight as of nw is 6.6kg. Pls advice.She only likes to take my feed and drnk water.Also, sinc t last 5days she hs got cold due to wich der is nose block n ear pain as she constantly kips ticklin her ears.Previously her diet was gud enuf bt has reduced considerably in last 2weeks wich is affectin her weight as well. Pls help.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try to start complementary feed

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for asking on this platform

I have read the query and do understand your concern.
According to the birth weight and age is weight is slightly low. Starting of complementary feed at appropriate age is very important for the proper growth.
Complementary feed(semisolid food item) should be started at age of 6 months. You have mentioned that baby is mainly on breast milk and water. The major part of breast milk is composed of water so there is no need of giving extra water to the baby as this may hamper the nutritional requirement.
I request you to give semisolid diet like rice water, mashed rice mixed with dal,mashed potato, mashed boiled Apple etc.
Most common cause of nasal blockage in this age is some allergy or some viral infection. Nasal blockage may cause ear ache and discomfort to the baby.
I suggest you to put nasal saline drop three to four times a day particularly before feed.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more query.
Wishing for your baby's good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (20 minutes later)

Thank u doctor.My baby has strtd seni solid food at 5mnths of age to strt wit dal khichdi. And till befor 2weeks she used to have n digest dal khichdi of qty (2tbsp rice powder/1tbsp moong dal powder & 1.5tbsp rawa along wit jeera/turmeric/slat to taste)potato puree, veg puree, mashed banana wit butter/ 2tsp ragi made wit 1/2cup milk n mashed apple wit milk. She had this qtyof dal khichdi on daily basis along wit 1of t above item but since t last 2weeks any hard food i giv her she vomits even before i can burp her n refuses to eat. Can dis b due to heat?Pls suggest.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Increased environmental temperature can be a possibility

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up

Its good to know that you have already started the complementary feeds and that too in a proper way.
Frequent vomiting can be due to gastritis or raised environmental temperature leading to poor appetite.
I would like to know if you have consulted any doctor for vomiting and if she is currently on any medication.
I would like to give some antiemetic like ondensetron with acid reducing agent like lansoprazole/esomeprazole for few days and to see whether it works.
Keep the surrounding temperature about 27-29 centigrade for her comfort.

I shall be glad to help you out if you need any.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (38 hours later)

Thank u so much. Yep i did consult doc and she advised me to give Multivitamin drops to invoke hunger & Nasomist/ Maxtra drops fr cold.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing for rapid recovery of your baby

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Its my pleasure that you found my suggestions helpful. Continue the prescribed medications.Observe for improvement of symptoms and let me know if you need any further help.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (20 hours later)

Thank u so much. Her course is over n nw her vomitin has stopped. Cold has also bcom better but her weight is nt increasing. I checked her weight today and found she has reduced 50gms.Pls advice.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This weight loss can be transient and due to the illness

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Mild weight loss is common during any illness due to poor feed and increased basal metabolic rate.
I would suggest you to start the feeding as before illness and check the weight again after 15 days.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj