As a parent, the wellbeing of your child is always on the top of your mind. Many parents tend to worry if their child is growing at the right pace. While each child will grow at their own pace, sometimes they might be over or under the expected weight for that age group or height.
If you feel that your child might be under or overweight, visit your pediatrician. They will be able to guide you to a pediatric nutritionist if necessary.
There are a variety of reasons that your child might be underweight. The simplest reason is that they’re probably not eating enough. Your child might not be consuming the number of calories needed for their daily energy requirements.
Another possible reason might be an underlying medical condition whether it’s loss of appetite due to an illness or something more chronic. Whatever the case, consult with a child pediatrician regarding your child’s weight.
What constitutes a balanced diet for kids?
Depending on your child’s unique needs, a pediatric nutritionist might recommend different items but essentially:
· 5 portions of fruits and vegetables daily
· Carbohydrate-based meals with potatoes, bread, rice, and pasta
· Dairy or dairy alternatives
· Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat, and other protein
How to help children increase weight
While the easy solution might be to feed them high caloric food, it is not the recommended one. The best way to increase your child’s weight naturally is to make small changes to your child’s diet while implementing healthy diet habits. According to our nutritionist Dubai, we recommend:
· Slowly increasing portion sizes of starchy food
· Increasing the number of calories consumed per meal
· Regular mealtimes that are the same time every day
· Increased variety in their diet of nutritious, high-energy food
· Small healthy snacks in between meals
Do I need to see a specialist regarding my child’s weight?
Yes, consult with a qualified specialist before making drastic changes to your child’s diet. A pediatric nutritionist will be able to guide you in formulating a meal plan suited for your child’s dietary needs.
Remember not to force your child to eat more than they’re willing. They must have a healthy relationship with food. Including them in the meal plan process can make them more likely to enjoy their meals.
Children should also have regular physical activity. According to our pediatric doctor, It is recommended that they have at least an hour of physical activity every day. Keep regular records of your child’s growth including height and weight.
As you track your child’s weight, you might need to adjust their diet once they reach a healthy weight. If you have any questions regarding your child’s health visit the best pediatrician in Dubai today!
