#asktheexperts What are the foods that can be given to gain weight?

Question

Accepted Answer

To help your baby gain weight in a healthy way, you can offer nutrient-dense foods that are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Here's a list of foods that can support weight gain in babies:

1. Breast Milk or Formula:

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies, providing essential fats, proteins, and vitamins. If your baby is formula-fed, choose a formula that is designed for optimal growth.

2. Avocados:

Rich in healthy fats, avocados are calorie-dense and can help with weight gain. You can mash or blend them and offer them as a spread or add them to purees.

3. Bananas:

Bananas are high in calories and natural sugars, making them an excellent food for weight gain. They can be mashed or sliced and are easy for babies to eat.

4. Full-fat Dairy Products:

If your baby is already eating solids, you can offer full-fat yogurt, cheese, or cottage cheese. These are rich in healthy fats and proteins that can promote weight gain.

5. Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are packed with carbohydrates and calories, which are essential for weight gain. You can roast, steam, or mash them for easy feeding.

6. Nut Butters:

Peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butters are high in calories and healthy fats. You can spread a thin layer on crackers, toast, or mix it into oatmeal or smoothies.

7. Oats:

Oats are an excellent source of carbohydrates and fiber. You can make oatmeal or mix ground oats into purees, smoothies, or yogurt for an added calorie boost.

8. Full-fat Coconut Milk or Cream:

Coconut milk or cream is calorie-dense and can be used in cooking or added to smoothies, purees, or cereals to increase caloric intake.

9. Eggs:

Eggs are rich in protein and healthy fats. You can scramble, steam, or mash boiled eggs and serve them as finger food or mixed with other foods.

10. Meat and Poultry:

Chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb are good sources of protein. You can puree or finely chop cooked meat and mix it with vegetables or grains.

11. Full-fat Porridge:

You can make a nutritious porridge using full-fat milk or yogurt and add fruits like banana, apple, or berries for a weight-gaining meal.

12. Whole Grains:

Foods like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and quinoa provide complex carbohydrates and calories. You can add them to your baby’s meals in the form of purees, mashed, or small pieces of soft bread.

13. Healthy Fats:

Include olive oil, ghee, or butter in cooking or drizzled over purees to add extra calories and healthy fats.

14. Legumes:

Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are excellent sources of protein and fiber. They can be pureed or mashed and added to soups, stews, or mixed with other foods.

15. Fruits with Higher Sugar Content:

Mangoes, papayas, peaches, and apples are all calorie-dense fruits that provide natural sugars and fiber to support healthy weight gain.

Tips:

Frequent Meals: Offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than just three larger ones.

Combine Nutrients: Try combining nutrient-dense foods, like mixing avocado with banana or adding ghee to vegetables, to increase calorie intake in each meal.

Avoid Empty-calorie Foods: It's important to avoid foods with little nutritional value (like sugary snacks or processed foods), as they don't promote healthy weight gain.

If you're concerned about your baby’s weight or growth, it's always best to consult with your pediatrician to get personalized guidance.