There’s a running joke in many homes. If a child isn’t chubby or “full-cheeked,” someone, usually that one aunty with unsolicited advice, will squint at the child and ask, “Is this one okay at all?”
You’ll laugh nervously, brush it off… then at 11:47 p.m., you’re on Google, typing:
Why is my child not gaining weight? Is a slim baby a sign of witchcraft? “Best blood tonic for children”.
In this article, we’ll discuss the early signs of child malnutrition so you can spot trouble before it gets serious and take action in time.
And I get it. In this social media age, every other child is looking like a Cerelac advert, and you’re left wondering if your own child is on a hunger strike you didn’t approve of.
I remember one mum in our community, Mama Tolu. She said, “I was feeding my son porridge with egg, adding milk that cost me half my salary, yet nothing. I even started suspecting the nanny, thinking maybe she was eating the food before bringing me his empty plates.”
It’s frustrating when you’re trying like really trying, but the growth is not showing. Recognizing the early signs of child malnutrition can make all the difference between quick recovery and prolonged health issues.
So before you jump to external forces (or blame village people), let’s talk about this properly.
7 Early Signs of Child Malnutrition Every Parent Should Know
1. Slow or No Weight Gain: A Key Early Sign of Child Malnutrition
You check the hospital scale and wahala. Instead of climbing up, the weight is stuck or worse, descending like danfo on Third Mainland Bridge.
- What’s happening?
Your child may not be getting enough calories or nutrients. - What to watch:
Clothes that used to be tight now fit like parachutes. Month after month, same size, same weight. That’s a huge red flag.
2. Visible Thinness or Wasting
There’s slim, and there’s “where are the cheeks that used to be here?” You hug your child and feel more bone than body. Even the church aunty starts greeting with, “Eyaa…”
- What’s happening?
The body is burning its own muscles to survive. - What to watch:
Sunken cheeks, visible ribs, or a bum that has packed up and relocated.
3. Swollen Tummy (Not the Cute Type)
You think, This belly looks full, thank God. But wait, skinny arms and legs plus a bloated tummy? That’s not satisfaction. That’s a cry for help.
- What’s happening?
Lack of essential proteins causes fluid retention. - What to watch:
If your child has a swollen belly with thin arms and legs, it may be a sign of protein deficiency. Take action fast!
4. Hair Changes (When the Afro Says Bye-Bye)
One time, your child had bouncy, black hair. Now it’s light brown, breaking, dry, or falling off in patches.
- What’s happening?
Protein and vitamin deficiency waving at you from the scalp. - What to watch:
- Dull, thinning hair, or changes in natural hair color, like from dark brown to reddish brown. That is not a colour change you should take lightly!
5. Frequent Illness and Snail-Speed Recovery
Cough that should’ve packed its bag in 3 days stays for 3 weeks. A scratch on the leg refuses to heal like it’s applying for permanent residency.
- What’s happening?
Low immunity from poor nutrition. - What to watch:
Constant sickness, slow healing, or always being the first to catch the latest flu.
6. Behavioral Changes (Not Every Mood is Attitude)
One day, your child is dancing to Cocomelon. Next day, it’s mood swings and I’m not talking to anybody today.
- What’s happening?
Lack of nutrients affecting energy and mood. - What to watch:
Low energy, always sleeping, not playing as usual, crankiness that even puff-puff can’t fix.
7. Delayed Development (The ‘He’s Just Lazy’ Myth)
When others are crawling, your child is chilling. When others are saying mama, yours is still blinking.
- What’s happening?
Nutrients fuel brain and body development, if they’re missing, growth gets delayed. - What to watch:
Milestones like sitting, crawling, or talking happening much later than expected.
Dear Parents, You’re Trying
Food is now expensive. Buying a small carton of milk feels like investing in real estate. Yet, you keep showing up. But even with all the effort, if your child still isn’t thriving, it’s not because you’re not trying. It’s because nutrition isn’t just about quantity, it’s about quality, timing, and balance.
And that’s where the Peds Nutrition Challenge comes in.
Here’s What It Does for You:
For Weight Worries:
- Teaches how to balance proteins, carbs, and fats for real weight gain.
- How to enrich everyday foods without needing imported products.
- How to stop feeding fillers and start feeding builders.
For Strong Immunity:
- Use simple, affordable foods to build resistance to common illnesses.
- Learn recipes that help your child bounce back faster.
For Developmental Support:
- Spot delays early.
- Know what nutrients to boost and when.
- Know when to seek extra help.
The Peds nutrition challenge is not a boring lecture series. We made it fun and practical. Because you don’t have time for long theories, you need real solutions.
So, next time someone asks, “Eya, looks like baby needs more food o! This is not ok at all”
Smile, breathe, and say, “We are doing more than okay. We’re team strong immunity, healthy weight, and I know exactly what I’m doing.”
Because now, you’re not just guessing; you’re equipped. And with the Peds Nutrition Challenge by your side, thriving is no longer a wish. It’s the plan in action!
