How to Get an Underweight Child to Gain Weight

Make mealtimes a happy event to encourage children to eat.

One of the joys of parenthood is watching your child grow and develop. Parents can experience worry and concern when their child is underweight or does not appear to be growing appropriately. Although most children who appear underweight are perfectly normal and healthy, some children should gain weight for better health. If your child needs to gain weight, creating a healthy meal plan includes calorie- and nutrient-dense foods your child will love.

Things You'll Need

• High-calorie food and beverages

Instructions

1. Contact your child's pediatrician to determine why he is underweight. The doctor can rule out any underlying medical issues that can cause a lack of weight gain or a weight loss. Ask your pediatrician what in weight range your child should be.

2. Offer healthy, nutrient-dense foods to your children. Add full-fat milk, cheese, butter and olive oil to your child's diet. Increase high-protein items such as, peanut butter, nuts, eggs and beans. Serve child-friendly carbohydrates, including pasta, french toast, potatoes and cereal. Provide high-calorie, fortified nutritional beverages in place of milk in recipes to add calories to the meal, says pediatrician Jennifer Shu, M.D., reporting for CNN Health.

3. Provide three meals and three snacks daily. Increase the portion sizes you serve your child or offer second helpings to a young child who is intimidated by large amounts of food on his plate.

4. Make mealtimes relaxing and enjoyable. Reduce mealtime distractions, such as television or toys. Invite your child to participate with meal preparation so he feels invested in the food and will eat more.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your pediatrician for monthly weigh-ins to monitor your child's progress. Do not force your child to eat, but allow him to choose foods that appeal to him.

• Contact your pediatrician if you feel your child is purposely starving himself.

References

• Baby Center: Helping a Child Who's Underweight: How Can I Tell If My Child's Too Skinny?
• Baby Center: Helping a Child Who's Underweight: How Can I Help My Child Gain Weight?
• CNN Health: How Can I Get My Underweight Toddler to Eat?
• University of Nevada Cooperative Extension: When You Need to Gain Weight

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About BMI for Children and Teens