POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy1 Year agoA. If your 22-month-old daughter is not gaining weight as expected, here are some steps you can take to promote healthy weight gain:
1. **Nutrient-Rich Diet**: Offer a variety of nutrient-dense foods that are rich in calories and essential nutrients. Focus on foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (such as chicken, fish, beans), dairy (whole milk, yogurt, cheese), and healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil).
2. **Regular Meals and Snacks**: Provide regular meals and snacks throughout the day to ensure she gets enough calories. Aim for three meals and two to three snacks daily.
3. **Caloric Density**: Include calorie-dense foods in her diet such as nut butters (if no allergies), mashed avocado, full-fat dairy products, and whole grains like oats and quinoa.
4. **Healthy Snacking**: Offer nutritious snacks such as yogurt, cheese, fruit slices, and whole-grain crackers between meals.
5. **Encourage Self-Feeding**: Allow her to feed herself with finger foods and explore different textures. This can help increase her interest in eating and promote independence.
6. **Monitor Milk Intake**: While milk is important, excessive milk consumption can fill her up and reduce her appetite for other foods. Limit milk intake to about 16-24 ounces per day and encourage her to eat solid foods.
7. **Consult Your Pediatrician**: If you're concerned about her weight gain or growth, consult your pediatrician. They can evaluate her overall health, growth pattern, and provide specific recommendations or referrals if needed. They may also screen for any underlying medical conditions that could affect weight gain.
8. **Keep Mealtime Positive**: Make mealtime enjoyable and relaxed. Avoid pressuring her to eat or using food as a reward. Offer a variety of foods and allow her to choose from healthy options.
9. **Follow Growth Trends**: Regularly monitor her growth and weight gain with your pediatrician. They can track her growth on a growth chart and provide guidance based on her individual needs.
By focusing on a balanced and nutritious diet, providing regular meals and snacks, and monitoring her growth with your pediatrician's guidance, you can support healthy weight gain and overall development for your daughter.
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