Best food to gain weight for baby


7 tasty high calorie foods for baby weight gain

Weight gain is a vital part of a baby’s development and many concerned parents want to incorporate the right types of food into their baby’s diet to enable a healthy long-lasting life. An average full-term Indian baby weighs 2.8 kg. According to the baby weight gain chart, the optimal weight for a baby ranges from 2.4 to 4 kgs. A few months after birth, a baby must consume foods that contain a high-calorie count, so that rapid weight gain can take place. Babies who are 6 months and older should ideally consume around three meals per day along with two snacks each day. Baby food recipes to gain weight must include all three dietary categories: proteins, fats or lipids and carbohydrates. These components should be given in varying amounts; a meal should contain 15 percent protein, 30 percent fat and 55 percent carbohydrate. Also read Are Probiotics Safe for Babies? What to Know Before Feeding Them to Your Child.

Growth percentiles can be used to measure your baby’s weight gain through each month. Baby weight gain can be measured using the growth percentile chart which will give a range of weight readings for each month of the baby’s weight gain and development. The range can tell you if your baby is within the average weight of a baby their age. The type of food your baby will eat can affect the way they gain weight. You must pay careful attention to the food they consume. The following foods are wonderful additions to your baby’s diet as they are packed with all the nutrients your growing baby needs to put on weight. So if you want to know how to make baby gain weight fast, use these baby food recipes to gain weight!

1. Breast Milk

From 1 month to 4 months, a baby is primarily breastfed milk. The calcium component in milk increases the bone density in the baby’s limbs. It is important to breastfeed your baby as it contains nutrients that can help a baby gain weight and meet their average growth requirement. Breast milk regularly changes its composition and consistency to meet the baby’s needs. Babies who are regularly breastfed have shown a consistent growth pattern in the growth percentile chart, and are usually in the 90th percentile range. Also read our blog on How to Help Your Child Grow Taller Naturally?

2. Mashed Banana and Apple

After the 5th month, the baby will transition to semi liquid-based food, so you can start including baby food recipes to gain weight. The best food to give your baby at this age would ideally be mashed or pureed fruit. The fruit of choice would either be bananas or apples. Apple contains a significant amount of fiber which will prevent constipation. Applesauce provides Vitamin C which is required for immune sustenance and will help the baby absorb iron more efficiently. Iron is an element in the red blood cells which transports oxygen to cells. Mashed bananas contain large amounts of potassium, which can help normalise heart functions and muscle contractions. One small banana or apple contains 90 calories, making them one of the best high-calorie foods for baby weight gain. Babies can typically eat these soft fruits for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack. Following a comprehensive baby food chart can help you decide the right quantities of these fruits to feed your baby and at what time.

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3. Mashed Lentils

Lentils like urad dhal or khichdi along with boiled carrot and potato is one of the baby food recipes to gain weight. It is essential that your baby eat the right proportion of vegetables to maintain a fully-functioning digestive system. Lentils have a high protein content. They also include EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) which is a type of fatty acid that will improve brain development. They are known to strengthen teeth and bones as well. You can use our baby food recipes for 6 month olds to discover new ways to cook lentils for your baby. Also read our blog on How Can I Help My Baby Learn to Walk?

4. Egg Yolks

The yolk of a hard-boiled egg is an ideal way for a baby to gain weight. The yellow yolk contains high levels of cholesterol, which increases the calorie-building muscle. A higher number of calories per serving will drastically improve your baby’s weight gain. It will also make the baby stronger and healthier. Egg yolks are rich in Vitamin D, B6, and B12. These vitamins will help the baby gain weight faster in a shorter period. In the first few months after birth, the baby will need to gain 1 ounce per day. The yolk has more beneficial fat building abilities as compared to the albumen. It is also a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids as it includes multiple blood lipids and helps maintain higher cholesterol levels which will show a higher reading on the baby weight gain chart. In a nutshell, egg yolks are one of the top high-calorie foods for baby weight gain that will help boost your child’s health. Our baby food recipes for 8 month olds includes easy ways to prepare eggs and help baby gain weight faster.

