Why do you think your baby doesn’t eat enough?
Why do you think he is too small?
What does his growth chart say?
Does his weight follow close to the same line?
Chances are, there is no problem.
- Some babies are just small, others are big.
- Babies know how much they need to eat.
- Some babies eat a lot, others not so much.
- Babies eat more some days than others.
- Most thin babies fill out later.
Be careful not to get pushy feeding your baby. It makes him feel bad about eating, and he will eat less. Instead, feed in the best way so he can feel good about eating. He will eat as much as he needs to grow in the way that is right for him—small or big, short or tall, slim or chubby.
Here is what to do-and not do-when you feed your small baby.
Feed him in the best way. Feed when he wants to eat, as much as he wants.
Don’t go by a schedule for feeding. Don’t try to feed him a certain amount.
Find out what he wants when he fusses. Pick him up, talk with him, change his diaper, give him something to look at.
Don’t feed him every time he fusses rather than seeing if something else is the matter.
Look and talk. Be easy-going while you feed.
Don’t ignore him. Don’t talk too much. Don’t be pushy.
Let him rest and look away. Wait. When he looks back, again offer food.
Don’t try to get him to look at you or eat. Don’t end the feeding when he stops to rest.
Keep your nerve; let him grow his way.
Don’t try to get him to be smaller than is natural for him.
If you have trouble feeding in the best way and trusting your baby to grow well, ask for help from a dietitian or another health worker who understands feeding.
