Common Parental Concern in Singapore: Why Is My Child Not Gaining Weight?
- Oaklife Family Clinic
- Jun 24
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
As a parent, watching your child grow and thrive is one of life’s greatest joys. But what happens when you notice your child doesn’t seem to be gaining weight as expected? In Singapore, this is a common concern raised during check-ups — particularly among parents of babies and toddlers.
The good news? In many cases, slow weight gain is a temporary phase. Still, it's important to know when it’s part of normal development and when it could signal a deeper issue that needs attention.
Is It Normal for Children to Not Gain Weight?
Yes — to a certain extent. Children grow in spurts. A child may put on weight rapidly during infancy, slow down in toddlerhood, and then shoot up again in preschool years. This variation is completely normal. According to Singapore’s Ministry of Health growth charts, weight gain should be tracked along a centile line — and small fluctuations are expected.
However, if your child is consistently dropping in centile ranking or weighs significantly less than peers of the same age and gender, it may be time to investigate further.
Dr Daniel, Family Physician at Oaklife Family Clinic, explains: “We don’t panic at one missed milestone — but when a child consistently drops off their curve or shows signs of poor appetite or fatigue, we dig deeper. Growth tells a story.”
Common Reasons Why Your Child Might Not Be Gaining Weight
There are several possible explanations for slow or stagnant weight gain, especially in young children. Some of the most common include:
1. Frequent Illnesses
Children who fall sick regularly — with colds, viruses, or stomach bugs — may experience poor appetite or increased energy expenditure, making it harder to gain weight.
2. Fussy or Selective Eating
Many toddlers enter a “picky eating” stage around 18 months to 3 years. If their food intake becomes restricted or unbalanced, it can lead to nutritional gaps.
3. Digestive or Medical Conditions
Underlying medical issues such as lactose intolerance, celiac disease, food allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux can interfere with nutrient absorption or appetite.
4. Psychological or Behavioural Factors
Sensory aversions, anxiety, or stress (especially in older children) may contribute to eating difficulties.
5. Genetics and Family History
If both parents are petite or were late bloomers, their child may simply be growing at a slower — but still healthy — pace.
6. When babies started to be active
When babies start to crawl or walk, their weight tend to become “stagnant” which may result in falling off the centiles. This drop in centile is common, expected and temporary as they become active, hence burning more calories than before.
When Should I Be Concerned?
You should consider visiting a doctor if your child:
Has dropped more than one growth centile over a few months
Consistently refuses food or has a very limited diet
Appears tired, pale, or uninterested in play
Is frequently ill or takes a long time to recoverHas poor height growth in addition to weight issues
At Oaklife Family Clinic, we offer comprehensive developmental and nutritional assessments to evaluate whether further investigations — such as blood tests, food diaries, or referrals — are necessary.
Dr Jacquelyn Melody, Family Physician and mum of two, shares: “As a mother myself, I know how stressful it is to watch your child fall behind on growth. The key is early support — and not comparing your child unfairly to others. Every child grows in their own time — but we’re here to catch those who need a bit more help.”
Real Story from a Local Mama
“I noticed my daughter was still wearing the same size clothes after six months. At first, I thought it was just a phase — she was an active kid and didn’t sit still. But then her teachers mentioned she wasn’t finishing her food and looked more tired than usual.
We saw Dr Daniel at Oaklife, who did a full check. Turns out she had iron deficiency and mild constipation affecting her appetite. With supplements and small changes to her meals, she started eating better and her weight picked up. We felt so relieved.”
What Can You Expect at Oaklife Family Clinic Singapore?
When you visit Oaklife Family Clinic, we’ll start with a detailed growth history, developmental review, and physical examination. Depending on your child’s age and symptoms, we may:
Track their weight and height against MOH growth charts
Review their feeding and eating habits
Assess for signs of nutrient deficiencies or medical issues
Offer tailored advice on nutrition and follow-up plans
Conduct blood tests or stool tests if indicated
We work closely with parents to develop realistic strategies that work for your family — from introducing high-calorie snacks to managing food aversions gently.