5. Fish

Fish is a great food for baby weight gain and can be included in your baby food recipes for 10 month olds. It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which increases the neural pathways in the brain and the blood lipid content. The fats from the fish get stored in the cells which increases weight. However, recent studies have shown an increased level of mercury production in fish, so pick varieties that are wild-caught or typically have lower mercury levels. Salmon is known to contain the lowest mercury content. A small serving of fish once in a while is good for the baby’s overall health and help baby gain weight faster.

6. Cheese or Paneer

Cheese or paneer can help baby gain weight faster. 50g of cheese is equal to two whole glasses of milk, making it one of the best high-calorie foods for baby weight gain. Babies above eight months old can digest solid and finger food, so you can start feeding them these foods when they reach this age. You can give cheese or paneer to your baby as a delicious snack at any time of the day or mix it with a leafy green salad. Paneer is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12 and is also one of the best calcium-rich foods for babies. In paneer, the protein, casein, is broken down, so babies with lactose intolerance are able to digest it easily.

7. Butter or Ghee

Butter or ghee (clarified butter) is a central component in a high-fat diet for weight gain in babies. The butter must be unsalted because a high salt content could lead to high blood pressure. Since a baby’s taste buds are still undeveloped at this stage, introducing salt to them until they are older is not advisable. Butter is the most abundant source of fat and has all the essential fatty acids. Babies that lie in the 25th percentile range in the growth percentile chart are required to eat more food with butter to increase their weight. The consumption of butter must be limited to one teaspoon to avoid abnormal baby weight gain. You can utilize different high-calorie foods for baby weight gain in different proportions to create a balanced dietHowever, don’t force your child to eat certain foods for the sole purpose of gaining weight. Weight is a variable factor and can differ from baby to baby. There are several environmental aspects that can also affect a baby’s weight. Always check with your paediatrician before introducing new foods into your baby’s diet. If you are still wondering how to make baby gain weight fast, don't hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician. Download the mfine app and book an instant consultation with your city's top pediatricians!

15 Foods to Make Baby Gain Weight – Cafe Baby®

  • by Jeannie Marrugo
  • Mar 10, 2022

If you need to add foods to Baby’s diet to help them in gaining weight, be sure to add these to your grocery list or to your next Café Baby order. Sometimes every extra calorie counts in their tiny bellies. 

If your child needs to be on high calorie fortified infant formula or breast milk, please talk to your pediatrician first. You need to know the right recipe to prevent an excess intake of nutrients to prevent constipation and dehydration.

1. Avocado

Avocados are a sugar-free healthy choice that contributes 2.5 grams of monounsaturated fat and 0.5 gram of polyunsaturated fat per 25-gram serving to Baby's diet. 

2. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a plant-based protein, or non-heme iron source, rich in most B-vitamins, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.  They also contain two that are commonly deficient in babies: folate and iron.

3. Eggs

Not only are eggs a prime source of the best-quality proteins after breast milk, but one egg contains thirteen essential minerals like copper, zinc, selenium, calcium, iron, cholesterol, fat, fatty acids, and vitamins like vitamin D, B12, E, choline and folate.

4. Bananas

Bananas are loaded with nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, folate, niacin, and vitamin B6 and can help babies gain weight by increasing calorie density.

5. Mango

Mangoes are rich in fibres and digestive enzymes, which means Baby won't have any trouble going number two. Mangoes are very low in fat but contain lots of good calories which can help Baby gain weight.

6. Lentils

Lentils are low in sodium and saturated fat, and high in potassium, fiber, folate, and plant chemicals called polyphenols that have antioxidant activity.

7. Ground Meat

Did you know it's important to add iron- and zinc-rich foods to Baby's diet? At about six months of age, Baby starts to run out of their natural iron stores that they were born with. Ground meats are an important source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed into the body than non-heme iron (plant-based protein). 

8. Whole Milk Yogurt

The best option is plain, unsweetened, pasteurized yogurt (regular or Greek) made from whole milk and containing "live cultures." Yogurt made from whole milk is best for Baby because they need the calories and fat in full-fat dairy products.

