Baby’s Weight Doesn’t Gain, Beware of Anemia

There are several conditions that can be observed by parents that can be a sign that a baby or toddler has anemia.

First, said Rita, experiencing growth delays, namely the baby’s weight gain is not as it should be.

“If the baby is anemic, the growth will be late,” said Rita.

“So that’s it weight gain is not as good as it should be. It’s called a baby every month gaining weight. If the baby is anemic, he won’t gain weight,” he explained.

If not treated immediately, the late growing condition can eventually fail to thrive. This condition is also explained by Rita as the forerunner of stunting.

Other signs that a baby has anemia include looking paler, cranky, whiny, weak and looking like they have no energy. Babies who have anemia tend not to respond to the stimulation given.

Anemia in infants is caused by low intake of iron, protein and folic acid. All three are the main constituents of hemoglobin. Therefore mothers need to pay attention to the nutritional intake of their children. For babies who are still in the exclusive breastfeeding phase, mothers need to pay close attention to the iron content in breast milk and the frequency of breastfeeding.

Another reason babies can develop anemia is due to infection. Infection in ARI or gastrointestinal tract can cause the baby’s hemoglobin level to decrease.

“Because the infection will eat more iron, will use more folic acid, so it becomes less substance to build hemoglobin,” Rita explains.

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