Best Weight Gain Foods for Your Baby-- Check out now!

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

It is important for your baby to gain weight as they get older in order to ensure her growth. But, some babies don’t gain enough weight required for their height/age. That’s when a mother gets concerned and tries to feed too much to help the baby gain weight. Remember, your baby gains healthy weight only when you feed her high proteins and nutritious food and not when you feed too much. Hence, it’s important for you to know what food should be administered to your baby during each phase. 

Your baby's weight gain: Not happening?

Each child has her own growth pattern. If your child is spurting the same growth pattern as she gets older, then it’s a sign that she is growing well. If you feel your baby hasn’t gained enough weight for her age, contact the child care expert immediately. As poor weight can lead to many problems such as poor growth and delayed mental development. There may be many reasons for your child’s underweight; the ones mentioned below are the major ones – 

• She is a picky eater.

• She eats her food too slowly.

• Your baby’s energy needs are high and the food you are providing is not matching up to it.

• She is highly distracted and loses interest while eating.

• She doesn’t have an appetite.

• Illness.

Best foods that can help your baby gain weight 

Whatever may be the reason, it is important for you to administer well-balanced nutritious food to your baby so that she can grow healthy. To help your baby gain weight make sure you implement the foods mentioned below in her diet:

Breastmilk 

For infants below 6 months, mother’s milk is more nutritious than any other foods. Make sure your baby gets enough of ‘hind milk’ as it contains high calories than the milk that comes first as you start feeding. At this phase, it is important for the mother to eat enough nutritious food so that the baby gets enough milk.

Milk, garlic, greens, lentils, cumin, flax seeds, fennel seeds, almonds, chickpeas should be consumed more by mothers as they increase the milk supply. A protein-rich meal must be consumed two times a day and breakfast shouldn’t be skipped at any cost as it is the most important meal of the day. 

Before, you start administering other foods than breast milk, contact your pediatrician once. And don’t forget to follow the three-day test. Feed a particular food for three-days and see if your child is comfortable and doesn’t show any allergic symptoms. Once your baby is comfortable with solid foods, you can administer the foods mentioned below –

Whole cream milk

Whole cream milk is pasteurized and homogenized, which means fat doesn’t separate from the milk when you boil it. It is high-calorie milk loaded with vitamins, minerals and calcium that can help your baby gain weight. If your baby is more than 1 year old, you can give a glass of milk in the morning and evening. 

Bananas

These are rich foods and can fill your baby’s tummy for a long time. Half a banana everyday should do the trick; you can mash it with a teaspoon of ghee or milk before serving it.

Ragi

Ragi is a must have for kids. It is highly rich in protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamin A and B complex, and fiber. It helps in weight gain when given with ghee or jaggery. Not just babies, it’s recommended for older kids too.

Sweet potato

Sweet potato is a great food to start off with. It is highly healthy and kids enjoy eating sweet potato mash.

Eggs

Eggs must be your first choice if your baby is underweight. It contains a high level of protein. Yolk can be given from 8 months; you can give full egg after your baby completes 1 year.

Ghee

As mentioned above ghee can be given with many foods. It adds an extra taste to your baby’s food. It contains healthy fat that our body recommends. One teaspoon ghee is recommended every day for a healthy growth.  

Lentils/dal

Rice, dal, and ghee are an ancient combo for baby food. It is the healthiest meal you can give to your baby as it covers the major nutrients required for baby growth. 

Natural fruit juices

A glass of any fruit juice is enough to give required nutrients to your baby. Make sure you prepare fresh juices at home as packed juices with preservatives are not recommended. 

Yogurt

Yogurt is an ideal option for baby’s who don’t like milk or are allergic to it. It is an ideal choice for weight gain in babies. It contains all the required minerals and calcium that help in weight growth. It even contains good bacteria that the body needs. 

Rice

Rich is rich in carbs and it helps your baby gain weight. As mentioned above, mix it with ghee and dal for best results. 

Pumpkins, dates, mangoes, coconut milk, corn, tofu, fish are other high-calorie foods you can give your baby for healthy weight gain. 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.