Child weight growth is one that needs to be given more attention, especially at the beginning of his life. Problems like weight deftering it is very possible, where children grow up not according to standards or patterns they should.
Know more about weight deftering and what the characteristics of children who experience it.
What is it Weight Faltering?
Weight futtering occurs when the child's weight does not increase according to the expected growth curve. Pediatricians or health workers usually use a growth graph that has been standardized by WHO, to monitor the development of children's weight and height.
If the child's weight is below the percentile line according to his age and gender, or if the child shows significant weight loss, then this condition is called weight deftering.
Children with weight deftering may not always have malnutrition, but if this problem is not handled properly, it can trigger more serious problems such as stunting. Stunting causes children to have lower mean height due to chronic malnutrition.
Also read: Three Main Causes Of Baby Weight Not Increased
Cause Weight Faltering
Weight futtering can be caused by various factors, ranging from unbalanced diets to health problems experienced by children. Here are some common causes weight deftering:
Unbalanced diets
Inequilibrium diets can affect the growth of babies and cause weight deftering. This may happen when a baby does not get exclusive breast milk and a diet is less varied during the MPASI period.
When eating their first solid food, babies still need protein, vitamins, and minerals to prevent weight deftering and help the body carry out its function properly.
digestive problems
Obscenity problems in babies such as lactose intolerance and celiac disease can affect the baby's body's ability to absorb nutrients optimally. As a result, weight loss may occur.
Repeated infections
Repeated infections such as diarrhea or respiratory tract infections can have a negative impact on the intake and absorption of nutrients in children. This can cause growth disorders and also weight deftering.
Psychosocial factors
Families with low economic levels, undered education, and limited access to health services can also increase risks weight deftering. This is still quite common in Indonesia, so routine monitoring of children's growth needs to be done, for example through posyandu or health facilities in hospitals.
Also read: Health Conditions That Cause Heavy Baby's Body Difficult To Increase
Signs Weight Faltering
Weight futtering can be known by recognizing the following signs:
- Children's weight does not increase according to the WHO growth curve
- Children do not reach the weight that should be by their age
- Children's weight drops which lasts more than 2 weeks in babies, and more than 1 month in older children
- Children do not seem interested in eating or drinking
- Children often refuse the food given
- Frequency and portion of food are far less than usual
- Children look tired, pale, and not fresh
- Stomach bloating
- Children become more fussy or often cry without reason
- Children look less active, and do not show interest in playing
- Children often wake up at night
When suspecting the signs above, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause. Doctors will monitor the child's growth periodically, evaluate food intake, and conduct medical examinations to determine the cause.
Have other questions related to child growth? You can consult a doctor through the Ai Care application that can be downloaded on App Store or Play Store.
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