How to Increase a Child's Weight

Parents can increase a child's weight by choosing health high-calorie foods.

Having an underweight child can be concerning to parents, even if the child is naturally thin. If a child suddenly begins losing weight, it can be even more alarming. Parents should always consult a doctor if they are concerned about their child's weight. However, a few simple dietary changes may help the child to put on weight at home. Increasing intake of high calorie foods and good fats can help. For picky children, parents may need to take extra steps to ensure weight gain.

Instructions

1. Increase your child's intake of healthy fats. Increase full-fat dairy consumption choosing. This means offering whole milk, along with full fat cheese and yogurt instead of low-fat options. When possible, buy organic dairy to avoid antibiotics, hormones and other potentially harmful additives. While ice cream and pudding also provide fat and calories, they are also high in sugar, so should be used sparingly. Focus on healthy fats such nuts and nut butters, avocados and olive oil.

2. Feed your child small meals throughout the day. This will avoid having to eat too much in one sitting.

3. Offer lots of complex carbohydrate foods to your child. Healthy choices of carbohydrates include French toast made with whole gain bread, whole grain pastas and breads as well as vegetables and fruits. Use simple carbohydrates, such as white bread and potatoes sparingly.

4. Supplement your child's diet with high-calorie smoothies. You can make a smoothie using a variety of fruits, crushed ice, milk and flaxseed oil. The fruit provides energy from carbohydrates, while the flax provides a healthy form of fat. Milk provides both carbohydrates and fat, making it a better option than water.

5. Enjoy meals as a family, making eating a fun activity instead of a chore for your child. For picky eaters, having a meal theme or topic each day may distract the child from the food and encourage him to eat more.

Tips & Warnings

• Healthy, high calorie food ideas include cottage cheese, toast with peanut butter, creamy soups, mashed potatoes, grilled cheese sandwiches, crackers and cheese and fruit with nut butter.

• Do not offer junk food out of desperation. Healthy fats and carbohydrates work just as well and teach your child healthy eating habits.

• Always visit the doctor if you feel that your child isn't gaining weight well. The doctor can check for medical problems that may lead to weight issues.

References

• MedicineNet.com: How to Gain Weight the Healthy Way
• Baby Center: Helping a Child Who's Underweight