Are you worried your little one is underweight? Here we look at the common signs, some of the root causes and most importantly – solutions!
Weight can be a tricky issue for many children. For some, it might be the case that they really struggle to gain or maintain weight. As parents, it can be very challenging to see your little one being underweight. Concerns can often linger as it’s such a painful topic and it’s sometimes unclear whether or not the issue is resolved. Here we will take a look at some of the signs that your child is underweight, what some of the causes are and what actions your family can take to help.
Signs to look for
To navigate around the uncertainty, there are some tried and tested criteria to consider when trying to determine if your child is underweight. Comparing their weight to that of other children of the same age is one step. Furthermore, your little one’s height should be taken into account for a more specific assessment.
Up to two years of age, paediatricians assess children’s weight using a ratio of their weight to length. For little ones older than two, BMI (body mass index) is taken into account. In both of these cases, children are determined to be officially underweight if their result lands in the bottom 5% compared to others their age. Annual check-ups with your family doctor will help you to track your child’s weight and compare it to their peers.
Moving away from the data, there are some signs that parents can look out for. Clothes are a good way to measure if your little one is gaining weight or otherwise. Take a note of how they fit and monitor this over a period of time. If your little one isn’t outgrowing their clothes as regularly as you’d expect, it might be an indication that they’re slightly underweight. Similarly, if you look at their stomach or side and notice that their ribs are more visible, it’s a strong sign that they could do with putting on some more weight. Through all of this, it’s important to keep your worries away from your child, as best you can. So when you’re taking a look, be subtle and gentle with them.
Potential causes
Let’s consider some of the factors that could be hindering your little one from gaining or maintaining weight.
Eating habits
One of the most common reasons children are underweight is quite simply from not eating enough food. If parents aren’t tracking their little one’s eating habits, it’s possible that they’re undereating without anyone noticing. As for why a child may do this, there are a variety of reasons. Picky eating alone is often enough.
The what and how of a child’s eating habits can have a large impact on their weight. Snacking is something that should generally be avoided, if possible. This may seem counterintuitive but snacking often results in less nutrition, rather than more. This is due to the fact that children may snack at various points throughout the day, filling up on more processed foods that don’t provide the level of nourishment or calories that they really need.
Similarly, many kids can consume sugary drinks and treats that will give them the impression of being full, and come meal time they’ll be left pushing their food around their plate. Without being too overbearing about it, it can be beneficial to have a rough idea of your little one’s macronutrients each day. While it may seem daunting at first, a few small steps make all the difference.
Medical reasons
Food allergies can seriously limit the food available to your child and this can prevent them from getting enough nutrition easily. Similarly, certain medications and conditions impact a child’s appetite, so they may not be receiving the correct hunger signals.
What steps can my family take?
Now, it’s not all doom and gloom, and usually this issue is one that can be remedied at home. With the idea of limiting (but not completely eliminating!) sugary treats and other snacks in mind, it’s time to check out what kind of food to provide your little one with. Calories and balanced nutrition are what we’re aiming for here, and many families don’t actually incorporate enough healthy fat into their diets. Clean nut butters and healthy oils are two great ways to introduce a little boost without asking too much. They’re quite calorie dense foods, meaning that they offer quite a lot of energy and fuel.
A fantastic next step is to speak to your paediatrician, and potentially a dietician, to get a suitable food plan, and your worries will soon be alleviated, knowing that your child is getting exactly what they need. If your little one has any specific dietary requirements or preferences, this will also be taken into account. A weekly meal plan will ensure that your son or daughter is at least provided with the food that they need to up their weight. By tackling the habits that may be suppressing their appetite, and presenting them with healthy, full meals, your little one will soon be chomping their way to victory!
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