What Does Underweight Of A 18 Months Old Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 3 May 2014

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

Sat, 3 May 2014 Answered on

Sat, 24 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My Daughter is 18months old her weight 8.5kg so is it normal?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Underweight

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

A baby of 18 months should weight around 9.5 to 11kgs. Since, your baby is 8.5 kgs I would consider her being underweight.

Consult a pediatrician and a Dietitian to know the causes for the low weight and to improve the same.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (10 hours later)

what should be the best food to gain weight for my baby?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Protein rich foods

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

Since the metabolism and activities in a child of 1.8 yr will be high, her diet should be supplemented with ample amount of proteins.

You can give her porridge made of fried ground pulses like green gram, bengal gram etc.

Once she completes 2 yrs you can give her protein powders available in market like Pediasure.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar