Updated on July 5, 2024
How to increase weight in toddlers is a topic that often weighs heavily on the minds of mothers. While it’s natural to want your child to thrive and grow, it’s essential to remember that the key to a healthy weight lies in providing a balanced diet rich in vital nutrients. By focusing on nourishing your toddler properly, you can ensure their overall growth and development. In this blog, we’ll explore some simple and readily available foods that can help increase weight in toddlers
How to increase weight in toddlers?
When it comes to how to increase weight in toddlers, it’s important to remember that this age group, typically ranging from 12 to 36 months, is marked by heightened activity as children begin to explore the world around them and engage socially with other children and the community.
To ensure healthy weight gain for your toddler, consider making mealtimes more engaging and appealing by experimenting with creative and innovative cooking styles. Creating a well-structured baby food chart can also be immensely helpful in achieving this goal. Moreover, there are specific foods that, when incorporated into your toddler’s daily meals, can contribute to their weight gain in a joyful and nutritious manner.
Here are the 5 foods to increase weight in toddlers
1. Bananas: The Toddler’s Favorite Nutrient-Packed Fruit
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Bananas hold a special place in the hearts of toddlers and for good reason. These delightful fruits are not only delicious but also offer a host of nutritional benefits. In fact, one serving of banana packs quite a punch, providing approximately 110 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein. But that’s not all – bananas are enriched with a variety of vitamins and potassium, making them an excellent choice for your growing child.
When it comes to serving bananas to your little one, consider the versatility of this fruit. One of the best ways to delight your kiddo is by whipping up a Banana Smoothie or Shake. Not only does it enhance the flavour, but it also adds a creamy texture that many toddlers adore. Plus, the convenience of bananas extends to their portability, making them an ideal snack to carry along while travelling. So, whether you’re at home or on the go, a banana can be your trusted ally in keeping your toddler happy and well-nourished.
2. Sweet Potatoes: A Nutrient Powerhouse For Toddlers
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Sweet potatoes are a nutritional treasure trove that offers a multitude of health benefits, making them an excellent addition to your toddler’s diet. These vibrant orange wonders are not only delicious but also packed with dietary fibre and essential vitamins, including B6, C, and D.
One standout feature of sweet potatoes is their iron content, which plays a pivotal role in supporting a robust immune system in growing children.
When it comes to serving sweet potatoes to your little one, the options are diverse. You can serve them as a quick and convenient finger snack, perfect for tiny hands to grasp and munch on. Alternatively, you can prepare a creamy and nutritious puree by simply boiling the sweet potatoes and blending them in a food processor. Whichever way you choose, sweet potatoes are sure to delight your toddler’s taste buds while promoting their overall health and well-being.
3. Power-Packed Pulses: A Weight-Boosting Delight For Toddlers
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When it comes to increasing weight in toddlers, pulses emerge as one of the top contenders in the realm of nutrition. These humble legumes are a powerhouse of essential nutrients that can work wonders for your little one’s growth.
Pulses, which include beans, lentils, and chickpeas, are renowned for their high protein and fiber content, making them a superb choice for promoting healthy weight gain. What’s more, they’re brimming with vital vitamins and minerals that are crucial for your toddler’s overall development.
As your child crosses the age of 12 months, it’s an excellent time to introduce pulses in various flavors and textures to their diet. This not only keeps mealtime exciting but also ensures that your toddler receives a diverse range of nutrients. So, whether you incorporate them into soups, stews, or as part of a hearty salad, pulses are a versatile and nutritious addition that can support your toddler’s journey towards a healthy weight.
4. Raagi (Finger Millet): A Tiny Grain with Huge Benefits for Toddler Weight Gain
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Raagi, also known as finger millet or Nachani, is a nutritional powerhouse and an excellent choice for increasing weight in toddlers. This versatile grain boasts an impressive nutrient profile that can contribute significantly to your child’s growth and development.
One of Raagi’s standout qualities is its rich content of iron and calcium, essential minerals that support your toddler’s overall health. Moreover, Raagi is known for its positive impact on the digestive system, making it an even more valuable addition to your child’s diet.
