Patient's question:
My baby is now 1 year and 8 months old, weighing only 16 jin and measuring 77 cm in height. However, she cannot walk independently (but can walk with support) and also cannot speak. She has had poor appetite since birth. She is usually given calcium, zinc, and AD drops, but they are not being absorbed. I need the doctor's help to make sure she eats well and sleeps soundly. I have seen many doctors, but her condition has not improved. What should I, as a mother, do?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Based on the situation you described, the first step is to actively strengthen nutrition.1. The types of food for children are basically the same as those for adults, including regular food, soft food, semi-liquid food, and liquid food. For children aged 3-7, due to slightly weaker digestive and absorption abilities compared to adults, it is recommended to choose easily digestible, easy-to-chew, and finely textured foods. Appropriately increase protein intake, with animal protein being the priority.
2. Foods to avoid:
1. All irritating foods, such as chili peppers, mustard, pepper, and coffee.
2. Minimize the intake of fried foods, foods with excessive fat, overly acidic, or overly salty foods.
3. Children under 4 should not eat whole hard nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts, almonds, chestnuts, or seeds, as these are prone to being inhaled into the trachea and pose a risk. Children over 4 should also use them sparingly.
4. Fish with thorns and chicken or meat with bones.
Children are in a period of growth and development, requiring a higher calcium intake than adults. Therefore, it is important to supplement calcium promptly to prevent calcium deficiency. When properly supplementing calcium, the following points should be noted.
(1) Whether or not calcium deficiency should be determined by a doctor, not self-diagnosed.
(2) Healthy children with normal diets and well-balanced meals do not need additional calcium supplements.
(3) Calcium deficiency in children can be clearly observed within the first two months of birth. Symptoms include night crying, excessive sweating, reduced appetite, increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, anemia, and baldness at the back of the head. Severe cases may lead to convulsions in the hands and feet. In such cases, calcium supplements should be used for treatment.
(4) When using calcium supplements, they should be combined with vitamin-containing medications, such as cod liver oil, as they can promote calcium and phosphorus absorption and reduce