#asktheexperts how to increase baby weight

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To help increase your baby's weight in a healthy and balanced way, it's important to ensure they are getting the right nutrients from both breast milk/formula and solid foods (if they’re 6 months or older). Here are some tips for encouraging healthy weight gain in babies:

1. Frequent Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding

For babies under 6 months, make sure they are nursing or bottle-feeding frequently. Breast milk or formula should be their primary source of nutrition, as it provides the necessary calories and nutrients for growth.

If breastfeeding, ensure your baby is feeding for long enough at each session to get the nutrient-rich hindmilk, which is higher in fat.

If formula-feeding, consult your doctor to ensure you're offering the right amount.

2. Healthy Fats in Solid Foods

Once your baby is 6 months or older and has started solids, include healthy, calorie-dense foods that are rich in healthy fats.

Avocados: A great source of healthy fats and easy to mash into a puree.

Full-fat yogurt: Rich in calcium and fats, yogurt is an excellent food for healthy weight gain (for babies 8 months or older).

Ghee or butter: Add a small amount to your baby’s porridge or mashed vegetables for extra calories.

3. Offer Protein-Rich Foods

Protein is important for growth and development.

Lentils (dal): Easy to digest and rich in proteins, perfect for making soups or purees.

Egg yolks: Once your baby is 8-9 months old, you can start offering well-cooked egg yolks.

Chicken and fish: For babies around 9-10 months, well-cooked chicken or fish pureed or mashed is an excellent source of protein.

4. Introduce High-Calorie Purees

Combine nutrient-dense foods into purees to maximize calorie intake.

Sweet potato puree: Sweet potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and vitamins, making them a great option for weight gain.

Banana and avocado puree: Both are rich in calories and healthy fats, great for boosting weight.

5. Feed Frequently and Add Snacks

For babies older than 6 months, offer food every 2-3 hours, including 3 main meals and 2-3 snacks.

Fruit-based snacks: Mashed banana, avocado, or applesauce are great between meals.

Oatmeal or porridge: Cook oatmeal or porridge with formula or breast milk for added nutrients and calories.

6. Ensure Proper Hydration

Breast milk or formula should still be the main source of hydration. Once your baby is on solids, water can be introduced, but avoid overfeeding water, as it can reduce appetite for nutrient-rich foods.

7. Track Growth

Regularly monitor your baby’s growth with your pediatrician. Each baby grows at their own pace, and consistent weight gain over time is what matters most.

A pediatrician can help you assess your baby’s diet and make any necessary adjustments.

Sample Recipes for Weight Gain

1. Mashed Avocado and Banana Puree

Ingredients: ½ ripe avocado, ½ ripe banana

Recipe: Mash both together until smooth. Serve fresh.

2. Sweet Potato Porridge

Ingredients: 1 small sweet potato, 1 tbsp ghee or butter

Recipe: Boil sweet potato, mash it, and mix with a small amount of ghee or butter for added calories.

3. Oats with Formula/Breast Milk

Ingredients: 1 tbsp oats, breast milk or formula

Recipe: Cook oats in water until soft, then mix with breast milk or formula to achieve a smooth texture.

4. Rice and Lentil (Dal) Mash

Ingredients: 2 tbsp rice, 1 tbsp moong dal, a pinch of ghee

Recipe: Cook rice and dal together until soft, then mash with a little ghee for added fats.

Final Tips

Patience is key: Weight gain can be gradual, and every baby grows at their own pace.

Avoid empty calories: Foods like sugary snacks or processed foods may lead to weight gain but won’t provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

Consistency: Offering balanced meals and frequent feeds can support steady weight gain.

Always consult your pediatrician before making significant changes to your baby’s diet, especially if you are concerned about their growth or weight gain.