9. Full-fat Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese has plenty of healthy fats and protein, plus some B vitamins, calcium, selenium, and zinc. To avoid loads of salt, look for options that are:

  • Pasteurized
  • Low in sodium (ideally less than 100mg sodium per serving)
  • Made from whole milk
  • Without added preservatives or sugars

10. Mashed Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes provide nothing but good calories, making it a healthy food option for Baby. The high amount of calories in sweet potatoes help in weight gain and physical development in children.

11. Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes might be mostly white, but that doesn’t mean they don't contain nutrients. They are are a source of fiber-rich carbs, which are one of the best sources of fuel for Baby’s brain. 

12. Mashed Butternut Squash

The Omega-3 fats that are found in butternut squash are present in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, and this is what helps to reduce inflammation.

13. Peanut or Almond Butters

Nut butters can be a source of fibre, protein and healthy fats, as well as minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamin E. If you're worried about food allergies, check out our blog series about starting solids and allergies. 

14. Fresh Goat Cheese

Fresh goat cheese has lots of protein and healthy fats, plus calcium, copper, iron, and vitamins A, B2, and B6—essential nutrients to power your baby’s growth. When selecting goat cheese for Baby, look for a cheese that is:

  • Pasteurized
  • Low sodium (less than 100mg per serving)
  • Whole fat

15. Cooked Quinoa

Quinoa is a good source of calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. It's also a great source of Omega 3, 6, 9 fatty acids, which are good for Baby's brain and eye development.

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Sources:

https://patient.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/343

https://solidstarts.com/foods/kidney-beans/

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/banana-for-babies-when-to-introduce-health-benefits-and-more/#How_Much_Banana_Can_a_Baby_Eat_in_a_Day 

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/mango-for-babies-health-benefits-and-recipes/#Nutrition_Facts_of_Mango

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/lentils/

https://newwaysnutrition.com/babies/meat-baby/

https://solidstarts. com/foods/cottage-cheese/

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/sweet-potato-for-baby-benefits-and-recipes/#Nutritional_Value_of_Sweet_Potato

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/butternut-squash-for-babies-health-benefits-and-recipes/#Nutritional_Value_of_Butternut_Squash

https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/baby-feeding/when-can-babies-eat-potatoes#benefits

https://www.srnutrition.co.uk/2021/04/peanut-butter-for-babies-when-to-introduce-it-and-which-type/ 

https://solidstarts.com/foods/goat-cheese/

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/is-quinoa-safe-for-babies_00120055/

What foods to use for weight gain?

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  • 04/05/2021

Comment

Someone is definitely familiar with the situation when you want to gain weight and take care of your body, but something does not allow you to gain the necessary kilograms. Such difficulties are often faced by athletes who, for one reason or another, need to gain weight. What foods do they eat and what do they do to gain weight?

Yes, of course, in specialty stores you will find a bunch of supplements that contribute to weight gain, but what if you abandon all this in favor of natural products, which will be much more beneficial. Let's find out together what these products are and what benefits you can get from them. nine0042


1. First on our list will be chicken eggs. Eggs are a natural protein containing a large amount of protein, which is so necessary for those who want to gain weight. The most important thing is to buy farm eggs. They contain a minimum amount of cholesterol. The benefits of such a product can be felt immediately, and the unique taste will pleasantly surprise you. Farm products with home delivery - what each of us needs. After all, finding high-quality homemade eggs is not so easy. But we took care of it and found everything for you. It remains only to place an order. nine0042


2. Milk. Before talking about the benefits of this product, it is worth noting that it is best to buy farm milk, because only it has unique properties that are so important for a person who wants to gain weight. Vitamin D and calcium, which are found in real milk, are needed to strengthen bones, which, in turn, will build up mass. Accordingly, high-quality milk = a healthy body and a beautiful figure. nine0042


3. Lean meat. Why lean? The fact is that our body spends a lot of energy to digest heavy food, so it is important to make life easier for yourself and buy meat that contains a lot of vitamins and minerals and is easy to digest. What meat to choose? Pay attention to veal or beef, and for birds, give preference to chicken or turkey. Buying farm products is easy! Especially meat. In the Vodovoz.RU catalog you will find the freshest meat. Chicken, turkey or beef? You decide. nine0042


4. Vegetables and fruits. Don't forget to replenish your fiber stores! In order for all the vitamins to be in abundance, choose your favorite vegetables and fruits. Amino acids and vitamins that are found in vegetables and fruits are necessary for a person who wants to gain weight. It is better to buy groceries, including vegetables, online. After all, it is very convenient and fast. What you need for those who decide to embark on the path of proper nutrition.


