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

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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.