#asktheexpert baby wait gain food and medicine please recommend

Question

Accepted Answer

For a one-year-seven-month-old baby who needs to gain weight, focus on providing nutritious foods that are calorie-dense and support healthy growth. Here’s a list of recommended foods and general guidelines. Always consult your pediatrician before starting any new diet or medication.

### **Foods for Healthy Weight Gain**

#### **1. **High-Calorie Foods****
   - **Avocados**: Rich in healthy fats and calories.
   - **Nut Butters**: Peanut butter or almond butter (ensure there are no allergies).
   - **Full-Fat Dairy**: Whole milk, full-fat yogurt, and cheese.
   - **Olive Oil**: Add to meals for extra calories.

#### **2. **Protein-Rich Foods****
   - **Eggs**: Scrambled or boiled; a good source of protein and fat.
   - **Lean Meats**: Chicken, turkey, or beef, cooked and cut into small pieces.
   - **Fish**: Salmon and other fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

#### **3. **Healthy Carbohydrates****
   - **Sweet Potatoes**: Cooked and mashed or diced.
   - **Oatmeal**: Cooked with milk or a bit of butter for extra calories.
   - **Rice and Lentils**: Combined for protein and calories.

#### **4. **Fruits**
   - **Bananas**: High in calories and easy to digest.
   - **Mangoes and Papayas**: Rich in vitamins and calories.
   - **Peeled Apples and Pears**: Cooked or finely chopped.

#### **5. **Vegetables**
   - **Cooked Carrots, Peas, and Squash**: Mashed or pureed for easier eating.

### **Tips for Encouraging Weight Gain**

1. **Frequent Meals**: Offer 5-6 small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.
2. **Include Snacks**: Healthy snacks like cheese cubes, yogurt, or fruit smoothies.
3. **Add Healthy Fats**: Use cooking oils like olive oil or add avocado to meals.
4. **Encourage Eating**: Create a positive eating environment and offer a variety of foods.

### **Medications and Supplements**

- **Multivitamins**: Only if recommended by a pediatrician to ensure nutritional needs are met.
- **Appetite Enhancers**: Consult your pediatrician before using any appetite stimulants or supplements.

### **Consult Your Pediatrician**

Always consult your pediatrician before introducing any new foods or medications, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s health and growth needs. They can also check for any underlying issues that might be affecting weight gain.