5. And now let's talk about pleasant things. Nuts, dried fruits, marmalade and chocolate! Yes, you didn't think so. All these foods are important for our body. And for the sweet ones, it’s a godsend! After all, it can be very difficult to give up your favorite sweets once and for all. Therefore, healthy sweets come to the rescue. An endorphin rush is guaranteed! nine0042

Decided to gain weight and embark on the path of a healthy lifestyle? Don't delay. Online grocery delivery will bring everything directly to your home. In addition, ordering products online is very simple. It remains to choose your favorite products and place an order. And the online store Vodovoz.RU will be happy to deliver your order!

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Choosing the best foods to help your child gain weight in a healthy way

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Content

  • The best products for a healthy weight gain
    • Better
    • Dairy products
    • fats and oils
    • Carbohydrates
    • Fruits and vegetables
    • Drinks
  • The reasons why your child may need to pick up
  • When Not to Worry About Your Child's Growth
  • Tips for Healthy Weight Gain
    • Don't Let Children Pour Drinks
    • Eat Whenever You Feel Hungry
    • Try several small meals per day
    • do not let children accumulate empty calories
    • Turn on high -calorie additives in everyday food
    • do not limit the exercises
    • Visit a nutritionist
  • All children need to gain weight as they grow and mature, but for some children, gaining weight can be a real hurdle. In fact, despite rising rates of childhood overweight and obesity, many children need a little help to put on a few pounds. nine0042

    With the right nutritious foods, you can help your child gain weight in a healthy way. Here's a look at the best nutritional and calorie-dense options to prepare your child's meals and snacks that are both nutritious and promote weight gain.

    Best Foods for Healthy Weight Gain

    Consider all food groups when working to move the needle on the scale. It's not just a constant diet of hamburgers and pizza that will make your child gain weight (although that may be their preferred route!). Even some fruits and vegetables contain more calories than you think. nine0042

    Try any of the foods in these categories:

    Protein

    • red meat, including ground beef, steak, and lamb
    • white meat, such as chicken and turkey (especially with skin)
    • pork sausage, pork chops, bacon , ham and ribs
    • fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, trout and sardines
    • eggs
    • nut and seed oils such as cashew butter, almond butter, peanut butter and sunflower oil
    • nuts and seeds, including pecans, walnuts, almonds, chia seeds and flax seeds
    • soy proteins such as tofu, tempeh and soy milk

    Dairy products or 2% milk

  • buttermilk
  • half or cream
  • sour cream
  • cream cheese

Fats and oils

  • olive oil
  • avocado oil
  • Rapse oil
  • 9000
  • oats
  • muesli bars (look for low sugar bars, eg 5 grams or less per bar)

Fruits and vegetables

  • Coconut
  • 9000 ingredients such as full-fat yogurt, nut butter or coconut milk
  • protein shakes fortified with protein powder, avocado, nut butters or chocolate milk (best if you choose homemade shakes with all natural ingredients)
  • hot cocoa with whole milk

Reasons why your child might need to gain weight

There are many reasons why children are underweight, many of which have to do with three little words (which can sound a little scary): failure to thrive.

This medical term is not a disease and is not clearly defined, but usually refers to a child's slow growth due to malnutrition.

In infants, developmental delay may occur due to feeding problems such as:

  • difficulty latch-on while breastfeeding
  • allergy to formula ingredients
  • reflux

All of these can lead to stunting of the baby.

Children of any age may suffer from developmental delay due to:

  • undiagnosed food allergy or intolerance
  • illness
  • oral problems
  • gastrointestinal disorders
  • behavioral, developmental or neurological problems

Some drugs are also notorious for interfering with appetite, causing weight loss or weight stabilization in children.

Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, such as Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Adderall, are particularly known for their appetite-reducing side effect. If you think your child's medications may be affecting his appetite or weight gain, talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. Do not stop taking any medication abruptly. nine0042

Sometimes your child's slow weight gain may be because he or she is not eating enough calories for her age. Active, growing children may need more calories than you think. For example, teenage boys often need the same amount of calories as adults.

