How to Put Weight on a Baby

It is important to make sure your baby is gaining weight properly.

Babies develop and grow at different rates. Although there is a standard growth chart to measure your baby's development, it should not be an issue for concern if your baby is not hitting each milestone perfectly. It is normal for a baby to grow consistently for a while and then lose some pounds, before continuing to gain weight. If you suspect that there may be a problem with your baby's weight gain or if he is having trouble eating, discuss this issue with your pediatrician. If you find that your baby weighs under the 20th percentile of his ideal weight for his height, this is called "failure to gain weight" and is reason for concern.

Instructions

1. Check that your baby is not falling asleep before he is done breastfeeding, and gets enough milk. The issue here might be that he is not getting enough sleep and his sleep patterns may need be studied and altered.

2. Switch your baby to a bottle from breastfeeding. This makes a big difference if he has a weak-sucking reflex, since it is easier to get milk from a bottle than to be breastfed.

3. Learn to breastfeed in a quiet, relaxed environment. If the mother is stressed out when she is breastfeeding her baby, her stress can prevent hindmilk from being released, which is the most calorie-rich portion of breast milk.

Tips & Warnings

• Schedule an appointment with your baby's pediatrician. Although the issue may not be very serious, you should always check with a doctor to get a professional opinion on your baby's health.

• Never try to diagnose your baby's weight loss using advice from the Internet.

References

• Baby Center

Resources

• Kids Health