How to Support Healthy Weight Gain at Home
Offer nutrient-dense foods like eggs, avocado, nut butters, and full-fat dairy
Establish regular mealtimes and reduce grazing
Pack some extra snacks on their active days e.g when they go to the playground
Avoid using screens or toys during meals — help your child focus
Celebrate small wins and avoid pressuring your child to eat
Monitor growth over time, not week by week
Introducing New Foods to Babies: A Quick Guide for Singapore Parents
Starting solids is a big milestone — and how you introduce food can shape your child’s future eating habits and even reduce allergy risk. In Singapore, the Health Promotion Board recommends introducing solids around 6 months of age, while continuing breastmilk or formula.
Here’s how to start:
Begin with iron-rich foods such as iron-fortified cereals, mashed tofu, lentils, or pureed chicken
Introduce vegetables before fruits to avoid early sweet preferences
Offer one new food at a time, and wait 3 days before adding another to monitor for reactions
Use soft, age-appropriate textures — from smooth purees to soft lumps by 8–9 months
Be patient — it may take up to 15 tries before a baby accepts a new food
What About Allergens?
Introducing common allergens early (from 6 months onward) — while your baby is healthy — can actually help reduce the risk of developing food allergies, according to updated guidelines by paediatric organisations around the world.
Common allergens include:
Eggs (start with well-cooked scrambled or mashed egg)
Peanuts (offer peanut butter mixed into porridge or yogurt, not whole nuts)
Fish and shellfish (start with small amounts of cooked white fish)
Dairy (yogurt or cheese, no cow’s milk as a drink before 12 months)
Soy and wheat (e.g., tofu, baby pasta)
Tree nuts (smooth nut butters or finely ground into cereal)
Safety tips:
Only introduce allergens one at a time, and in the morning
Monitor for signs of allergy: rash, swelling, vomiting, wheezing
Avoid giving nuts in whole form or hard foods that may cause choking
If your child has eczema or a strong family history of allergies, speak to your GP before introducing allergens
Dr Jacquelyn Melody shares:“Introducing allergens early and confidently — in age-appropriate forms — can lower lifelong allergy risk. If you're unsure, we’re happy to walk you through it step-by-step.”
Visit Us at Oaklife Family Clinic
We understand the stress and confusion that comes with growth concerns. Whether it’s just a check-in or a more complex issue, our doctors are here to support your child’s wellbeing — with evidence-based, parent-friendly care.
📍592G Balestier Road, Singapore 329902
📞 Book an appointment: www.oaklifefamilyclinic.com.sg/contact
✅ CHAS-approved and conveniently located
Worried about your child’s growth? Visit Oaklife Family Clinic for a supportive, personalised review — because healthy children come in all shapes and sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much weight should my child gain each year?
A: After the first year of life, children typically gain about 2–3 kg per year until puberty. However, every child is different. What matters most is that they stay on their growth curve rather than comparing them to others.
Q: Is it normal for toddlers to lose weight when starting childcare?
A: Yes — it's common for toddlers to eat less, catch minor infections, or even lose a little weight when starting preschool. Most bounce back once they adjust and their immunity strengthens.
Q: When should I worry that my child is underweight?
A: If your child:
Drops more than two centile line on the growth chart
Refuses food consistently
Looks pale, tired, or isn’t growing in height
Then it’s best to consult a doctor for a thorough review.
Q: Should I give my child appetite boosters or supplements?
A: Only after medical advice. In some cases, supplements like iron or multivitamins can help, but they should never replace proper nutrition. Appetite issues may also signal underlying problems that need assessment.
Q: What foods help kids gain weight healthily?
A: Focus on nutrient-dense, high-calorie foods such as avocado, eggs, full-fat dairy, nut butters (for older children), and oily fish. Small, frequent meals and healthy snacks can make a big difference.
