If your toddler has recently been diagnosed as underweight, you may be worried that he's not getting enough nutrition or eating the right things. Knowing what foods will help put on weight, while still keeping him healthy, is the first step toward helping him achieve a normal weight. Also, consider changing his eating habits and helping him eat more finger foods throughout the day instead of three meals.
Strategies for Helping Your Underweight Toddler
To help your toddler put on weight, make sure you've ruled out other causes for his being underweight. A temporary illness could cause your child to lose weight, and diarrhea could stop the absorption of some foods. Also, children with chronic infections or heart disease may need additional calories during the day. If your child suffers from allergies or food sensitivities, he could have a hard time maintaining a healthy weight as well.
If you've ruled out other medical causes, upping your child's caloric intake will help him gain weight. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 40 calories per inch of height a day. So, if your toddler is 30 inches, he would need 1,200 calories a day. To get your toddler to eat this many calories, consider starting a food journal for him so that you know he's eating enough. Your toddler may not eat three whole meals a day. Instead, consider allowing him many different opportunities to eat that are calorie dense and full of good fats.
Healthy Fats for Underweight Toddlers
To make sure your toddler gets enough calories, feed him foods that are full of good fats. Avoid foods with empty calories, such as fruit snacks. These foods---though high in calories---don't have the fat needed to help your child put on weight. Dr. William Sears, author of "The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood," says healthy fats are essential components of many body parts and help the body work well. Sears says the best fats are those from plants and seafood---the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. The best foods with healthy fats are avocados, flaxseed oil, nut butters, nuts, olive oil, seafood and seeds, such as flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower.
Add some of these fats to your toddler's favorite foods. For instance, consider adding some flaxseed to your toddler's yogurt or oatmeal. Make your older toddler a protein shake with milk, fruit and a nut butter, such as peanut butter.
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