Question
What to Do If a Baby Isn’t Gaining Weight?
Answer
A newborn baby typically weighs around 6 to 7 pounds on average. In the first half of the year after birth, babies experience rapid weight gain, with the first two months showing the fastest daily increase. The first year of life is when children gain weight the fastest, and within this period, the rate of weight gain slows down as they age. After 1 year, the rate of physical development slows down, but within the 1 to 2-year-old range, babies will still slowly gain weight, with an average annual increase of about 1.5 pounds. However, children’s weight gain can vary from person to person and may not necessarily follow the stated amount of weight gain. If there is a significant deviation, it’s important to investigate the cause. Both rapid and slow weight gain in babies should be taken seriously. A slow rate of weight gain in babies could be due to insufficient nutrition intake, poor digestion and absorption, or chronic diseases. Infants under 1 year old should primarily rely on milk, ensuring an adequate milk supply. When babies start on complementary foods at around 6 months old, it’s best to also ensure they consume some milk daily.