Discussion. Low birth weight affects adversely on health outcomes throughout infancy. Compared with other infants, low-birth-weight infants – especially those born weighing less than 1.50 kg – have substantively higher mortality rates.

Premature babies are more likely to have chronic health issues — some of which may require hospital care — than are full-term infants. Infections, asthma and feeding problems are more likely to develop or persist. Premature infants are also at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

What are possible complications of low birth weight?

• Low oxygen levels at birth.
• Trouble staying warm.
• Trouble feeding and gaining weight.
• Infection.
• Breathing problems and immature lungs (infant respiratory distress syndrome)
• Nervous system problems, such as bleeding inside the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage)

Difficulty feeding and gaining weight. Infection. Breathing problems, such as infant respiratory distress syndrome (a respiratory disease of prematurity caused by immature lungs) Neurologic problems, such as intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding inside the brain)

A normal birth weight ranges from 2.5 kg to 4 kg (8 pounds, 13.1 ounces) and the average weight of infants in the current study was 3.3 kg (7 pounds, 4.4 ounces).

What causes low birthweight? The primary cause is premature birth, being born before 37 weeks gestation; a baby born early has less time in the mother’s uterus to grow and gain weight, and much of a fetus’s weight is gained during the latter part of the mother’s pregnancy.

The average birth weight for babies is around 7.5 lb (3.5 kg), although between 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) and 10 lb (4.5 kg) is considered normal. In general: Boys are usually a little heavier than girls.

High levels of stress that continue for a long time may cause health problems, like high blood pressure and heart disease. During pregnancy, stress can increase the chances of having a premature baby (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a low-birthweight baby (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces).

Foods That Will Increase Your Baby’s Weight During the Third Trimester

• Eggs, Milk, Yogurt & Tofu.
• Broccoli, Watercress & Cheese.
• Fruits.
• Lentils.
• Avocados.
• Salmon.
• Dark, Leafy Green Veggies.

Milk consumption and fetal and birth weight Maternal milk consumption of >3 glasses (450 mL of milk) per day was associated with greater fetal weight gain in the third trimester of pregnancy, which led to an 88 g higher birth weight than that with milk consumption of 0 to 1 glass per day [156].

Bananas should be on the top of your list and can be eaten throughout the pregnancy. They are rich in carbohydrates and will give you the much-needed energy during this time. Bananas are super healthy for those ladies who suffer from anemia, as it gives a good boost to the haemoglobin levels.

Baby weight chart by age

Chart of average weights

9 to 12 months old

• White fish, carrot, and leek purée. Share on Pinterest.
• Quinoa ratatouille.
• Baby beef stew.
• Raw baby purée of blueberries, mango, avocado, and mild chilies.
• Creamy Provencal chicken.
• Quinoa banana mash.
• Cherry and mint Greek yogurt baby food purée.
• Apricot and banana food with cinnamon.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the following menu and feeding schedule for 9-month-old babies.

• Breakfast. ¼–½ cup cereal or mashed egg.
• Snack​ 4–6 ounces breast milk, formula, or water.
• Lunch. ¼–½ cup yogurt, cottage cheese, or meat.
• Snack. One teething biscuit or cracker.
• Dinner.
• Before bedtime.

Finger foods are often enjoyed at this age. Babies don’t need teeth to eat table foods as long as they are broken into small pieces. Offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, cereal, breads, pasta, lean meat, and formula or breast milk. Many babies have less interest in the bottle or breast as they eat more foods.

A 6-12 month old baby needs two to eight ounces of water per day on top of the water they get from breast milk/formula. Taking sips from their cups throughout the day will usually get them the water they need.

Breakfast

• Option 1: Unsweetened yogurt with mashed peaches.
• Option 2: Oatmeal cereal.
• Option 3: Whole grain waffle strips.
• Option 4: Orange Sunny Soup.
• Option 5: Soft scrambled egg.

Breast milk or first infant formula is still important for energy and nutrients during the first year, and should be their main drink until 12 months. You can continue breastfeeding for as long as you both want. At this stage of weaning, your baby may be down to about 3 milk feeds a day.

Your bottle-fed baby should continue to get nutrition largely from formula until he or she is at least 9 months old. (If your baby is 9 to 12 months of age or older and eating a variety of iron-rich foods, you can use whole cow’s milk instead of formula.)

Unless there is a concern with their weight, they are unlikely to need more than that. By 6/7 months, your baby likely is ready to drop the night feeds completely. However, keep in mind that many babies still need a early morning feed (between 3-5am) until 12 months!

IF YOU BREASTFEED YOUR BABY FOR 9 MONTHS, you will have nourished him through the period of his fastest and most important brain and body development on the food that was designed for him — your milk. Weaning may be fairly easy at this age but then, so is breastfeeding!

At this age, most babies who are eating solids well will nurse about 4 to 5 times per day. If you notice your baby wanting to eat more frequently, they may be having a growth spurt or teething. Many breastfed babies will nurse more often at these times.

WHO’s guidelines recommend “continue[d] frequent, on-demand breastfeeding until two years of age or beyond. The vast majority of mothers can produce enough milk to fully meet the nutritional needs of their baby for six months.