#asktheexperts mam please tell me best food for baby weight gain

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Accepted Answer

For an 8-month-old baby, weight gain can be encouraged with nutrient-dense, calorie-rich foods that are easy to digest. Here are some of the best foods to help with healthy weight gain:

1. Breast Milk or Formula:

Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding, as it is still the primary source of nutrition for an 8-month-old.

2. Full-fat Dairy Products:

Yogurt: Full-fat plain yogurt (unsweetened) is an excellent source of healthy fats and protein.

Cheese: Offer small pieces of soft cheese like cottage cheese or paneer, which is high in protein and fat.

Butter/Ghee: You can add a little butter or ghee to your baby’s food for extra calories.

3. Fruits:

Avocado: Packed with healthy fats and nutrients, avocado is a great food for weight gain.

Bananas: Rich in carbohydrates and calories, bananas are easy to digest and can be mashed or cut into small pieces.

4. Vegetables:

Sweet Potatoes: These are rich in fiber and calories. Serve them mashed or pureed.

Pumpkin: Another calorie-dense vegetable that’s easy to digest and can be cooked and mashed.

5. Whole Grains:

Oats: Cook oats in water or milk and mix them with fruits like bananas or apples for added nutrition.

Rice: Serve well-cooked rice as a porridge or mixed with lentils to create a calorie-dense meal.

6. Lentils and Legumes:

Moong Dal (Lentils): Rich in protein and easy on digestion. Cooked and mashed dal can be given with rice or vegetables.

Chickpeas and Black Beans: These can be boiled, mashed, and served as a protein and calorie-rich food.

7. Eggs:

If your baby is not allergic, boiled or scrambled eggs are a great source of protein and fats. Start with the yolk and introduce the whole egg gradually.

8. Nuts and Seeds (in Powdered Form):

Almond Powder: You can grind almonds into a fine powder and mix it with cereals, porridge, or yogurt for added healthy fats and protein.

Peanut Butter: If there’s no family history of allergies, you can offer a thin layer of peanut butter on bread or mixed into porridge.

9. Healthy Oils:

Olive Oil or Coconut Oil: Add a small amount of olive or coconut oil to baby’s meals to increase the calorie content in a healthy way.

Sample Meals:

Mashed avocado with banana.

Oatmeal porridge with almond powder and mashed fruits.

Lentil and rice mash (khichdi) with a small spoon of ghee.

Soft scrambled eggs with a side of yogurt.

Important Note:

Introduce new foods gradually and watch for any signs of allergies or digestive issues. Always ensure the food is soft, mashed, or in a form suitable for the baby to prevent choking.

For persistent weight concerns, consulting with a pediatrician is recommended to ensure healthy growth.