📉👶 My Baby Is Not Gaining Weight — What to Know

A Comprehensive Guide by Dr. Annie, Infant Nutrition Expert

One of the most worrying concerns for any parent is this:
“My baby is not gaining weight — what am I doing wrong?”

The truth is, weight gain is not just about food. It’s influenced by development, digestion, feeding practices, underlying health, and even genetics. But don’t panic — most feeding and growth issues can be managed with the right information, gentle action, and support.

At Dr. Annie Baby Nutrition, we’ve supported hundreds of mothers navigating growth challenges with their babies. Here’s what you need to know, what to look out for, and how to take action — confidently and calmly.

📏 What’s Normal Baby Weight Gain?

Dr. Annie explains that babies grow rapidly in the first year, but each child follows their own growth curve. Here’s a general guideline:

🩺 Your baby’s doctor or health visitor will track weight using a growth chart — the key is consistency over time, not comparing with others.

🚩 Signs Your Baby May Not Be Gaining Enough Weight

According to Dr. Annie, it’s time to investigate if you notice:

• A drop of two or more percentile lines on the growth chart

• Baby’s weight is below the 5th percentile for age

• Baby seems hungry all the time, even after full feeds

• Baby is lethargic, irritable, or not meeting milestones

• Reduced wet nappies (less than 5–6 a day after 1 week old)

• Loose skin, visible ribs, or lack of fat in thighs and arms

🧪 Common Causes of Poor Weight Gain (Dr. Annie’s List)

Dr. Annie groups the causes into 3 main areas:

1. Feeding-Related Causes

• Inadequate milk supply (breastfeeding issues)

• Poor latch or ineffective suckling

• Skipping feeds or long intervals between feeding

• Improper bottle feeding technique

• Late or poor introduction of solids after 6 months

• Low-calorie or low-fat solids with little nutritional density

2. Digestive & Health Issues

• Frequent vomiting or reflux

• Diarrhea or food intolerances

• Undiagnosed allergies (e.g., to cow’s milk or soy)

• Intestinal parasites (e.g., worms) — more common in toddlers

• Malabsorption syndromes

• Chronic infections (ear, throat, or urinary)

3. Other Factors

• Low birth weight or prematurity

• Genetic factors (e.g., naturally small parents)

• Underlying metabolic or hormonal conditions

• Emotional stress or neglect (e.g., orphaned or under-stimulated babies)

🥣 Dr. Annie’s Approach: What to Do if Baby Isn't Gaining Weight

✅ 1. Assess Feeding Patterns

• Keep a 24-hour feeding log: note times, amount (breastmilk, formula, solids), and baby’s reactions

• Track wet and dirty nappies

• Check if baby is easily distracted, not completing feeds, or feeding for too short a time

• Make sure solids are not replacing milk feeds too early (under 9–10 months)

✅ 2. Improve Nutrition Quality

Dr. Annie recommends focusing on energy-dense and nutrient-rich foods, even in small portions.

Baby Foods to Help with Weight Gain:

• Avocado – rich in healthy fats

• Boiled ripe plantain with Dr. Annie Dates Powder

• Sweet potato or yam mash with Dr. Annie Fish or Chicken Powder

• Oats porridge with banana and peanut paste (from 9 months)

• Mashed beans or lentils with palm oil

• Rice with kontomire stew (mild, mashed)

• Full-fat yoghurt, cheese, or breastmilk mixed into meals (from 12 months)

💬 “It’s not about how much baby eats — it’s about how nourishing each bite is,” Dr. Annie emphasizes.

✅ 3. Fortify Meals the Dr. Annie Way

Use Dr. Annie’s fortifiers to enrich everyday foods without changing taste or texture:

• Dr. Annie Fish, Shrimp, or Chicken Powder — add to stews, porridges, or soups

• Dr. Annie Dates or Chia Seed Powder — sweeten and add iron, fiber, and energy

• Dr. Annie 7 in 1 Cereal — a complete blend for rapid nourishment and easy digestion

👩⚕️ When to See a Doctor

If your baby:

• Is consistently falling off their growth curve

• Has ongoing diarrhea, vomiting, or feeding refusal

• Loses weight after 3 months of age

• Has delayed milestones or seems unwell

Then it’s time to seek pediatric advice. Dr. Annie advises asking for:

• A growth chart review

• Stool tests (especially in older babies/toddlers)

• Nutritional assessment

• Lactation support if exclusively breastfeeding

🧡 Dr. Annie’s Reassurance for Moms

💬 “You are not failing. Your baby is not broken. Growth is a journey — and with the right support, your baby can thrive.”

• Stay consistent with meals and feeds

• Celebrate small improvements weekly

• Don’t rush — sometimes, gentle changes bring lasting results

• You’re not alone. Ask for help when needed

✅ Recap: Baby Weight Gain Checklist

✔ Track weight regularly with a growth chart
✔ Review breastfeeding or bottle technique
✔ Focus on nutrient-dense meals
✔ Add natural fortifiers like Dr. Annie powders
✔ Consult your pediatrician if growth stays low
✔ Trust the process — and give it time