What Are the Causes of a Newborn Not Gaining Weight?

For a new parent, realizing that your newborn is not gaining weight can be stressful and worrisome. A baby's birth weight is expected to double by age 4 months and triple by age 1 year. Physicians use growth charts to monitor a baby's weight, and compare it to that of other infants. Some babies do go through periods of no weight gain, but there are also other causes.

  1. Not Getting Adequate Nutrition

    • Not getting adequate nutrition is probably the most common reason for a newborn baby to not gain weight. It is possible that the baby is not getting enough calories to gain weight and may need to be fed more often or given larger amounts at each feeding. Lactose intolerance can be the cause of not gaining weight, because the body is not absorbing milk proteins. A newborn's body can also have difficulty absorbing nutrients due to metabolic diseases.

    Gastrointestinal Conditions

    • Gastroesophageal reflex, or GERD, is an irritation of the esophagus caused by food regurgitating back into the esophagus. This can cause a baby not to want to eat or to not be able to keep their food down. Chronic diarrhea can cause a baby to not gain weight because nutrients are not being absorbed. Cystic fibrosis, chronic liver disease and celiac disease also can be reasons that nutrients are not being absorbed.

    Medical Disorders

    • A number of medical disorders can affect a baby's ability to gain weight. For example, a baby with a cleft palate may have trouble eating and, as a result, do not get as much food as their body needs. A wide range of cardiac, endocrinologic and respiratory disorders can also affect this ability. These disorders will raise the body's caloric need, which can be difficult to keep up with, and, as a result, the baby does not gain weight.

    Infections

    • Infections can put greater stress on the body and cause a demand for more calories and nutrients. Also, some babies will be more reluctant to eat when they are not feeling well. Parasites, urinary tract infections, tuberculosis and ear infections can all cause this. Usually infections will cause a short-term failure to gain weight, though they can sometimes have long-term effects.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Prevent a Baby From Scratching
      Babies can do all sorts of things without understanding. Sometimes babies will scratch their faces with their tiny nails as they touch their faces and sleep at night. The last thing you want is a baby with a face full of little scratches so its your
    • What Are the Causes of a Newborn Not Gaining Weight?
      For a new parent, realizing that your newborn is not gaining weight can be stressful and worrisome. A babys birth weight is expected to double by age 4 months and triple by age 1 year. Physicians use growth charts to monitor a babys weight, and compa
    • Nutrition Activities for Infants
      Although they cant make their own nutrition choices, infants can be taught about nutrition early. Its never too soon to create proper eating habits. Play food games with your infant and let him help you in the kitchen while you talk to him about the