Question
The baby is about to turn seven months old and weighs 14 jin, but she seems underweight. She weighed 12 jin at birth and has been breastfed ever since. She has now started on complementary foods, but it seems she is not absorbing nutrients adequately. Everyone around us comments on how thin the baby is. How should we handle this situation? Is the baby lacking in certain nutrients?
Answer
Based on the weight, the baby’s growth rate is relatively slow. The average weight of a newborn is about 3 kilograms, and by three months after birth, the weight should increase to 6 kilograms, so the baby’s development falls within the normal range. Generally speaking, the baby should weigh 10 kilograms by one year of age. It is recommended to check if the baby is lacking in nutrients such as zinc and to supplement them promptly. When providing complementary foods, include a variety of animal products and avoid having only starch-based foods to ensure a balanced diet.