When it comes to children’s weight, the focus is often on preventing obesity. But for some Nigerian parents in the UK, the worry might be the opposite: “My pikin too slim oh!”
If your child seems underweight for their age, it’s important to act — but wisely. Here’s what every Naija parent in the UK should know.
Should You Be Concerned About Your Child’s Weight?
Before you rush to bulk up your child with eba and egusi every night, talk to your GP first. Many parents, especially in our culture where “chubbiness” is often seen as a sign of health, may think their child is too slim when they’re actually fine.
🔍 Your doctor can assess your child’s weight using BMI for age and check for underlying health or emotional issues — especially if your child is under 2. In that case, you must follow professional advice closely.
If Weight Gain Is Needed, Let’s Do It the Healthy Naija Way
Once a doctor confirms your child needs to add a bit of weight, resist the urge to overload on sweets or deep-fried snacks. Healthy weight gain is all about nourishing calories — not just any calories.
3 Key Tips to Help Your Child Add Weight — the Right Way
✅ Stick to a Routine
Give your child three solid meals and two nutritious snacks daily. If dinner is early, a light bedtime snack is okay — think of it as “light chop.”
✅ Include Healthy, High-Calorie Foods
Some rich and healthy Naija-style options include:
- 🥜 Groundnut (peanuts) or peanut butter on bread or plantain
- 🥑 Avocados (try mixing it with rice or bread like in Naija homes)
- 🧀 Full-fat milk, yoghurts, and cheese
- 🍞 Whole-grain bread or homemade granola sweetened with dates or fruit
- 🥩 Eggs, beef, chicken, and oily fish like mackerel or sardines
- 🌰 Pumpkin seeds (ugboguru), sunflower seeds
💡 Add healthy extras like olive oil, nut butter, or cheese to foods your child already enjoys.
✅ Make Meals Appealing and Fun
Kids are more likely to eat when food is colourful, tasty, and served in small, manageable portions — presentation matters even for jollof rice!
❌ Avoid These Common Traps
🚫 Don’t rely on sweets, fizzy drinks, or junk food.
Yes, they add calories — but they lack the nutrients your child needs to grow well.
🚫 Don’t allow constant snacking.
Snacking all day ruins the appetite for real meals. Encourage eating only during planned mealtimes.
🚫 Don’t overdo drinks and supplements.
Too much milk or nutritional drinks can fill them up — but not fuel proper development. Only use supplements if your doctor says so.
Final Tip: Stay in Touch with Your Doctor
Track your child’s weight and overall health through regular check-ups. With time, care, and the right diet, your child can reach a healthier weight and thrive — Naija style!
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