#asktheexpert My baby is 13 months old but she is not putting on her weight much .. Howcan we increase her weight ? she is born at 2.3 and now she is 8.5

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Accepted Answer

It's important to focus on providing nutrient-dense foods and ensuring that your baby gets enough calories, healthy fats, and proteins for growth. Here are some tips to help with your 13-month-old baby’s weight gain:

1. Offer Nutritious, Calorie-Dense Foods:

Full-fat dairy: Include full-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt in her diet for additional calories.

Healthy fats: Include healthy fats such as ghee, butter, avocado, and olive oil in her meals. These fats are calorie-dense and promote growth.

Nut butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter can be a good source of healthy fats and protein.

Eggs: Scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, or omelets are good sources of protein and fat.

Lentils & pulses: Foods like dal, chickpeas, and other legumes are rich in protein and can support muscle development.

Oats: Add oats with full-fat milk, ghee, and fruits for a calorie-packed meal.

2. Increase Meal Frequency:

Offer frequent small meals throughout the day to ensure that she is getting enough food. This might include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2-3 snacks in between.

3. Offer High-Calorie Snacks:

Bananas: A great source of calories and potassium, which helps with energy.

Cheese or paneer: Can be added to various dishes or offered as a snack.

Smoothies: Blend fruits like banana, mango, avocado, and add yogurt or milk for a calorie-dense snack.

4. Ensure Adequate Breastfeeding or Formula:

If you are still breastfeeding or giving formula, continue offering this as a source of nutrition and calories. Breast milk is packed with nutrients and fats.

5. Ensure Proper Hydration:

Make sure she is drinking enough water or fluids throughout the day. Dehydration can affect appetite and weight gain.

6. Encourage Physical Activity:

Encourage her to play and be active, as this will help her build muscle mass. However, if she’s extremely active, you might need to adjust her calorie intake to match her energy expenditure.

7. Monitor for Underlying Health Issues:

If your baby is still not gaining weight despite a healthy diet, it's important to check with a pediatrician to rule out any potential underlying medical conditions such as malabsorption issues or thyroid problems.

Weight gain in toddlers can vary, but these strategies should help. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about her weight or growth to get personalized advice based on her health.

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Thank you Pooja