For every mother, the biggest question to answer is which food to add in a child's diet to gain weight? I am pretty sure that most of the moms whose kids are infants or toddlers, they are worried about their weight gain issue.
I have seen many moms and grand moms worried as their baby is not chubby like the others. In addition, many moms have to face weird comments on their child's weight issue. Although, we know and understand very well that 'Health is not related to the development of a baby', still we all believe in a notion that 'more chubbier the baby is, the more healthy he is.' Here, we simply overlook the fact that the baby is full active and reaching his milestones at a proper time, and also comes in normal and ideal weight range.
Before, we land on the food items, please have a check on the following age-wise height and weight for babies and kids according to the WHO growth standards. If you find that your kid is underweight according to the WHO growth standards age-wise height and weight standards for babies and kids, then please consult a good paediatrician for better help and support.
For Boys
Data Source: http://www.who.int/childgrowth/standards/en/
For Girls
Data Source: http://www.who.int/childgrowth/standards/en/
Now let us check the listed Top 15 foods for Weight Gain in Babies and Toddlers. I hope these food items will give you a certain amount of relief from the worry with respect to the weight gain for your baby.
NOTE: Mother's Milk is best for the babies. Therefore, nothing extra has to be given to the babies below the age of 6 months. Mother's milk is nutritious, healthy and balanced superfood for a baby to gain weight.
1. Full Cream Milk
Full cream milk or full fat milk is the best source of high calorie and also provides energy to your child to stay active through out the day. Milk is also a source of calcium, which is important for making your bones stronger.
A glass of full cream milk can be given to a 1+ year old kid twice daily. If your kid dislikes having milk daily, then you can try serving dishes which has milk as one of its ingredients. Some kids-friendly dishes are Custard, Pudding, Kheer, etc.
2. Clarified Butter (Desi Ghee)
Desi ghee is a class of clarified butter which is composed of purely fat. Therefore, desi ghee is a best source of weight gain in babies/kids. You can introduce desi ghee in your child's diet after his 8 months of age. You can add few drops of desi ghee while preparing Khichadi, Sooji ka Halwa or even in Dal ka paani. You can also add desi ghee in a required quantity while cooking other dishes also for your kid.
3. Potato
A potato is a starchy food. It is a rich source of Carbohydrates and energy. The water content in potato is much higher as compared to other staple foods. Hence, potato is a best option for a weight gain in babies. Moreover, they are also good for digestive system.
Potatoes can be served in multiple ways.
boiled and mashed with a pinch of black pepper and salt to taste.
Home-cooked finger fries.
Boiled and mashed. Served with properly cooked rice with a salt to taste.
Properly cooked Potato curry.
Potatoes can be given to a baby of age 7 months +.
4. Banana
Banana has got surprising health benefits which includes protein, potassium, Vitamin B6 and dietary fibre. Banana is also good for the digestive system of your baby and provides instant energy. You can introduce banana to your baby's diet from the age of 6 months. You can feed your child banana in a mashed form. Else you can try banana smoothies, shakes, pancakes or pudding.
5. Rice water
Rice water is highly beneficial for health. Rice water energizes the body due the presence of high amount of carbohydrates. It also gives relief from diarrhoea. Moreover, it takes care of skin and hair too. Rice water can be introduced to a baby from the age of 6 months onwards. Rice water is easy and simple to cook. Simply put some extra water than usual while cooking rice on a cooking vessel. Let it boil to cook the rice but make sure rice does not absorb all the water and then strain the extra water. This extra water is your rice water which contains full nutritional benefits. Add a pinch of salt to taste and serve it to your baby.
6. Avocado
Avocados are the great source of minerals, vitamins and healthy fats which are vital for the healthy growth of a baby. According to the nutritional facts, about half an avocado is equal to 160 calories. An avocado is smooth and creamy when mashed, hence you can offer half avocado to you baby from 6 months onwards.
7. Chicken
According to the data of National Chicken Council (NCC), if you serve your kid with boneless 3 pieces of cooked chicken breast then you are actually serving 165 calories and 31 gm of Protein. Hence for the kids who are underweight and fond of eating chicken then this can be a good option for weight gain. A baby can start having chicken in his diet from 9 months onwards. It is good to introduce chicken in a soup form and then move to stewed and at last chicken curry.
8. Eggs
To start, a half boiled egg is a good option to add protein and fat in your baby's body. An egg yolk is a proper source of fat which can help your baby to gain some weight. You can introduce egg in kid's diet from the age of 8 months. Initially, one half-boiled egg in every alternate day should be given.
9. Cashews
Cashews are rich in calorie and so the other dry fruits like walnut, peanut, pistachios, etc. Hence, if you serve cashews to your kid once in a day then you can expect some positive result with respect to the weight gain. However, do not forget that excess intake of cashews can lead to digestive discomfort, hence it should be served in a moderate quantity. To start, offer 2 cashews early in the morning. A correct age to introduce cashew to your baby is 18 months +. Cashew can be given by making a paste and adding it in a glass of milk.
10. Butter
Butter is the best source of fat when you are looking for weight gain options for your little one. It also provides necessary vitamins and minerals apart from fat. However, try to prefer unsalted butter for your baby.
You can add 1/2 (half) teaspoon of butter in kid's meals like daal, khichadi, porridge and soup. Remember, do not add an excess quantity of butter, as it can lead to diarrhoea. You can start adding butter in your baby's diet right after 6 months of age.
I hope that the above-mentioned foods will help your baby to gain healthy weight. However, the weight of a baby depends upon the genetic factors. Moreover, if your baby/kid is physically active and healthy then there is nothing much to worry about. Always focus on healthy diet rather than only fatty diet, otherwise it can lead to an obesity which is absolutely not good for a baby/kid. Encourage outdoor play activities for your kid as it will increase the appetite.
Take Care!