Introduction
Good nutrition is about balance. Both undernutrition and excess weight harm children's health and development. Watching growth over time — not a single weigh-in — is the best way to spot problems early.
What malnutrition means
Malnutrition is not only being underweight. It includes poor growth in height, low energy, frequent illness, and missing key nutrients. Causes range from too little or poor-quality food to repeated infections, worms and poor appetite during illness.
Signs of undernutrition
Slow weight gain or weight loss, not growing taller as expected, looking thin, low energy and playfulness, eating less than usual, or frequent infections. Tracking weight and height on a growth chart reveals trends a single measurement cannot.
The rise of childhood obesity
As diets change, more children carry excess weight. Risk factors include sugary drinks and energy-dense snacks, large portions, little physical activity and a lot of screen time. Excess weight in childhood raises the risk of health problems later.
Finding the balance
Offer balanced, home-cooked meals with vegetables and fruit. Make water the main drink and limit sugary and fried snacks. Encourage daily active play and limit screens. Avoid using food as reward or pressure. The aim is healthy habits, not strict dieting.
Monitor growth over time
Regular weight, height and head-circumference checks plotted on growth charts help you and your doctor see whether your child is tracking healthily — and act early if not.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Ask your health worker if you are worried about your child's growth or weight.
Plot your child's growth on WHO charts with BabyCo's free tool.
Helpful links for parents
Buy soft baby diaper online | Why BabyCo is best diaper in Nepal | Use BabyCo size finder to get the perfect fit. | Plan monthly diaper packs | Find stores in Nepal
