#asktheexperts hi expert my daughter still underweight. from day 1 . how can i increase

A. If your daughter has consistently been underweight, it's important to focus on a combination of nutritional, medical, and lifestyle factors to help her gain weight healthily. Here are some strategies to consider: ### **1. **Nutrient-Dense Foods:** - **High-Calorie Foods:** Incorporate calorie-dense, nutritious foods like avocados, nut butters, full-fat dairy products, and healthy oils (e.g., olive oil) into her diet. - **Protein-Rich Foods:** Include protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and legumes. - **Fruits and Vegetables:** Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables. Include those with higher calorie content, such as bananas and sweet potatoes. ### **2. **Frequent, Balanced Meals:** - **Regular Meals and Snacks:** Provide three balanced meals and two to three healthy snacks each day to ensure she gets enough calories. - **Small, Frequent Portions:** If she has a small appetite, offer smaller, more frequent meals. ### **3. **Healthy Fats:** - **Add Healthy Fats:** Incorporate healthy fats into her meals, such as avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon. ### **4. **Enhance Flavor and Texture:** - **Fortify Foods:** Add extra ingredients like cheese or yogurt to meals to boost calorie content without increasing portion size. - **Variety:** Offer a range of flavors and textures to make meals more appealing. ### **5. **Encourage Eating:** - **Create a Positive Eating Environment:** Make mealtime pleasant and stress-free. Avoid distractions during meals and encourage family mealtime. - **Involve Her in Cooking:** Let her help with meal preparation to increase interest in food. ### **6. **Monitor Growth and Health:** - **Regular Check-ups:** Keep up with regular pediatric visits to monitor her growth and overall health. - **Track Progress:** Keep track of her weight and growth patterns to assess progress and make adjustments as needed. ### **7. **Consult a Specialist:** - **Pediatrician or Nutritionist:** If you have concerns about her weight or growth, consult a pediatrician or a pediatric nutritionist. They can provide personalized advice and check for any underlying health conditions affecting her weight. These strategies should help address her underweight status, but ongoing evaluation by a healthcare professional is crucial to ensure she is gaining weight healthily and meeting her developmental milestones.