High Calorie Foods to Help Your Baby or Toddler Gain Weight
Nourishing Foods to Help Your Baby Grow
Is your baby or toddler not gaining weight? Are you searching for foods to help your baby add a few ounces? Here are some ideas for high calorie foods to help your little one increase his or her weight.
Please remember that your doctor should be your number one medical resource. Consult with your child's pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby's weight gain. A nutritionist would also be able to answer your questions. If your child is having a difficult time gaining weight, as for a referral to a reputable nutritionist.
Avocado
Avocado is not only high in calories, it provides the "good fats" for your child's brain and physical development. You can feed a baby avocado as young as six months of age.
Some nutritional experts even recommend avocado as a baby's first sold food. To prepare avocado for you child, simply mash a ripe avocado with your fork. You can mix in a little milk or banana if you'd prefer.
For toddlers, you might try making guacamole and adding it as a topping to whole wheat crackers. They could also eat it with baked tortilla chips, or corn tortillas.
Guacamole is very easy to make. Mix the following ingredients together:
- 2 Avocados
- 2 Tablespoons of Mayonnaise
- One Small Onion, Finely Chopped (Optional)
- 1 Tablespoon of Lime Juice (Optional)
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
You can also spread guacamole on sandwiches for older toddlers. Try adding just a little bit at first. In addition, you can put guacamole on cheese quesadillas.
Black Olives
Olives are another food that can help provide your little one with the necessary fats for brain development and growth. Unfortunately, olives are often loaded with sodium. They are great though to use as toppings on sandwiches for toddlers, or just as a finger food. They provide lots of fat calories. They are also an excellent source of fiber.
Eggs (Ages 1+)
Eggs are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are great foods for toddlers to help them gain weight.
One large egg averages about seven grams of protein. Proteins are building blocks for the body. A diet high in protein is crucial for muscle development.
You might offer your toddler a scrambled egg. Alternative, try to see if she or he will eat a boiled egg. You might also try deviled eggs (google for recipe) which will provide additional calories.
Springtime is also a great opportunity to let toddlers dye Easter eggs! This is a very memorable and fun way to allow your child to expressive creativity, and then encourage them to eat a protein-rich food.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is extremely high in fat and protein. It provides lots of energy and will help your toddler gain weight. It is also a good source of fiber.
Just two tablespoons of peanut butter has 188 calories. That includes 16 grams of fat,8 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and 6 grams of carbohydrates.
Consider adding as a topping to apples or celery. Peanut butter whole wheat crackers are another great choice. You could also spread peanut butter onto toast for breakfast.
Pediasure
Pediasure
This is one to discuss with a doctor. Pediasure is made for children ages two and above, however some doctors do encourage feeding it to underweight toddlers. Ask your doctor if you can offer Pediasure to your child. Pediasure is available in chocolate and vanilla flavors. It is very expensive, as it costs more than a dollar a bottle. However, most stores (such as Wal-Mart) offer a generic version of Pediasure.
Cheese
Cheese is loaded with fats and protein. You can simply provide shredded cheese, which most babies and toddlers love. You might also add cheese to whole wheat crackers as a snack. Cream cheese is also another food that will hopefully help your baby gain weight. You can use it as a topping on carrots, apples etc. It is very high in calories.
Beef
When your doctor says it is okay to offer your baby meat, beef should help your child gain weight. It is a great source of protein. For older toddlers, beef and cheese quesadillas are a great meal to help your child gain weight.
Pasta With Olive Oil
Olive oil is high in calories and fat. Pasta, of course, is high in carbohydrates. A meal with pasta and olive oil will definitely provide lots of energy and help with weight gain.
Bagels
Bagels are very high in calories and carbohydrates. Top it with cream cheese or butter and your little one is sure to gain an ounce or two, hopefully!
Butter
Babies need fats to help with their brain and cognitive development. One great source for it is butter. Obviously, you need to add this to their foods. One easy idea is to prepare whole-wheat toast and smother it with butter. I've never met a toddler that didn't like butter!
These are a few ideas for foods to help your little one gain weight. Remember to consult with your doctor first. Your doctor is more credible than anything you'll find on the Internet.
Happy Feeding!