#asktheexpert
what food can I add for my baby's weight gain? her weight is the same since 4 months. she is 11 months old.

Question

#asktheexpert 
what food can I add for my baby's weight gain? her weight is the same since 4 months. she is 11 months old.

Accepted Answer

If your 11-month-old baby has not gained weight for the past four months, it’s important to evaluate both her nutrition and overall health. At this age, it’s crucial to ensure she’s getting a balanced diet with enough calories and nutrients to support healthy growth. Here are some foods you can add to help support her weight gain:

1. Full-fat Dairy Products:

What to Add: Full-fat yogurt, cheese, and milk (if she has already started consuming milk or formula).

Why: These are excellent sources of calories, healthy fats, and protein, all of which support weight gain.

2. Nut Butters:

What to Add: Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter (spread thinly on bread or crackers).

Why: Nut butters are calorie-dense and packed with healthy fats, making them great for weight gain.

3. Avocados:

What to Add: Mashed avocado or avocado slices.

Why: Avocados are rich in healthy fats and provide a high-calorie content, which can help with weight gain.

4. Bananas:

What to Add: Mashed or sliced bananas.

Why: Bananas are a great source of carbohydrates, potassium, and calories, and they’re easy for babies to eat.

5. Whole Grains:

What to Add: Oats, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, or brown rice.

Why: Whole grains provide slow-releasing energy and are packed with fiber and nutrients.

6. Protein-rich Foods:

What to Add: Soft scrambled eggs, chicken, fish, or lentils.

Why: Protein supports muscle growth, and these options are nutrient-dense for overall health and weight gain.

7. Sweet Potatoes:

What to Add: Mashed sweet potatoes or roasted chunks.

Why: Sweet potatoes are calorie-dense, rich in vitamins, and provide complex carbohydrates that are good for weight gain.

8. Homemade Baby Food with Healthy Fats:

What to Add: Pureed foods with added olive oil, butter, or ghee for extra calories.

Why: These fats can help add more calories to her meals without affecting the taste.

9. Coconut Milk or Cream:

What to Add: Add coconut milk or cream to foods or smoothies.

Why: They are rich in healthy fats and can be easily added to many foods for extra calories.

10. Smoothies:

What to Add: Make smoothies with fruits like mangoes, bananas, avocados, and full-fat yogurt. You can also add ground flaxseeds or chia seeds for extra nutrients.

Why: Smoothies are calorie-dense and easy to consume, especially if your baby is reluctant to eat solids.

Other Considerations:

Feeding Schedule: Make sure your baby is eating 3 solid meals a day with 2 to 3 snacks in between.

Breastfeeding or Formula: Continue to breastfeed or offer formula, as both provide essential nutrients and calories.

Consulting a Pediatrician: If your baby’s weight is not increasing as expected, it's important to consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues. They may suggest a more detailed evaluation of her growth and development.

It's normal for babies to have periods where their weight gain slows down, but consistently stagnant weight can sometimes be a sign that the diet or feeding habits need adjustments.

#asktheexpert what food can I add for my baby's weight gain? her weight is the same since 4 months. she is 11 months old.