9 Foods to Help Increase Your Baby’s Weight

As a parent, you want your child to be as healthy and strong as possible. One of the main ways to determine your child’s physical well-being is by their weight. While genetics do play a role in how your baby develops weight, there are also steps you can take to support their growth.

The food they eat can significantly affect your baby’s weight, which is why providing them with healthy, balanced meals is critical to their development. If your baby is underweight, here are some foods you can incorporate into their diet to help boost their weight.

9 Foods to Help Increase Your Baby’s Weight

9 Best Foods to Increase Your Baby’s Weight

1. Avocados

Avocados are a great source of healthy fats essential for your child’s brain development and physical growth. They also contain monounsaturated fats, the “good” fats that help increase your baby’s weight. The calories in avocados provide energy and promote healthy growth during the first few months of your baby’s life.

Avocados are rich in vitamins such as Vitamin E, which supports immune health, and Vitamin K, which is essential for bone health. They are also high in potassium and magnesium. Overall, avocados are a nutritious and tasty food option to help increase your baby’s weight.

How to serve:

Mash up half an avocado and combine it with breast milk or formula to create a smooth consistency.
You can also mix avocado with fruits like bananas or apples for a sweet treat.
For older babies who can handle solid foods, serve avocado in small chunks as finger food.

2. Full-Fat Dairy

Full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk yogurt, cheese, and cream, are very nutritious and provide your baby with healthy fats, protein, and calcium—important components of growth and development. Dairy is an excellent source of calcium for strong bones and teeth, and it also contains calories that will help your baby gain weight steadily.

How to serve:

Stir in whole milk yogurt with fruits or a bit of honey (for babies over 1 year old) to add flavor and extra calories.
Cheese makes a great snack, or you can mix it with vegetables and grains for a healthy meal.

3. Bananas

Bananas are not only delicious and easy to mash and digest, but they are also packed with potassium, which helps with fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle health. Bananas are a rich source of carbohydrates, fiber, and calories that can contribute to weight gain.

Bananas are high in natural sugars, providing energy for your baby. This food is also a favorite due to its sweetness and flavor. You can serve it mashed or cut into pieces for babies who are old enough to self-feed.

How to serve:

Mash a ripe banana and serve it on its own, or mix it with other foods like oatmeal or avocado.
Cut it into small pieces for babies learning how to self-feed.
For older babies and toddlers, blend bananas into smoothies.

4. Nut Butters (Peanut, Almond, Cashew)

Nut butters are rich in healthy fats, protein, and calories—key elements for healthy weight gain. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and Vitamin E, which are crucial for your baby’s growth and development.

Nut butters can easily be added to various meals to boost calorie intake.

How to serve:

For younger babies, thinly spread smooth nut butter on crackers, toast, or mix it with porridge.
For older babies and toddlers, spread nut butter on fruit slices like apples or pears, or mix it into smoothies or oatmeal.
Be sure to use smooth nut butter, not chunky, to avoid choking hazards.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a healthy source of carbohydrates, fiber, and Vitamin A, all of which contribute to your baby’s weight gain. They also provide antioxidants that support the immune system and contain fiber that promotes healthy digestion.

How to serve:

Steam or bake sweet potatoes until soft, then mash them and add a little breast milk or formula for a creamy consistency.
For older babies, cut the sweet potatoes into small chunks and roast them until crispy for a nutritious finger food.
Add sweet potatoes to soups and stews to boost their calorie content.

6. Eggs

Eggs are highly nutritious and provide an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. They are also rich in essential vitamins like B12, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D. Protein is vital for tissue development and repair, making eggs a key food for weight gain.

How to serve:

Scramble an egg and serve it with butter or olive oil to make a soft, easy-to-eat meal.
For older babies, make an omelet with vegetables and cheese.
Hard-boiled eggs are a great finger food for babies who can eat solids.

7. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is perfect for weight gain because it is rich in fiber and carbohydrates, which provide slow-releasing energy. Oats are loaded with iron, which helps with blood production, and they are soft, making them an excellent first food for your baby.

How to serve:

Prepare oatmeal with breast milk, formula, or water for a smooth consistency for babies just starting solids.
You can add fruits like mashed bananas, apples, or berries to sweeten the oatmeal and provide extra nutrients.
Mix in nut butter or yogurt for older babies to increase the calorie content and flavor.

8. Chicken and Meat

Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef are essential for growth and development. These meats contain amino acids necessary for tissue growth and are rich in iron, which is important for carrying oxygen in the blood.

How to serve:

Cook chicken or other meats until soft, then puree or blend with vegetables and broth.
For older babies, shred or finely chop the meat into small pieces and serve it as part of a mixed meal.
Serve meat as finger food for babies who can handle solids.

9. Coconut Milk and Oil

Coconut milk and coconut oil are rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that the body can easily absorb and use for energy. These fats are a great source of calories, helping your baby gain weight. Coconut milk also has a mild, creamy consistency, making it an excellent addition to various meals.

How to serve:

Use coconut oil for cooking and add it to scrambled eggs or oatmeal for extra calories.
Add coconut milk to smoothies, soups, or baby food purees to make them creamy.
Use coconut oil in baby food recipes to ensure your baby gets healthy fats.

Conclusion

Boosting your baby’s weight should be done in a healthy and gradual way. While genetics play a role in how your child develops, some babies may naturally be smaller than others. By providing them with high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, you can help them gain weight at a healthy pace.

Remember that every baby is unique. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s weight, diet, or nutrition. They can offer personalized guidance tailored to your baby’s needs.

Save the pin for later

Author
Recent Posts

Mom with Vibe Team

Mom With Vibe is an online resource for new moms. All posts written by Mom With Vibe Team are posts submitted by our audience, reviewed and published by our team.

Latest posts by Mom with Vibe Team (see all)