The weight of a 5-month-old baby generally reaches 2 times the initial birth weight. This weight gain in infants depends on the nutritional intake the baby gets during growth and development.
To monitor the development and growth of the baby, it is important to weigh the baby regularly every month. The reason is, changes in body weight become an important part in monitoring the growth and development of babies.
When a baby is 5 months old, the ideal weight for a baby boy is in the range of 6–9.5 kg with a body length ranging from 62–70 cm. As for the ideal baby girl around 5.5-9 kg, with a body length of 60-68 cm.
Intake Required Baby 5 Months
To get the ideal 5 month baby weight is actually not difficult. You only need to pay attention to the intake that babies need so that they do not experience deficiency or excess weight.
Here are some nutritional intakes and the approximate dose needed for your little one's ideal weight:
1. Mother's Milk (ASI)
Breast milk is the ideal nutritional intake to support the growth of the baby. For breastfeeding babies aged 5 months, you can breastfeed 3-4 times a day or until the baby looks full. When full, your little one will generally stop suckling on their own.
For bottle feeding, you can give about 700-750 ml of breast milk per day. You can divide it into 8 feedings, with a dose of about 90 ml each feeding.
To find out whether the milk intake needed by your little one is fulfilled or not, pay attention to the diaper changing routine. Generally, babies who are fed enough milk need to change diapers 4-5 times a day.
2. Formula Milk
If your little one consumes formula milk, pay attention to the dose of milk given. It is recommended to give your baby formula milk 6 times a day at a rate of about 120 ml.
3. Giving MPASI
Although MPASI should be given when the baby is 6 months old, babies aged 5 months can be said to have been introduced to complementary foods (MPASI). However, with a note, your little one must have shown signs of readiness to consume solid food, such as looking interested or reaching for the food you are consuming, and opening his mouth when food approaches his mouth.
However, before giving MPASI to a 5-month-old baby, it's a good idea to consult a pediatrician. If your doctor allows it, try to introduce it slowly and gradually. Start with 1−2 tablespoons of baby cereal porridge mixed with breast milk or formula.
4. Water
If your little one has started to be given solid food, you can already give him water. However, give just enough. Excessive feeding can make babies full, thus making them reluctant to consume breast milk or solid food.
Weighing the baby regularly every month can be a way to monitor the development and growth of the baby, including to find out the baby's weight at 5 months. Even so, don't make weight the only benchmark for your small SI growth because every child has different growth. In order for your little one's growth and development to be properly monitored, it's a good idea to consult your pediatrician regularly.