Infant weight gain

Infant weight gain pattern is a major concern for first time parents. Slow or fast weight gains can lead to complicated health concerns and will require medical attention. Regular weight gain is normal and a healthy sign in a breastfeeding baby. If the weight gain is not according to the accepted standards, the baby and the mother should consult a pediatrician and a lactation consultant, if needed. In most of the abnormal cases, the baby gains weight slowly than it is expected to.

The mother should continue with the breast feeding even if the infant weight gain is poor. The poor weight can sometimes be just natural for the baby. Even otherwise, the problem can be treated easily with medical intervention. It is important to keep the breastfeeding continuing unless the doctor instructs against it. Babies who are breast fed more often tend to grow faster.

An excess infant weight gain is a more serious issue than the slow gain. It can lead to childhood obesity. Researchers have established the connection between rapid infant weight gain and childhood obesity. Childhood obesity can lead to serious health concerns which might get difficult to tackle at a later point of time. Heavier infants also have an increased risk of wheezing and asthma later in their lives. There are a various number of reasons why rapid infant weight gain could lead to asthma. Rapid Infant weight gain is proven to affect inflation and the capacity to fully expand the lungs. If the weight gain is found to be alarmingly excess, urgent medical intervention should be sought.

Typically, infant weight gain should be around 800 grams per month. To ensure proper growth, ensure that the baby get enough of breast milk for the first four months. The baby can start taking small quantities of solid food thereafter. It is observed that some babies are not prepared to take solid food till at least seven months and need exclusive breast feeding. This is due to the risk of juvenile diabetes. Before starting food other than breast milk, it is advised to contact the doctor and seek instructions.

If the baby is prepared to take solid food, start with cereals. There are ready to serve cereals available in the market. Fruits and vegetables can also be given to supplement cereal intake and establish nutritional balance. Till the time the baby develops teeth, the food should be mashed thoroughly to help easy digestion.

Babys inherent metabolic system also plays a bigger role in determining the weight gain pattern. The body types differ due to heredity; and the calorie burn rate can vary accordingly. Thin babies have higher metabolic rates, and they usually grow taller but leaner. Babies with a lower rate of metabolism show the opposite pattern. These are normal weight gain behavior influenced by the inherited genes.

The activity pattern of the baby can also have a huge impact on the weight gain. Babies that are active burn more calories and become thinner in turn. As opposed to this, babies who are generally laid back or lame put on more weight.