#asktheexpert hai sir my baby boy has 7 months old his weight 6 kgs Wat kind of food can I feed him for gaining weight

Question

Accepted Answer

For your 7-month-old baby boy weighing 6 kg, introducing nutrient-dense foods can help him gain weight in a healthy way. At this stage, breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition, but you can supplement with solid foods to support growth.

### Nutrient-Rich Foods to Support Weight Gain:
1. **Mashed or Pureed Vegetables**:
   - **Sweet Potatoes**: Rich in vitamins and calories.
   - **Carrots, Pumpkins, and Squash**: These are soft and easy to digest, and provide essential vitamins.

2. **Fruits**:
   - **Bananas**: High in calories and easy for babies to digest.
   - **Avocado**: A healthy source of fats that is great for weight gain.
   - **Stewed Apples or Pears**: Good source of fiber and vitamins.

3. **Grains and Cereals**:
   - **Rice Porridge** (Khichdi): Made with moong dal (lentils) and ghee for extra calories and proteins.
   - **Oatmeal**: Cooked until soft and blended with milk or water for easy digestion.
   - **Ragi (Finger Millet) Porridge**: Rich in calcium, iron, and fiber, it's great for babies and supports growth.

4. **Proteins**:
   - **Moong Dal**: Light and easy on digestion, providing a good source of protein.
   - **Mashed Lentils**: Introduce well-cooked, pureed lentils in small amounts.
   - **Egg Yolks** (after consulting your pediatrician): Start with well-cooked mashed egg yolks for proteins and healthy fats.

5. **Dairy**:
   - **Full-Fat Yogurt**: Provides healthy fats and calcium. Avoid flavored or sugary yogurts.
   - **Paneer (Cottage Cheese)**: Soft, mashed paneer can be given as finger food or mixed into porridges.

6. **Healthy Fats**:
   - **Ghee or Butter**: Add a small spoon of ghee or butter to his food (like khichdi or porridge) to increase calorie intake.
   - **Olive Oil**: A small drizzle in pureed vegetables can help boost healthy fat intake.

7. **Finger Foods** (as he grows closer to 8-9 months):
   - **Small pieces of soft fruit** like bananas or steamed apples.
   - **Well-cooked vegetables** like carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes, cut into small pieces.

### Feeding Tips:
- **Small Frequent Meals**: Babies have small tummies, so offer smaller portions multiple times a day.
- **Variety**: Introduce a variety of tastes and textures to keep your baby interested and engaged in eating.
- **Monitor Reactions**: Introduce one new food at a time and wait for 3-5 days to watch for any allergies or reactions.

### Breast Milk or Formula:
Continue to breastfeed or give formula as these remain important sources of nutrition and calories at this age. Complementing them with solid foods will help meet your baby’s energy needs and support healthy weight gain.

### Foods to Avoid:
- **Honey**: Not recommended for babies under one year due to the risk of botulism.
- **Cow’s Milk**: Avoid giving cow’s milk until one year of age, as it can be difficult for babies to digest.
- **Salt and Sugar**: Avoid adding salt or sugar to baby food at this age.

Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s weight or nutrition needs, especially to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may affect growth.