Every baby grows at their own pace.
Some babies gain weight quickly. Others gain weight more slowly.
When your baby is not gaining enough weight, it is normal for parents to feel worried.
Is your baby drinking enough milk? Should you change the formula? Is there a special milk that can help?
Before changing your baby’s milk, the most important thing is to find out why your baby is not gaining weight as expected.
Let’s understand the possible reasons and what parents can do.
How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Gaining Weight Well?
When you bring your baby to the clinic, the doctor or nurse will check your baby’s weight and length.
These measurements are recorded on a baby growth chart.
The chart helps doctors see how your baby is growing over time.
Your baby’s weight is not the only thing that matters. Doctors also look at your baby’s age, length and growth pattern.
Some babies are naturally smaller but are still growing well.
However, if your baby’s weight is increasing too slowly, staying the same or dropping, the doctor may need to check further.
Tip for parents: Bring your baby’s health record book to every clinic visit. It helps the doctor track your baby’s growth.
Why Is My Baby Not Gaining Weight?
There are several reasons why a baby may not gain enough weight.
Here are some common reasons:
- Not getting enough milk. Your baby may not be drinking as much milk as needed.
- Difficulty feeding. Some babies have trouble latching during breastfeeding or become tired while feeding.
- Frequent vomiting or feeding problems. These may affect how much nutrition your baby receives.
- Health problems. Certain medical conditions can affect your baby’s growth.
- Premature birth. Babies born early may need extra nutrition and closer growth monitoring.
If your baby drinks milk regularly but is still not gaining enough weight, it does not always mean the milk is unsuitable.
The best first step is to bring your baby to a doctor to find out the cause.
Should You Change Your Baby’s Milk If Weight Gain Is Slow?
Not necessarily.
Breast milk is the recommended first choice for feeding babies, including premature babies when appropriate.
If your breastfed baby is not gaining enough weight, a doctor or breastfeeding specialist can help check how your baby feeds and whether enough milk is being received.
For formula-fed babies, the doctor may check how the milk is prepared, how much your baby drinks and whether there are any health concerns.
Some babies have special nutritional needs and may require special infant formula or additional nutrients.
However, not every baby with slow weight gain needs special formula.
What Is Infatrini?
Infatrini is a special infant formula that provides more energy and certain nutrients than standard infant formula.
It is designed for babies with specific nutritional needs, based on advice from a doctor or dietitian.
For example, some babies who have growth problems or need extra energy may be assessed for special nutritional support.
However, Infatrini is not suitable for every baby.
Infatrini should only be used under medical supervision.
Parents should not choose this formula on their own simply to help their baby gain weight faster.
Has Your Doctor Recommended Infatrini?
If your doctor has recommended Infatrini for your baby, you can contact National Pharmacy at PPUM (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, to ask about the product and check stock availability.
WhatsApp Our Pharmacist About Infatrini
Infatrini should be used according to your doctor’s or dietitian’s instructions.
What Is Human Milk Fortifier (HMF)?
Some babies are born too early or with a very low birth weight.
These babies may need extra nutrients to help them grow.
Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) is a nutritional supplement added to expressed breast milk under the guidance of a medical team.
HMF helps provide additional nutrients, which may include:
- Protein
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Vitamins and other nutrients, depending on the product
These nutrients help support the growth of your baby’s bones, muscles and body.
HMF is commonly used for certain premature babies or babies born with very low birth weight who need extra nutrition.
However, not all premature babies need HMF.
The doctor will decide whether your baby needs it, how much to use and how long it should be given.
Important: Never add HMF to breast milk without medical instructions.
Looking for Human Milk Fortifier (HMF)?
If your doctor has recommended HMF for your baby, our pharmacists at National Pharmacy can help you with general product information and stock enquiries.
We are located inside PPUM (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur.
WhatsApp Us About HMF Availability
HMF must only be used according to your doctor’s or medical team’s instructions.
What Is the Difference Between HMF and Special Infant Formula?
