10 Effective tips to take care of low birth weight babies

What is low birth weight?

A newborn who weighs less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces is said to have low birth weight. Despite their small size, some low birth weight babies are healthy. However, some infants may experience major health issues as a result of being underweight at birth. When a baby is born, its size can affect its ability to feed, acquire weight, and fight off diseases. Some people may also experience long-term health issues. In the United States, one in every twelve newborns (or 8%) is born underweight.

What causes a baby to have a low birth weight?

Premature birth is the main cause of low birth weight (being born before 37 weeks gestation). A baby has less time to develop and put on weight if they are born early. The last few months of pregnancy are when babies grow the majority of their weight.

Intrauterine growth restriction is another reason for low birth weight (IUGR). This happens when the placenta, the mother’s health, or the baby’s condition interfere with the baby’s ability to grow normally during pregnancy. A child can have IUGR and deliver at term (37 to 41 weeks). IUGR babies who are born at term could be physically developed but also frail. Physically immature and very small, premature newborns with IUGR.

Does a low birth weight cause problems for the baby?

Yes. Compared to babies whose weight is normal, babies who weigh less than they should at birth are more prone to experience health issues. To treat medical issues, certain newborns require specialized care in a hospital’s newborn intensive care unit (commonly known as NICU). These consist of:

Breathing problems, such as respiratory distress syndrome (also called RDS).

Bleeding in the brain (also called intraventricular hemorrhage or IVH).

Patent ductus arteriosus.

Necrotizing enterocolitis.

Tips for Low birth weight babies:

Feeding Your Baby:

Although breastfeeding is optimal, there are situations when a baby may struggle to latch or may not be able to latch at all. You can bottle-feed and pump breast milk. Your doctor may occasionally recommend giving your infant formula milk; this may be special formula milk for preterm babies.

Sticking to a Feeding Schedule:

A premature infant needs eight to ten feedings per day. As a result, be sure to give your baby regular meals. Never give your baby a gap longer than four hours at a time since dehydration risks could rise and your child could become ill.

Keeping Record Of Your Baby’s Growth:

Compared to full-term babies, preterm infants grow differently. They do, however, eventually catch up. To track your baby’s growth, your doctor might provide you with a separate growth chart.

Keeping Track of Baby’s Vision:

Compared to full-term babies, preterm infants are more likely to have crossed eyes. As your baby grows and develops, this issue typically goes away on its own. If your infant has this issue, your doctor could advise you to take them to an eye doctor. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition where the small blood vessels in the eyes form improperly, affects some premature infants. Babies delivered at 32 weeks or earlier of pregnancy typically develop ROP.

Monitoring Baby’s Hearing:

Compared to full-term babies, premature babies are also more prone to experience hearing issues. Inform your doctor if you discover that your infant doesn’t appear to hear you. Make noises behind or to the side of your baby to test their hearing. Tell your doctor if your baby does not turn its head or respond to loud noise.

Keeping in Touch with Your Doctor:

You should continue to consult with your baby’s doctor after you leave the hospital so that you may continue to get advice on how to care for your child. You may also visit your doctor if the need arises.

Taking Care of Your Baby’s Sleep Requirements:

Your premature infant needs a lot of sleep, and he may be sleeping the majority of the time. Verify that he is unsupported by any cushions and on a hard mattress. Never let your infant sleep on his stomach; force him to lie on his back.

Giving Solid Food:

Given that preterm babies may have trouble swallowing food, you might need to wait a bit longer before introducing solid food to your child. Your doctor can suggest starting solid foods for your child 4 to 6 months after the predicted delivery date, not the actual or actual birth date.

Limiting Your Baby’s Outdoor Visits:

You might have to hold off on leaving the house with your newborn for several weeks, aside from doctor’s appointments. This is because your baby is more likely to contract infections, which could be fatal to him.

Practicing Kangaroo Care at Home:

You may have been told about kangaroo care in the hospital, and it will be a good idea to practice it for a few weeks at home, too. Skin-to-skin contact is good for your baby.

FAQS

How can I help my low birth weight baby gain weight?

Here are some suggestions to aid in your child’s weight increase.

Give your baby breast milk. The best source of nutrition for a preterm newborn is breastmilk.

contact with the skin. There are several advantages to you and your partner and the baby having skin-to-skin contact.

Massaging your baby.

Can a low birth weight baby be healthy?

Despite their small size, some low birthweight babies are healthy. However, some infants may experience major health issues as a result of being underweight at birth.

What causes low birth weight in babies?

The main cause of low birth weight is premature birth or any delivery before 37 weeks. The baby has not had enough time in the uterus to grow and gain weight.

How can I increase my baby’s weight fast?

To gain weight more gradually, think about implementing these diet modifications:

Eat only what is necessary and refrain from taking more than one serving.

Select dairy products with minimal fat.

Exercise; on most, if not all, days, think about swimming or walking.

Use fat-free cooking techniques.

Limit your intake of sugary and caloric snacks.

Cut back on sugary and sweet beverages.

Do low birth weight babies sleep more?

Prone sleep decreased among low birth weight infants from 1995 to 1998. However, VLBW infants, who are at very high risk for sudden infant death syndrome, are more likely to be sleep prone than larger low birth weight infants.

Will eating more help, my baby, gain weight?

Increasing calories by eating more healthy foods and adding additional sources of protein can help you and your unborn baby gain a healthy amount of weight.

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