From newborn to infancy, our child’s weight development depends on our effort as parents to provide food that is best to sustain their needs. However, that would seem to be hard since milk (either breastmilk or formula) is the only option we can get especially during the baby’s first 6 months. So how can we make sure that our baby will gain the sufficient weight for his age? We will give you some tips.
Breastfed Babies
Breastfeed babies could gain much more weight compared to formula-fed. However, if your baby is breastfeeding exclusively but not gaining much weight, try to check if he is having issues with latching, if he is getting enough milk every feed or if your milk supply is enough for his needs? The baby should be able to do proper latching so the milk will be able to flow more and he will then get enough milk that he needs. It is hard to track how much milk the baby is getting every feed so try feeding on demand. That means you will offer your breast everytime your baby cries for it without following any feeding schedule. That is also a great way to increase the mother’s milk supply, so it’s like hitting it altogether in one stone.
Formula Fed Babies
When it comes to formula feeding, you have to exert some effort to help your baby gain weight. You can try varying the brand of milk you are using, find what suits to your baby. Through studies and experiments, it is found out that babies who drink cow’s milk gain much more weight compared to babies who drinks of milk made from protein hydrolysate. Milk from protein hydrolysate are made to be easier to digest. You can also check if your baby has some kind of allergy with the formula milk he is on, or his sensitive tummy is taking his milk well. If you feel like you have already exhausted yourself with this, then might as well consider asking your doctor for recommendations for best brands you can try on.
Solid Food Introduction
After your baby’s first six months, ask your doctor to introduce some vitamins that are needed so your little one might improve his appetite if you feel like he needs some more improvement with it. In providing or introducing solid food to your baby, opt for those vegetables and fruits that are essential to build muscles and contains suffecient minerals and vitamins that your baby needs to improve and help him gain weight.
If you are already done with all of it but your baby’s weight just won’t increase, keep in your mind though that so as long as he is healthy and not sickly, so as long as you provided what is essential, then that is enough. It is not worth it to compare your child with other babies who are chubby and big. As long as he receives the love and happiness he should be getting, then mommy and baby deserves a thumbs up for a job well done.
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