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It is possible that parents worry about a baby's weight if they feel it is lacking or difficult to gain, then wonder about the right way to increase a baby's weight. Indeed, since the first few weeks of life, a baby's weight gain can be an indicator of how healthy the baby is. 

However, do not worry because in fact, in the first few days after birth, a baby's weight may drop slightly as the baby passes urine and meconium. By three weeks of age, most babies return to their birth weight.

Ideally, a baby should not lose more than 10% of their birth weight. If the baby's weight drops beyond that percentage, the baby needs to be examined by a pediatrician immediately. 

These Are the Causes of a Baby's Weight Being Low or Difficult to Gain

During their growth, some babies experience feeding difficulties so their weight does not increase over time. Moreover, if a baby experiences swallowing problems, vomiting, food allergies, or diarrhea, it can cause their weight to be low or difficult to gain.

These health issues can prevent the baby from absorbing the calories they need if not treated properly. 

In addition to health problems experienced by the baby, a low or difficult-to-gain weight can also be caused by low fat intake. Some parents still think that a low-fat, high-fiber diet is suitable for babies, when in fact babies need more fat.

Not only does it support the development of the brain and nervous system, fat also helps the baby's body more easily absorb important vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. 

How to Increase Baby's Weight Safely and Naturally

After understanding why a baby's weight is difficult to gain, here are several ways to increase a baby's weight safely:

1. Provide exclusive breastfeeding to the baby to optimize their ideal weight gain. Nurse the little one 8-12 times in 24 hours or every 2 to 3 hours. 
2. Ensure the baby's latch position is correct so the baby gets breast milk more optimally when sucking on the mother's nipple.
3. Keep the baby close to you, with skin-to-skin contact, which will help the baby nurse more often. Try this intensively for a few days. 
4. Increase the nursing mother's breast milk supply by nursing and pumping regularly. The more often the mother nurses the baby, the more breast milk the baby consumes.
5. If the child consumes formula milk, ensure the ratio of water and milk powder is in accordance with the instructions. Do not let the water composition be too high, as the calorie content will not be sufficient to support the baby's weight gain and could even be dangerous.
6. Babies aged 6 months and up who have started on complementary foods (MPASI) can be focused on receiving food with high calorie and fat content. For example, meat, eggs, fish, cheese, potatoes, high-fat yogurt, peanut butter, bananas, avocados, pears, mangoes, and so on.
7. In addition to providing main MPASI meals, create a snack schedule for babies aged 6 months and up every morning and afternoon.
8. Breast milk only contains a small amount of iron needed for a baby's growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that breastfed babies also be given iron supplements (1 mg of iron for every kilogram of their weight) starting at 4 months of age. Note: before giving iron supplements, consult a pediatrician first.
9. If you have tried the methods to increase the baby's weight above, but their weight does not increase or they experience specific health problems, consult a pediatrician immediately. 

Choose the Best Baby Bottle Product from Hegen

In addition to applying the methods to increase a baby's weight naturally as discussed above, you must also pay attention to choosing safe and high-quality milk bottle products. 

Ensure that you only choose Hegen milk bottle products made from PPSU material and anti-colic teats made from soft and durable silicone material. Like the Hegen PCTO™ 150ML/5OZ FEEDING BOTTLE PPSU product. 

The Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) material is internationally certified by the FDA, ensuring it is BPA-free, safe, lightweight, and resistant to extreme temperatures from -20°C to 180°C. 

Not only that, Hegen milk bottles use the world-patented PCTO™ innovation, making them easy to open and close in just 2 seconds. Therefore, breast milk will be stored safely, free from contamination, and free from oxidation that can dissolve breast milk nutrients.

With the “Express-Store-Feed” advantage, you can use the same bottle as a container for pumping, storing breast milk, and nursing the baby with the bottle. Simply change the lid and attach the teat, minimizing wasted breast milk drops.

Hegen milk bottles are available in 4 size variations: 60 ml for newborns, 150 ml for babies aged 1-3 months, 240 ml for babies aged 3-6 months, and 330 ml for babies aged 6-9 months. 

In addition to baby bottles, Hegen also offers various baby products that you can get directly on the official Hegen Indonesia website.

References

Healthline. How To Increase Your Baby’s Weight. https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/how-to-increase-baby-weight 

NCT. My baby is not gaining weight. https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/common-concerns/my-baby-not-gaining-weight