Feeding & Growth

Rahul is one month old. Anita is breastfeeding him and tracking his weight at monthly check-ups.

Meanings in Anita, Vikram, Paediatrician, Nurse

Key words and phrases

breastfeedingfeeding a baby milk from the mother's breastShe is breastfeeding him every three hours.

formula milka manufactured milk product for feeding babiesThe doctor suggested formula milk as a supplement.

feeding schedulea planned routine of feeding timesWe've set a feeding schedule for him.

burpto release air from the stomach after feedingGently pat his back to make him burp.

weight gainincrease in body weightHis weight gain is right on track this month.

growth charta chart tracking a baby's height and weight over timeThe doctor plotted his weight on the growth chart.

milestonean important stage of developmentRolling over is his first big milestone.

colicfrequent, prolonged crying in a healthy babyHe has colic in the evenings and cries a lot.

diapera piece of absorbent material worn by babiesPlease change his diaper before the feed.

lactationthe production of milk in the breastsShe met a lactation consultant for feeding tips.

weaninggradually introducing a baby to foods other than milkThey plan to start weaning him at six months.

latchhow a baby attaches its mouth to the breast while feedingThe nurse helped her improve his latch.

spit-upsmall amounts of milk a baby brings back up after feedingA little spit-up after feeding is normal for babies.

percentilea measure comparing a baby's growth to other babies of the same ageHe is in the seventieth percentile for weight.

solid foodfood other than milk, introduced as a baby growsHe'll start eating solid food around six months.

swaddleto wrap a baby snugly in a cloth for comfort and warmthShe swaddled him before putting him to sleep.

nappy rashirritated skin on a baby caused by a wet or dirty diaperChange his diaper often to avoid nappy rash.

growth spurta short period of rapid physical growthHe's feeding more often — he's probably having a growth spurt.

feed on demandfeeding a baby whenever it shows signs of hunger, not on a fixed scheduleAt this age, it's best to feed him on demand.

tummy timesupervised time a baby spends lying on its stomach while awakeTummy time helps strengthen his neck muscles.

Useful sentences

Ask How often should I feed him at this age?
Answer Every two to three hours is normal for a one-month-old.
Ask Is his weight gain normal?
Answer Yes, he's growing well according to the growth chart.
Ask Should I give him formula milk as well?
Answer Only if breastfeeding alone isn't enough — we can discuss it.
Ask Why does he cry so much in the evenings?
Answer It sounds like colic — it's common and usually improves after a few months.
Ask Do I need to make him burp after every feed?
Answer Yes, that helps prevent discomfort and spit-up.
Ask Which percentile is he in for weight?
Answer He's in the seventieth percentile, which is very healthy.
Ask When should we start weaning him onto solid food?
Answer Around six months is usually the right time.
Ask Is it normal for him to feed more often some days?
Answer Yes, that's likely a growth spurt.
Ask What can I do about his nappy rash?
Answer Change his diaper more often and use a mild cream.
Ask Should I keep feeding him on demand or set a schedule?
Answer Feeding on demand is best at this age, along with some tummy time.

Dialogue

AnitaDoctor, is his weight gain normal for one month?

PaediatricianYes, he's tracking perfectly on the growth chart.

AnitaHe cries a lot in the evenings — should I be worried?

PaediatricianThat sounds like colic. It's common and usually settles by three months.

VikramShould we start him on formula milk too?

PaediatricianOnly if needed — let's monitor his breastfeeding for now and review next month.

AnitaWhich percentile is he in for his weight, doctor?

PaediatricianHe's in the seventieth percentile — that's very healthy.

VikramWhen should we start weaning him onto solid food?

PaediatricianAround six months, along with continued breastfeeding.

Common mistakes

Saying "he is breastfeed" instead of "he is being breastfed" or "she is breastfeeding him."
Saying "make burp" instead of "make him burp" or "help him burp."
Using "milestone" only for adults' achievements — it's also the correct word for a baby's developmental steps.
Saying "wean him from milk" instead of "wean him onto solid food," which correctly describes the direction of the change.
Saying "latch on the nipple" instead of the natural phrase "latch on to the breast" or simply "has a good latch."
Saying "diaper rash" and "nappy rash" as if only one is correct — both are used, though "nappy rash" is common in British-influenced Indian English.

Quick quiz

1. A chart tracking a baby's height and weight is called a ___.

2. Frequent, prolonged crying in an otherwise healthy baby is called ___.

3. Complete: "Gently pat his back to make him ___."

4. What does "weaning" mean?

5. A measure comparing a baby's growth to other babies of the same age is called a ___.

6. Complete: "Change his diaper more often to avoid ___."

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