#asktheexpert my baby is not gaining weight, any tips

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If your 1-year, 1-month-old baby is not gaining weight as expected, here are some tips to help promote healthy weight gain:

### 1. **Increase Calorie-Dense Foods:**
   Incorporate nutrient-rich and high-calorie foods into their diet:
   - **Healthy fats:** Add ghee, butter, or olive oil to meals.
   - **Avocado:** Full of healthy fats, perfect as a spread or in smoothies.
   - **Full-fat dairy:** Whole milk, yogurt, cheese, and paneer.
   - **Nut butters:** Peanut or almond butter can be spread on bread or mixed into porridge (ensure no allergies).

### 2. **Offer Protein-Rich Foods:**
   Protein is essential for growth:
   - **Eggs:** Serve scrambled, boiled, or as omelets.
   - **Lentils and beans (dal, chickpeas):** Rich in protein and easy to digest.
   - **Meat and fish:** Offer soft-cooked chicken, fish, or ground meat in small, easy-to-eat pieces.
   - **Tofu or paneer:** Great for vegetarian options.

### 3. **Frequent, Small Meals:**
   Instead of focusing on 3 large meals, offer 5-6 smaller, nutrient-packed meals and snacks throughout the day.

### 4. **Add High-Calorie Snacks:**
   In between meals, offer:
   - **Fruit smoothies with yogurt or milk.**
   - **Cheese sticks or cubes.**
   - **Bananas and other calorie-dense fruits like mangoes.**
   - **Oatmeal or rice porridge with added ghee or butter.**

### 5. **Make Mealtime Fun:**
   Create a positive eating environment:
   - Make meals fun with colorful foods, fun shapes, and finger foods.
   - Encourage self-feeding with small pieces of food.
   - Avoid pressure; let your baby eat at their own pace.

### 6. **Ensure Balanced Nutrition:**
   While focusing on weight gain, make sure your baby’s diet includes a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. A variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins will support overall health.

### 7. **Offer Milk After Meals:**
   Ensure that milk (breast milk or formula) is not given too close to meals as it might decrease appetite for solid food. Offer milk after the main meals instead.

### 8. **Monitor Eating Habits:**
   Pay attention to any potential food intolerances or aversions. If your baby is refusing food due to discomfort, it’s important to consult a pediatrician.

### 9. **Check for Underlying Issues:**
   If your baby continues to have difficulty gaining weight, consult a pediatrician to rule out underlying health concerns like digestive issues, food allergies, or nutritional deficiencies.

With consistent efforts, these changes can help improve your baby's appetite and overall growth.