Is It Normal for My Six-Month-Old Baby to Lose Weight?
Baby Losing Weight at 6 Months: Causes and Solutions
A baby losing weight at six months may be a normal phenomenon, but it could also indicate underlying issues such as improper feeding, lactose intolerance, cow's milk protein allergy, or indigestion. Depending on the cause, general management or medication can be administered under medical guidance. Details are as follows:
1. Normal Phenomenon
As your baby grows, their height increases, and you may perceive lengthening limbs rather than weight loss. This requires no special treatment.
2. Improper Feeding
This can be due to insufficient breastfeeding or formula feeding. Increase feeding amounts promptly. If breastfeeding is insufficient, supplement with formula milk.
3. Lactose Intolerance
Babies lacking the enzyme lactase to digest lactose may experience abdominal bloating and diarrhea after consuming dairy products, leading to malabsorption and weight loss over time. Low-lactose or lactose-free formulas can be considered.
4. Cow's Milk Protein Allergy
The lack of enzymes to digest milk protein can result in unabsorbed macromolecular proteins causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and subsequent weight loss. Mild cases may continue breastfeeding. If breastfeeding is not feasible, switch to hydrolyzed formula.
5. Indigestion
Chronic indigestion in babies can manifest as bloating, diarrhea, and poor appetite, eventually leading to weight loss. Probiotics such as Bifidobacterium Triple Viable Powder, Bacillus Subtilis and Enterococcus Faecium Powder, and Saccharomyces Boulardii Powder can be prescribed to help.
Additionally, other factors like infectious enteritis could also be responsible. If symptoms persist, promptly seek medical attention to identify the underlying cause.
