Underweight in a child is defined as a body weight not exceeding the 3rd percentile for a given age. Centile grids are charts setting out the norms of various parameters, created on the basis of studying thousands of healthy children. They provide the best answer to the question of whether a child is underweight.
Symptoms and course weight deficiency
A weight below the 3rd percentile means that the child in question has a body weight lower than 97% of children of that age. In some recommendations, a weight below the 10th centile, i.e. lower than 90% of the population at that age, is considered a weight deficiency. Standards need to be updated regularly, as successive generations of children can differ quite significantly.
When to go to the doctor and treating weight deficiency
In general, any underweight in a child requires increased supervision by a paediatrician. A number of different diseases can be the cause of this condition:
- of the digestive tract,
- of the kidneys,
- endocrine system
- others.
On the other hand, it is known that many children with weights below the 3rd percentile are generally healthy and develop very well. This is especially true for children whose parents are thin and short and for children born prematurely and with low birth weight.
Treatment weight deficiency
The most important home management for a child with a weight deficiency is to periodically check weight gain and plot the measurements on centile grids. This gives the best insight into the child's normal development. The percentile grid is included at the end of each new baby's health booklet. Crossing them out is not difficult - just ask your paediatrician for advice and instructions.
