Do you think your child has growth retardation? Do not be afraid, it is very easy to treat!

Many mothers and fathers realize that their child’s weight and height are behind their peers and may worry; They may be upset by observing that they are growing more slowly than their peers. However, when they think that their child has growth retardation, they should know that it is possible to treat it.

**The growth and development of babies begins in the mother’s womb. Babies of mothers who use cigarettes, alcohol and drugs during pregnancy may have lower birth height and weight than the standards. In addition, there may be a possibility of growth retardation in babies of mothers who gave birth prematurely.

What should parents pay attention to who do not want their children to lag behind their peers? First of all, it is necessary to explain the importance of healthy and adequate nutrition to families. Because proper nutrition is the most important factor that ensures the growth of children. Inadequate or malnutrition is one of the main causes of growth retardation in children. Sometimes, even though parents think that they are giving their children enough nutrients, they may be deficient in nutrients. A child who is malnourished and irregularly fed may lack some nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and iron. For this reason, in the nutrition of children, all food groups should be included in sufficient amounts at each meal. For the healthy growth of children, sports and regular sleep are as important as a balanced diet.

**Growth and developmental retardation can cause short stature and weakness in children, as well as cause frequent illnesses due to low immunity, late recovery of the disease, distraction and consequently a decrease in school success, and retardation in intelligence and mental development.

Apart from the deviation of your child’s height and weight values ​​from normal, important conditions such as low immunity, low self-confidence and delay in social development that may be caused by growth retardation should not be ignored. In these cases, families should definitely consult a pediatrician.**

Private İstanbul Şafak Hospital