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

A. 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.