Facts and Suggestions Regarding Appetite & Health of Your Child

One of the most common complaints heard in a children clinic is “My child does not eat properly.” Often we have seen that the complaint is either far from the truth or a self created one, rather than the one that actually needs medical intervention or treatment. We will consider certain practical aspects of the problem. There are certain facts and suggestions regarding appetite & health of your child which I would like to share with you. These appetite & health suggestions tips are from “From the Malik Radix Health Care”:

1. Appetite of a child depends on age, race, community, season and individual himself. For example – one year old could have much more appetite than three or four year old. North Indian children generally have a better appetite than the south Indian children of the some ago group.

2. It is very surprising to know that two children of the same age, same weight & height can have different appetite, one eating twice than the other.

3. It should be borne in mind that apart from diseases, during which the appetite can be low, there are normal periods during which children naturally lose appetite. This can extend to, weeks together which is quite normal. Attempting to feed them forcefully during these periods will cause aversion for food, which can be very harmful to the overall growth and development of the child.

4. The most common myth is regarding the usage of tonics and appetizers. They are prescribed only to children with some deficiencies of vitamin and other nutrients, or to children suffering from certain diseases, that too for small periods. Tonics and appetizers are not routinely useful and should not be given for longer periods.

5. Some children remain thin and lean despite all efforts as the growth and weight of a child depends more on his genetic constitution. If the child is otherwise healthy, gaining weight and is active one can be assured that his appetite is normal.

6. Mothers should always watch weight rather than appetite. If weight for age is normal then the appetite is also normal.

7. Mothers should prepare different varieties of food and those liked by the child.

8. Do not feed frequently, instead give a gap of at least four to five hours between two meals, and i.e. stick to three to four meals a day and nothing in between.

9. Avoid chocolates, candies, cold drinks and junk food as these will lead to loss appetite.

10. Try to give some quantity from each of the 6 basic food groups i.e. milk/milk products, cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, fruits and non vegetarian if you are non vegetarian.

11. Whenever you suspect a reduced appetite, do prepare a complete diet chart of the child, i.e. the quality, the quantity and the time of food taken. Thereafter consult the doctor; this will help the pediatrician to evaluate the child more objectively.

There is scientific evidence that children can regulate their food intake reasonably well according to their energy needs. Any attempt to feed them forcibly will lead to deleterious consequences. Therefore mothers are advised to provide the child with variety of healthy foods in order to improve their appetite and health, and are also requested not to force food the child. Often the mothers offer the food to the child when he is not hungry yet.

How to care New Born Child?

“From the Malik Radix Health Care”

Take a look on the thesis of caring new born child by a well known doctor Ravi Malik. He gives some suggestion about the health of new child to take care properly. I am going to publish his theory on the new born health care.

There are some question regarding the new born child and I think it is also your question to take care your baby health.

1. In what Way is a new born different from an older child?

Dr. Opinions – New born babies are different in some aspects from older children, as they may pass stolls ten to twelve times a day, after every feed and golden yellow in colour. On the other hand, not passing the stools for four to five days is again a normal phenomenon. New born babies can vomit after taking mild which is a normal phenomenon, because these are simple regurgitations. The new born babies often sleep whole day and awaken whole night. Often the new born babies sleep after feeding, this is a normal thing. Hiccough in new born babies is normal. A crust like white scab over forehead which is cradle cap, is normal in new born babies who disappears at the age of six months or so.

2. How to feed a new born?

Dr. Opinions – Up to the age of six months we are not supposed to give any top milk or water because this can lead to serious infections. Feeding of the new born should be exclusive breast feeding.

At the age of six months we can start with eatable like dal ka pani, suji ki kheer etc. but the milk should only be breast milk.

We can continue breast feeding up to two years of age.

This is a scientific fact that the babies who are on exclusively breast feeding are more intelligent & healthy.

3. What is jaundice of new born?

Dr. Opinions – Jaundice (Yellow discoloration of skin) occurs in the new born period, first noticeable on second or third day, and subsiding at the age of fifth to seventh days. It is called physiological jaundice. This occurs is almost 60-80% of new born babies.

4. Passage of first stool & first urine?

Dr Opinions – Normally babies pass stool in first 24 hours and urine in first 48 hours.

5. What are the warning signs?

Dr. Opinions – There are certain warning signals of diseases in the new born, with the help of these we can early identify the serious disease process as:

a. Lethargy or inactivity.
b. Refusal of feed or inability to such or swallow.
c. Vomiting or abdominal distention.
d. Irritability or excessive crying.
e. Fever or low baby temperature.
f. Diarrhea.
g. Breathing difficulties increased respiratory rate and laboured breathing.
h. Bleeding from any site of the baby.
i. Inability to move one or more limbs.
j. Sudden Change in colour of baby to blue or white.

6. What is the normal weight of baby & how does the weight gain occur?

Dr. Opinions – The average weight or normal Indian baby6 is 2.8 kg. It should be more than 2.5 kg & less than 3.5 kg. Initially for first seven days child general looses five to ten percent of his birth weight. After that he starts gaining weight, approximately 25-30 gm/day in first month of life.

7. Is there any restriction in diet for the mother who is feeding a baby?

Dr. Opinions – Lactating mother must take iron & calcium as she took during pregnancy. There is no restriction in diet of mother except for excess of chilies. This is contrary to the usual belief of posing many restrictions in mother’s diet by old people. Mild cereals, green leafy vegetables, seasonal fruits must be taken by a lactating mother in her daily diet.

These are some valuable health care suggestions for your new born babies by Dr. Malik. If you follow these surely your babies will be healthy and infection free.