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A child with low weight

A child with low weight or poor growth needs careful assessment. Some children are naturally small, but inadequate intake, feeding problems, illness, psychosocial stress or neglect may be involved. Children under 3 years particularly need prompt medical assessment.

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  • A child with low weight is not always ill, but needs proper assessment.
  • Growth over time matters more than a single measurement.
  • Inadequate nutrition is not the only cause; illness, swallowing problems, stress or neglect may contribute.
  • Children under 3 years have a low threshold for medical assessment.
  • Poor drinking, little urine, sluggishness or a rapid fall on the growth chart need same-day contact.

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Further reading

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A child with overweightA child can have excess weight without this reflecting willpower or parenting. Growth, inherited traits, sleep, food, stress, medicines and environment all contribute. Assess growth charts and behaviour rather than blame. Young children and those gaining weight quickly need a low threshold for medical assessment.
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A child with feverFever in a child is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own. However, it can also indicate a more serious infection, especially in very young children, unusually drowsy children or those drinking little. Bo Dòkter advises a low threshold for medical assessment in children under 3 years; babies and children with warning signs need prompt assessment.
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A child with mouth painMouth pain in a child often comes from ulcers, blisters, inflamed gums, thrush, teething or a small wound. The main risk is that the child stops drinking adequately. Warning signs include drooling with swallowing problems, difficulty breathing, refusing drinks, dehydration and becoming more ill quickly. Children under 3 years should again have a low threshold for medical assessment.