HMF and special infant formula are not the same.
| Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) | Special Infant Formula |
|---|---|
| Added to expressed breast milk | Given as milk according to medical advice |
| Adds certain nutrients to breast milk | Provides specially designed nutrition for babies with specific needs |
| Often used for certain premature babies | Used for babies with particular nutritional needs |
| Does not replace breast milk | Its use depends on the baby’s medical and nutritional needs |
| Must follow medical instructions | Must follow medical instructions |
Infatrini is one example of a special infant formula.
Your doctor or dietitian will decide which feeding option is suitable for your baby.
What Should Parents Do If Their Baby Is Not Gaining Weight?
If your baby’s weight is not increasing as expected, here are five things you can do.
- Bring your baby to a doctor. The doctor can check your baby’s growth and overall health.
- Bring your baby’s health record book. Previous weight records help the doctor understand your baby’s growth pattern.
- Keep track of feeding. Tell the doctor how often your baby feeds, how much milk your baby drinks if known, and whether there are any feeding difficulties.
- Ask whether your baby is getting enough milk. Your doctor can help decide whether your baby needs feeding support or additional nutrition.
- Do not change or concentrate formula on your own. Always follow the correct preparation instructions or specific advice from your doctor.
If your baby is feeding less than usual, has fewer wet diapers or appears unwell, seek medical attention promptly.
If your baby is very weak, difficult to wake or having trouble breathing, go to the emergency department immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Weight Gain
1. Why is my baby drinking milk but not gaining weight?
There are several possible reasons.
Your baby may not be getting as much milk as expected, may have feeding difficulties or may have a health condition affecting growth.
A doctor needs to examine your baby to find out the cause.
2. What is the best milk for babies who are underweight?
There is no single type of milk that is suitable for every underweight baby.
The right feeding option depends on your baby’s age, health and nutritional needs.
Do not choose special infant formula without medical advice.
3. Should I change my baby’s formula to help with weight gain?
Do not change formula immediately.
Your doctor should first check why your baby is not gaining enough weight before recommending changes to feeding.
4. Is Infatrini the same as regular infant formula?
No.
Infatrini is a special infant formula with higher energy content and specific nutrients for babies with particular nutritional needs.
It should only be used under medical supervision.
5. Can full-term babies use HMF?
Healthy babies born at full term usually do not need HMF.
HMF is more commonly used for premature babies or babies with specific nutritional needs.
Your doctor will decide whether HMF is necessary.
6. Can I add extra formula powder to make my baby’s milk thicker?
No. Do not do this on your own.
Always prepare formula according to the instructions on the tin or specific instructions from your doctor.
Adding too much formula powder can be harmful to your baby.
7. Where can I ask about Infatrini or HMF in Kuala Lumpur?
Parents whose doctors have recommended Infatrini or HMF can contact National Pharmacy at PPUM (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, for product information and stock enquiries.
We recommend contacting our pharmacists on WhatsApp before visiting to check availability.
Looking for Infatrini or Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) in Kuala Lumpur?
If your doctor has recommended special infant formula or HMF for your baby, National Pharmacy can help you find out more about these products.
National Pharmacy is located inside PPUM (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur.
You can contact our pharmacists to:
- Ask about Infatrini or Human Milk Fortifier (HMF).
- Check product availability before visiting.
- Get general information about products recommended by your doctor.
- Understand when you should seek further advice from your doctor or dietitian.
WhatsApp National Pharmacy’s Pharmacist
WhatsApp: 011-1122 6830
Remember, Every Baby Grows Differently
Every baby has their own growth pattern.
If your baby is not gaining enough weight, do not immediately assume that the milk is the problem.
The most important thing is to understand why your baby’s weight is not increasing as expected.
With the right medical advice, your baby can receive feeding and nutritional support suited to their needs.
Health Disclaimer: This article is for general health education only and does not replace medical advice or examination by a doctor. Special infant formulas and Human Milk Fortifiers (HMF) should only be used under medical supervision.
Reference: Ministry of Health Malaysia, Paediatric Protocols for Malaysian Hospitals, Fifth Edition, Chapter 16: Enteral Feeding in Preterm and High-risk Infants.
