To care for the baby with low weight it is important to feed him properly and keep his body temperature stable as he is usually a more fragile baby and, which presents a greater risk of developing respiratory problems, having infections or cooling easily, for example.
Generally, the low birth weight baby, also known as a small baby for gestational age, is born with less than 2.5 kg and although it is less active, it can be caressed or held in the lap like other normal weight babies.
How to feed the baby underweight
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby and you should let your baby nurse as often as you like. However, if the baby sleeps for more than three hours in a row, he or she should wake up and nurse to prevent hypoglycaemia, which is when the amount of blood sugar is low, manifested by signs such as tremors, apathy and even convulsions .
Usually, babies with low birth weight have a greater difficulty in breastfeeding, however, they should be encouraged to breastfeed, avoiding whenever possible, using artificial milk. However, if the baby does not gain enough weight with breast milk, the pediatrician may indicate that after breastfeeding, the mother gives a supplement of powdered milk to ensure adequate intake of nutrients and calories.
Here's how to feed the baby underweight in: Low weight baby feeding.
How to know if your baby is getting fat
To find out if your baby is increasing his weight properly, it is advisable to weigh him at least once a week at the pediatrician, ideally to increase his weight by 150 grams per week.
In addition, other signs that indicate that the underweight baby is gaining weight properly include urinating 6 to 8 times a day and pooping at least 1 time per day.
Other low weight baby care
Other important care to take care of the baby underweight include:
- Keep the baby in a warm place: keep the room at a temperature between 28ºC and 30ºC and without drafts;
- Dressing the baby according to the season of the year: putting more clothes on than the adult person, for example, if the mother has a blouse, should wear two to the baby. Learn more at: How to know if your baby is cold or hot.
- Measuring the temperature of the baby: it is recommended to evaluate the temperature every 2 hours with a thermometer, and it should be maintained between 36.5ºC and 37.5ºC. Here's how to use the thermometer correctly in: How to use the thermometer.
- Avoid exposing the baby to polluted environments : the baby should not be in contact with smoke or many people due to fragility of the respiratory system;
In addition to these care, it is important to know that the baby should only take the first vaccines, such as the BCG and Hepatitis B vaccine, when he weighs more than 2 kg and therefore often have to make the vaccines at the health clinic.
