Expert Guidance at Your Fingertips

Hi Rajni, Since your 6.5-year-old daughter is active and healthy despite being on the lighter side with a weight of 16 kg, it suggests that her growth is likely appropriate for her body type. However, if you''re concerned about her weight, you can consider the following: 1. Balanced Diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like nuts and avocados. 2. Nutrient-dense Snacks: Offer snacks like yogurt, cheese, peanut butter, or hummus. 3. Regular Meals: Provide small, frequent meals rich in calories and nutrients. 4. Calcium and Protein: Ensure adequate intake from milk, yogurt, paneer, and fortified cereals. 5. Physical Activity: Continue to encourage regular physical activity. 6. Multivitamins: Consult her pediatrician for any necessary supplements.

Hi Govind Kumar , Saying mama and papa means they have achieved the bisyllable stage. Which is appropriate for this age. Now she will be expected to start speaking meaningless words like jargon speech at two years.. keep talking to your toddler and show her expressions, avoid screen time. Always consult your pediatrician.

Hi Nazneen I understand that second year of kid’s life is challenging and you are filled with expectations and desire to do more but the kid might not just reciprocate entirely with you. What you are facing here is known as food fadism. Meal time must be made a pleasurable feeling and force feeding can be avoided. Try to fix a meal time routine where the whole family sits together to eat (this will show that eating is a fun family time to the baby). There is no need to feed soups or liquid items in the second year of life. The food must be thick and dense and if your child likes solids give them. But accompany with water after the meals. Some dishes the kids might not enjoy which you can introduce gradually one by one by making the presentation look interesting or changing the taste slightly. Remember parenting is a marathon, it’s not a sprint. It will take time and eventually you’ll get there. And strictly avoid screens during feeds and never scold or force your child this will attract negative emotions to get associated with food. You might require a detailed anthropometric assessment and diet evaluation to understand what all can be altered in your child’s feeding practices. You can consult with your paediatrician if the problem persist.

Hi Pallavi Nikam, A well-balanced Indian diet plan for growing kids should include a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all food groups. Here are some general guidelines: 1. Protein: Include lean protein sources like: - Legumes (dal, lentils, chickpeas) - Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds) - Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa) - Dairy (milk, yogurt, paneer) - Eggs and poultry (optional) 2. Complex Carbohydrates: Encourage whole grains like: - Brown rice - Whole wheat bread and chapatis - Oats - Fruits and vegetables 3. Healthy Fats: Add sources like: - Nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseeds) - Avocado - Ghee (clarified butter) 4. Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Include: - Leafy greens (spinach, broccoli) - Colorful vegetables (carrots, bell peppers) - Fresh fruits (seasonal) - Dairy and fortified foods (calcium, vitamin D) 5. Hydration: Encourage plenty of water and limit sugary drinks. 6. Snacking: Offer healthy options like: - Fresh fruits - Roasted nuts and seeds - Veggie sticks with hummus - Whole grain crackers with avocado or peanut butter Sample Indian Diet Plan: Breakfast - Idlis with sambar and chutney - Whole wheat parathas with veggies and paneer - Oatmeal with nuts and fruits Lunch - Brown rice with mixed veggie sabzi and dal - Whole wheat chapatis with chicken or veggie curry Snacks - Fresh fruits and nuts - Veggie sticks with hummus - Whole grain crackers with avocado or peanut butter Dinner - Brown rice with mixed veggie sabzi and dal - Whole wheat chapatis with chicken or veggie curry

Hi Malvika , Since your daughter has diet preferences like enjoying rava upma, try adding fiber-rich vegetables to it. Also, offer fruits like papaya or pears to ease constipation, ensure good hydration, and include curd or yogurt for probiotics. You can gradually introduce whole grains like oats or dalia in a way that aligns with her tastes. Encourage physical activity for better digestion. If the issue persists, consult a pediatrician.

Hi Nayan Shinde, To help your 3-year-old gain healthy weight: 1. Add healthy fats like ghee, olive oil, or butter to meals. 2. Include protein-rich foods such as eggs, chicken, fish, lentils, and paneer. 3. Offer nutrient-dense snacks like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and nut butters. 4. Provide full-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and paneer. 5. Make calorie-rich smoothies with fruits, yogurt, and nut butter. 6. Give small, frequent meals and enrich them with extra calories, like adding nuts to cereals. If there’s no improvement, consider consulting her doctor.

Hi Ishani , Nestle cerelac is fortified in a convenient way. you can introduce alternatively. Focus on food sources.

Hi Dhruvan , A weight of 16 kg and height of 116.5 cm for a 4-year 9-month-old boy are generally within the normal range, though on the lower side for weight. His complaints of body pain and tiredness may point to nutritional deficiencies (like low vitamin D, calcium, or iron), dehydration, or inadequate physical activity and sleep, all of which can impact energy levels and cause discomfort. It''s important to ensure a balanced diet, sufficient water intake, proper activity levels, and adequate sleep. If these symptoms persist, it would be advisable to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions such as anemia or infections.

Hi Megha, If your baby frequently falls sick with fever and doesn''t eat well, it could be due to several reasons. Recurring illnesses might be linked to a weakened immune system, poor nutrition, or exposure to infections. Ensuring a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins can help strengthen their immunity. Sometimes, children avoid eating due to discomfort, like sore throats or digestive issues, which can also contribute to frequent illness. Additionally, make sure your child is hydrated, gets enough rest, and maintains a hygienic environment to minimize exposure to infections. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician are essential to monitor growth and identify any underlying health issues like deficiencies or allergies. This can guide proper treatment and help keep your child healthier in the long term.

Hi Seema, Yes, Nangrow can be given, but focus first on addressing constipation by ensuring he stays hydrated, eats more fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, and stays active. Monitor his response to Nangrow, and if constipation persists, consult a pediatrician.