While you can begin introducing Raagi to your little one’s diet as early as 9 months, it truly shines when incorporated into a variety of dishes after the age of 12 months. The options are endless, ranging from Raagi dosa and Raagi pancakes to Raagi idli and even Raagi halwa. These delicious Raagi-based dishes not only add diversity to your toddler’s meals but also provide a wholesome and nutritious way to boost their weight in a healthy manner.
5. Ghee: A Weight-Boosting And Bone-Strengthening Elixir
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Ghee, often referred to as clarified butter, is a valuable addition to a toddler’s diet when it comes to increasing weight and promoting bone health. This golden elixir serves as a natural lubricant for the body’s joint bones, aiding in overall mobility and comfort.
However, it’s important to exercise moderation when incorporating ghee into your child’s meals. While it’s beneficial for weight gain, ghee is relatively high in calories. A few drops or a small amount mixed into your kid’s meal can work wonders, not only in terms of weight gain but also in enhancing the flavor of their food.
In addition to ghee, there are several other foods that can contribute to healthy weight gain in toddlers. Consider including items such as dry fruits and nuts, dairy products, eggs, avocados, chicken, and a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet. These wholesome options provide a well-rounded approach to nourishing your toddler and ensuring they thrive during this critical phase of growth and development.
Important Feeding Tips For Toddlers
As you embark on the journey of nourishing your toddler and supporting their healthy weight gain, it’s crucial to keep a few key principles in mind:
- Practice Patience: Toddlers often take their time to chew and savour each meal. Be patient and avoid rushing them during mealtimes. Encourage them to explore their food at their own pace. Enlisting the help of other family members can also make mealtime a more enjoyable and relaxed experience.
- Avoid Force and Frustration: Forcing your child to eat or becoming frustrated can create a negative association with food and mealtime. It’s essential to maintain a positive and supportive atmosphere during meals. Offer a variety of foods, and let your child make choices within those options.
- Address Hunger Pangs: To prevent your child from getting too hungry before the main meal, provide quick and nutritious finger snacks. These can help keep their energy levels stable and reduce fussiness.
- Homemade Meals Are Best: While ready-to-eat snacks can be convenient, it’s advisable to prioritize homemade meals whenever possible. Homemade meals give you greater control over the ingredients and nutritional content, ensuring your child receives the best possible nutrition.
By following these feeding tips and offering a variety of nutritious foods, you can create a positive mealtime environment that supports your toddler’s healthy development and weight gain.
Prepare a baby food chart and maintain a disciplined healthy eating habit.
Conclusion
In your journey of nurturing a healthy and growing toddler, it’s essential to remember that maintaining healthy eating habits should always take precedence over striving for a specific weight goal. The focus should be on providing a balanced and nourishing diet that supports their overall well-being. If your child is active, vibrant, and displaying strength, there may be no cause for undue concern.
However, if you find yourself worrying about your toddler’s weight despite offering a proper and healthy diet, it’s important to reach out for guidance and support. Consulting a trusted paediatrician can provide valuable insights and expert advice tailored to your child’s unique needs. They can help address any concerns, offer specialized recommendations, and ensure that your child continues to thrive and develop optimally.
Ultimately, the health and happiness of your toddler should be the foremost priority, and with the right approach and professional guidance, you can navigate this important phase with confidence and assurance.
Related articles for further reading
- Awesome Tips To Become A Better Parent
- 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do
- How To Tame Toddler Tantrums?
Do you maintain a baby food chart and a healthy eating habit for your children?
What type of food do you give to your kids to increase weight?
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Thanks
Akansha Bansal, (Co-Founder & Business Head- Strategy, Community & User Growth), Budding Star Innovations for writing this article with images for Simply Life Tips. (Edited by PVM on 19/09/2023)
Divya, Founder of Wonder Parenting for introducing and encouraging Akansha Bansal.
Mathukutty P. V. is the founder of Simply Life Tips, a blogger, content writer, influencer, and YouTuber passionate about learning and sharing. Guided by “Simple Living, Creative Thinking,” he believes in the power of knowledge sharing and lifelong learning.
