#asktheexpert
hi Dr my baby is 2.5 yr old now and she is just 12kg is she is underweight

Question

#asktheexpert 
hi Dr my baby is 2.5 yr old now and she is just 12kg is she is underweight

Accepted Answer

it's slightly low but as long as baby is active and healthy nothing to worry about weight.  not all babies are chubby. some are lean too.

If your child is underweight or less in weight  start by ensuring that most meals and snacks are nutrient-rich.

Good sources of protein for weight gain include eggs, peanut butter and other nut butters.

Full-fat milk, yogurt and cheese are excellent choices as well.

Whole wheat bread and pasta, mashed potatoes are top choices for carbohydrates, while nuts, seeds and avocados are healthy fat sources to help your child gain weight.

Below are tips to help your child gain weight:

Drink after a meal, not during. Even water can fill up a little belly, tricking a child into feeling full. Milk and juice are more often the culprit as many toddlers and preschoolers drink so much throughout the day that they aren’t hungry enough for food at mealtime.Set meal and snack times.

Kids need to know that mealtime is an important and expected part of their day.Add a snack before bedtime. If the snack is full of healthful fat and protein, the nutrient can build tissue while sleeping.

The empty calories from foods high in fat and added sugars might add a few pounds, they will not provide the nutrients a child needs to build strong bones and a healthy body.

Feed your baby all healthy foods like yogurt, ghee, mashed potato, banana and ofcourse egg if you eat non veg. Full egg if baby is over 1 year. Otherwise after 6 months of age you can give egg yolk only.

Give all seasonal fruits and vegetables as they not only provide nutrition but also good for the skin.

feed your baby 4-5 smaller meals through the day rather than 3 big meals.

give 5 servings of fruits and veggies in a day. After completion of 1 year you can give full fat milk also is your baby is able to digest it.

Try and add nut powders to baby's meal. This is the easiest way to feed them nuts. Make a powder of almonds in the mixie. Add this powder to the flour to make rotis for the baby. Add it to the khichdi you make for the baby. You can add coconut and make it as a filling to make stuffed paratha. You can add a bit of walnuts or pista depending on what you are adding it to.

#asktheexpert hi Dr my baby is 2.5 yr old now and she is just 12kg is she is underweight