What Causes Slow Weight Gain In Infants?

Posted on Wed, 27 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 Answered on

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello !! This is regarding my 4.5 month old daughter. Her birth weight was 2.87 kg. Around the 3 rd week she was diagnosed with Laryngomalacia. She is a breastfed baby. Very active. Sleeps well. Has started rolling over at exactly 4 month. basically meeting all her milestones. My concern is her weight. at 4.5 months she is barely 5 kgs. And secondly maximum milk she has at a go is 60 ml. She doesnt vomit but gets colic pain in the evenings almost everyday. I give her Colpep as suggested by her pediatrician. The doctor asked us to give her Domstal 3 times a day .3 ml for 6 months. Which i am not giving at present because having taken a second opinion the new doctor said that if baby isnt vomiting no need to overburden with medicines. the laryngomalacia is also getting better. (as in the sounds have resuced than what it used to be in the begining) kindly advice.

Answered by Dr. Arun (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Will improve don't worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
1. Colic pain is very common and can last even upto 6 months. Colpep is appropriate medicine for that. You can give it as advised.
2. Weight gain is less than adequate bug don't worry.
You need to feed her more frequently if quantity cannot be increased. Domstal may not be of much help. Start weaning foods like boiled apple, boiled vegetables, cereals like rice gruel atleast once or twice daily from next month.
Get Your doctor to examine and identify any vitamin or iron deficiency which can be treated if present. That will improve weight gain.
3. Laryngomalacia will disappear before one or two years. No need to worry
Wishing your baby good health.
Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Arun (3 hours later)

thank you for your prompt reply. I m much relived. I give her calcium drops. can I start any vitamin drop or iron drop? I m also taking my calcium and iron capsules.

Answered by Dr. Arun (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Check before starting

Detailed Answer:
You need to get her examined before starting iron or vitamin drops.
Appropriate supplements should be given based on examination.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj