Most babies lose weight, often as much as 140 g (5 oz), in first few days, but by ten days old they should have regained their birth weight; they should weigh twice as much by five months and three times as much at one year old (see chart opposite). Steady weight gain, without troughs or plateaux, is the desideratum; even a low birth weight baby should make steady progress, albeit on a lower level.
Breast-fed babies who are losing weight should be fed on demand, if possible, and be allowed to suck for as long as they want; if bottle-feeding, check that you are giving correct amount and concentration of feed (see Feeding Problems in Infants). If baby is over three months old, he or she may need solids; this should be discussed with your health visitor or medical doctor.
If slow weight gain is associated with periodic Vomiting, or with undue sleepiness, irritability, or reluctance to feed, see your medical doctor; if it is associated with loose, pale, smelly stools, baby may have a digestive problem such as Lactose intolerance or coeliac disease; these problems also require attention of medical doctor. Constitutional homeopathic treatment may also help. |
Back to Ailments & Diseases
