too thin

[harini2883]

My son is very thin n anemic. He just hates eating anything. I have to force him for eating. All my elders are blaming me that im not feeding him properly. i just do not know what to do. i just want to make him fat and healthier too. Please do help me out.

[Renee Radenberg]

All the foods you have stated are soft. At his age he should be eating regular table food not smashed up as if it was baby food. He may need to learn how to chew and swallow food. That would not be a reflection on your parenting. Some children just do not know how to do it and need to be taught. They need to learn how to chew and swallow food properly; it is not really an instinct behavior like sucking. Has he been evaluated on how to chew food? If not, then suggest getting him evaluated, by going to your MD, and start therapy so he can start to eat regular food. Follow the guidelines for his age for the amounts of food he needs to eat and have him eat 3 meals a day with snacks between the meals. For example: full breakfast at 7:30am, small snack at 10am, full lunch at 12noon, small snack at 2pm, full dinner at 4:30/5pm, and small snack at 8pm just before bed.

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight is on the 5th percentile for his age. He is 17 months old and can eat on his own. Have you tried fingering foods, and giving him foods you eat, cut up smaller? As a guideline for a 17-24 month old child should eat the following: Dairy 4 feedings a day –Milk or breast milk (4oz), cheese (½ oz), yogurt (½ cup), or cottage cheese (¼ cup). Starch 4 feedings a day – Cereal (¼ cup), pasta (¼ cup), rice (¼ cup), bread (½ slice), or crackers (2). Fruits & Vegetables 4 feedings a day – Fruits (including 100% juice limited to only 4-6ozs) & Vegetables (¼ cup). Protein source 2 feedings a day – Meat or fish (1oz), egg (1), or beans (¼ cup). He should eat 3 meals and have snacks between meals using the foods above to be spread out throughout the day. If he is having issues with eating solid foods, he may need to learn how to chew and swallow. Suggest having him evaluated.

[Renee Radenberg]

Children from birth to 20 years old have their weight and height placed on Growth Charts based on their age. For each age there is a range that is considered 'normal' for both weight and height. For 1 year and 5mons the normal weight range is approximately within 9.7 kg-13.8kg and height 76cm-86.5 cm.

[allmymarbles]

As one mother to another, I think it is best not to discuss food with him. Just place the food before him. He gets a lot of attention at mealtime. Maybe that is why he makes such a fuss. Try ignoring him.

[harini2883]

hello Doctor,    
                   What should be the avg height and weight for a baby of age 1 year 5 months.

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight is just below the 10th percentile and his height is below the 5th percentile for his age. His height is below normal; however, the family may have males with small stature. His weight is normal and within the Growth chart.

[harini2883]

hello Doctor,
                     I recently checked out my son's weight and height. he is 9.8 kgs and 72cms height. is his height and weight normal for his age. he is exactly 1 year 4 months completed.

[harini2883]

hello,
          ok thank u doctor. i'll surely do that.
        

[harini2883]

Hello Doctor,
       I have tried fingering foods to him but he just squeezes it and make a mess over it and throws it away. Right now the food diet which i am following is:                
He wakes up at 7:30 in the morning.
7:30= A half apple with dry fruits smashed together like milkshake.  
9:30= Idly or upma
12:30= Maize sarri
1:30= Banana
3:00= Chikoo milkshake
4:30= Milk (250 ml)
7:30= Rice,dal, mixed vegetables with curds finely smashed.
10:00= Milk (250 ml)
Is all these ok or should i change. But if i force him he'll just vomit everything. And also he passes stool 4 - 5 times a day. Is that ok. Please if there are some changes please let me know clearly as to, at what time what i am supposed to feed him with.