For reference - and for your own peace of mind - the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines "underweight" as being in the bottom fifth percentile of the height chart. nine0042

Regardless of the cause of your child's slow weight gain, the good news is that you, as a parent, have a lot of control over one major healing factor: their diet. A nutritious, high-calorie meal plan is the best place to start.

You can also set a good example by modeling healthy eating behavior and making nutritional choices.

When You Shouldn't Worry About Your Child's Growth

When the point on your child's growth chart drops below what you expect, it's only natural to take notice. But some deviations in the growth process are normal. nine0042

Pediatricians usually look at changes in your child's weight over time, rather than a single weigh-in when examining a child. They can also help focus your efforts at home on helping your child gain weight.

Don't worry if your child skips a meal here or there, or suddenly turns up their nose at certain foods (or, frankly, for toddlers, an entire category of foods).

Children's appetites may be fickle. Give your child time and space, knowing that this may very well be a temporary phase. (But keep offering a wide variety of products!)

Healthy Weight Gain Tips

Using the foods listed above as building blocks, you'll be on your way to creating meals and snacks that will help your baby fill up. To further increase their healthy weight, try these tips.

Keep children from pouring drinks

Hydration is certainly important for children from infancy to adolescence. But sometimes too much liquid can compete with food for space in your baby's tummy. To stimulate your appetite, try offering food before drinks during meals. Also, avoid sugary drinks like sodas and fruit juices. nine0042

Eat whenever you feel hungry

Of course, for most of us, eating doesn't have to be an all-day entertainment. However, for children who are struggling to gain weight, allowing them to eat at any time of the day may be a perfectly acceptable approach.

Consider skipping pre-set meal times and snacks that you think are "normal" or "correct" and simply encourage your child to eat when he's hungry. nine0042

Try a few small meals a day

Here's another strategy that goes hand in hand with the "eating is always okay" model.

Instead of sticking to a rigid schedule for breakfast, lunch and dinner, feel free to play with the frequency of meals and snacks. Your child can consume more calories with six to eight small meals a day than with three meals a day.

Prevent children from accumulating empty calories

Foods such as sodas, potato chips, and fast food can lead to weight gain, but since these foods tend to be low in nutrients, they will not benefit your health. child. Choose more nutritious, whole foods as often as possible. nine0042

Include high-calorie supplements in your daily meals

We don't like the practice of hiding healthy foods in "kid-friendly" packages (watch you hidden veggie cookie), but adding high-calorie supplements to your daily meals is a different story.

For example, nut butter, avocado, coconut milk, and other high-calorie ingredients can be easily added to smoothies to add volume.

And when your child needs to gain weight, there's nothing wrong with using buttermilk in pancakes, sour cream in baked potatoes, or extra cheese in pasta or casseroles. nine0042

Don't limit exercise

Since weight gain is essentially an equation of calories consumed and calories expended, it can be tempting to tell an underweight child not to be too active. But children need plenty of daily exercise. Unless recommended by a doctor, it is best not to limit their activity.

Visit a nutritionist

Putting everything together to help your child gain weight can be tricky. You don't have to go alone! nine0042

Seeking help from a nutritionist, especially a pediatrician, can make a huge difference. With expertise in baby nutrition, a pediatric dietitian can help you make the best choices for your child's diet.

When to talk to your pediatrician

You should never be embarrassed to ask your pediatrician a question, even if it seems silly. (Seriously, they heard it.)

If you're concerned that your child isn't gaining weight properly, or if he seems to be regressing in his growth chart progress, don't be afraid to voice your concerns to your pediatrician. nine0042

Also, if you feel that your child looks 'skinny', has little energy, or has experienced behavioral changes or sudden weight loss, don't be embarrassed. All of these are good reasons for further investigation.

Ensure that you complete all recommended checkups for your child to adequately monitor your child's weight progression.

It is also definitely worth seeking professional help if your child refuses food for a long time, such as more than 24-48 hours, especially if you cannot determine the underlying cause, such as an illness.


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