#asktheexperts
Hello Doctor
Hope you are doing well
My son Damodar is 13 months old, he is looking leaner than before and he is not eating well. Kindly suggest some weight gain tips

Question

#asktheexperts 
Hello Doctor
Hope you are doing well
My son Damodar is 13 months old, he is looking leaner than before and he is not eating well. Kindly suggest some weight gain tips

Accepted Answer

Promoting healthy weight gain in a 13-month-old child involves providing a well-balanced and nutritious diet, ensuring proper feeding practices, and maintaining a positive mealtime environment. Here are some tips for encouraging weight gain in a 13-month-old Indian child:

1. **Balanced Diet:** Offer a variety of foods from different food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins (such as dairy products, lentils, and meats), and healthy fats. This ensures your child gets a range of nutrients for growth.

2. **Include Healthy Fats:** Include sources of healthy fats in your child's diet, such as ghee, butter, avocados, and full-fat dairy products. Healthy fats are essential for brain development.

3. **Frequent Meals and Snacks:** Provide frequent, small meals and snacks throughout the day. Offer nutrient-dense snacks like yogurt, cheese, fruits, and whole-grain snacks.

4. **Breastfeeding or Formula:** Continue breastfeeding or providing formula as the primary source of nutrition. These continue to be important for your child's growth and development.

5. **Protein-Rich Foods:** Include protein-rich foods like lentils, beans, eggs, poultry, and fish in your child's diet. These support muscle development and overall growth.

6. **Fortified Foods:** Choose iron-fortified foods like cereals to ensure an adequate intake of iron, an essential nutrient for growth.

7. **Finger Foods:** Encourage self-feeding with age-appropriate finger foods. This not only promotes independence but also helps develop fine motor skills.

8. **Diverse Textures:** Introduce a variety of textures in meals to encourage chewing and eating a broader range of foods.

9. **Hydration:** Ensure your child stays hydrated by offering water throughout the day. Avoid excessive sugary drinks.

10. **Regular Pediatric Check-ups:** Schedule regular check-ups with your pediatrician to monitor your child's growth and development. They can provide guidance based on your child's individual needs.

11. **Limit Empty Calories:** Minimize the intake of empty-calorie foods and sugary snacks. Focus on nutrient-dense options.

12. **Create a Positive Mealtime Environment:** Make mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free. Sit down together as a family, offer praise for trying new foods, and avoid pressuring your child to eat.

Remember that children grow at different rates, and individual variations are normal. If you have concerns about your child's growth or nutrition, it's important to discuss them with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice based on your child's health and development.

#asktheexperts Hello Doctor Hope you are doing well My son Damodar is 13 months old, he is looking leaner than before and he is not eating well. Kindly suggest some weight gain tips