#asktheexpert please suggest food for gaining the baby weight... started to using Pediasure and baby millet food

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Accepted Answer

For a 1-year-old baby, gaining weight should focus on nutrient-dense, calorie-rich foods to help increase their energy intake. Along with Pediasure and millet food, here are some suggestions to help with healthy weight gain:

1. Full-Fat Dairy Products:

Full-fat milk (if tolerated by the baby)

Cheese (soft cheese like cottage cheese or cream cheese)

Yogurt (unsweetened, full-fat yogurt)

Butter or ghee (you can add small amounts to the food for extra calories)

2. Healthy Fats:

Avocado: High in healthy fats and calories. You can mash it and mix it with other foods like rice or bread.

Nut butters: Peanut butter, almond butter (spread on bread, mixed into smoothies, or added to porridge)

Olive oil: Drizzle on vegetables or use in cooking.

3. Protein-Rich Foods:

Eggs: Scrambled, boiled, or in omelets. High in protein and calories.

Chicken or fish: Softly cooked and finely mashed or pureed. You can also give ground chicken or fish.

Lentils/Beans: Moong dal, masoor dal, and chickpeas are great sources of protein.

4. Carbohydrates:

Rice: Rice and soft rice dishes can be a good source of energy. You can add ghee or butter to rice.

Sweet Potatoes: Rich in calories and can be mashed or served in small pieces.

Bananas: Calorie-dense, full of nutrients, and easy for babies to eat.

Oats: Can be served as porridge, adding milk, ghee, or butter.

5. Fruits and Vegetables:

Bananas, mangoes, and papayas: All are calorie-dense fruits.

Peeled apples and pears: Steamed and mashed or blended.

Cooked vegetables like carrots, peas, and pumpkin: These can be mashed or pureed and are rich in vitamins and fiber.

6. Smoothies:

You can blend yogurt, fruits, oats, and milk together to make smoothies. Add some peanut butter or nuts for extra calories.

7. Pediasure:

Continue using Pediasure, as it's designed for weight gain and provides additional nutrition in liquid form.

8. Rice Cereal/Grains:

Mix rice cereal with milk or Pediasure for added calories. You can also try porridge made with millet flour and whole wheat flour.

Other Tips:

Frequent, smaller meals: Babies may eat more frequently if you offer smaller, calorie-dense meals.

Offer snacks: Keep offering high-calorie snacks like cheese cubes, soft fruit, or whole grain crackers.

Avoid processed snacks: Try to focus on whole, nutritious foods rather than processed or sugary snacks.

Always ensure the foods are appropriate for your baby’s developmental stage (e.g., cut into small pieces or mashed). Additionally, continue consulting your pediatrician for personalized advice and to monitor your baby's progress.