Best Healthy Weight-Gaining Foods For Children

Parents should be mindful when it comes to weight, particularly for children, and check whether the kid’s growth charts reflect improvements appropriate for their age and gender. Sometimes, despite eating healthily, the child would not gain much weight. Therefore, it is important to offer them a nutrient-dense food that will allow them to gain weight and provide them with the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need for consistent growth.

This article will help you to understand the importance of weight management and will offer some food suggestions to improve weight gain.

You can also read: Childhood Obesity: What Causes Childhood Obesity and How Can It Be Prevented?

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Why Is Maintaining A Healthy Weight Important For Children?

A number of studies have shown that kids who maintain a healthy weight tend to be more active, healthier, and able to concentrate. They are also less likely to experience bullying. Most importantly, they are much less likely to experience future health problems.

Note: It is our duty as parents to help the child maintain a healthy weight.

Average Weight Chart For Children Aged From 6 Months to 7 Years

When keeping track of the health of your infant or toddler, it is essential to take into account a height, weight, and age chart. You can use it to determine whether your child’s growth is normal or abnormal. If the development is abnormal, you can get a doctor’s advice as soon as possible and take the necessary steps to improve the child’s health.

The following table shows the average reference for age, height, and weight for girls and boys. Girls and boys will naturally have different heights and weight ranges.

Age	Height (in cm) Girls	Height (in cm) Boys	Weight (in kgs) Girls	Weight (in kgs) Boys
6 Months	62 - 64	64 - 67	7.2 – 7.5	7.5 – 7.9
7 Months	64 - 67	67 - 69	7.5 – 7.9	7.9 – 8.3
8 Months	67 - 68	69 - 70	7.9 – 8.2	8.3 – 8.6
9 Months	68 - 70	70 - 71	8.2 – 8.5	8.6 – 8.9
10 Months	70 - 71	71-73	8.5 – 8.8	8.9 – 9.1
11 Months	70 - 72	73 - 74	8.8 – 9.0	9.1 – 9.4
12 Months	72 - 74	74 - 75	9.0 – 9.2	9.4 – 9.6
2 Years	85	86	9.0 - 12	11 – 12.5
3 Years	85 - 94	86 - 95	12 - 14	12.5 - 14
4 Years	94 – 100	95 – 102	12 - 15	14 – 16
5 Years	100 – 107	102 – 109	15 – 17	16 – 18
6 Years	107 – 115	109 – 115	17 – 19	18 – 20
7 Years	115 - 121	115 - 122	20 - 22	20 - 23

 

Note: Every child grows and develops at different rates. However, the above table indicates the reference for the average growth rate. The above table is classified by gender because male children often weigh a little bit more than a female Usually, male infants and toddlers tend to weigh a little more than female infants and toddlers.

Best Healthy Weight-Gaining Foods For Children

When it comes to foods that help kids gain weight, the food should be both nutritious and mouth-watering. The following foods will help them gain weight consistently in a healthier way. Additionally, these foods give your children the daily nourishment they need.

1. Eggs

Eggs are healthy and rich in protein. It helps in the development of the body’s muscles and tissues. Along with protein, it is a rich source of other minerals like phosphorus, zinc, and calcium.

2. Chicken

It is a food that contains a lot of protein. The phosphorus in chicken is good for the kidneys, liver, and overall health of the nervous system. It also promotes the health of the bones.

3. Tofu

Essential amino acids, plant-based iron, calcium, manganese, phosphorous, and selenium are all found in tofu, a soy product. Additionally, it is rich in protein and healthy fats, both of which are important for children’s growth.

4. Jaggery

It is prepared using sugarcane juice and palm. It is an excellent substitute for refined sugar. It absorbs essential minerals throughout the preparation process, including iron.

Note: Iron vessels are used to prepare jaggery.

5. Honey

It is a perfect replacement for refined sugar. It contains 17% water and 82% carbohydrates, which promote healthy weight gain.

6. Milk

It is rich in protein. It also contains fats, calcium, and other vitamins that help in the development of strong bones.

Notes: If your child is not “lactose intolerant,” then you can add a glass of milk to their daily diet. If your child is “lactose intolerant,” consult your child’s doctor and look for a replacement for milk.

7. Curd

It is a good source of calcium and potassium, which help strengthen children’s bones. Additionally, it is a good source of “probiotics,” or gut-friendly bacteria, which help in proper digestion and absorption and impacts a child’s general growth and development.

8. Dry Fruits and Nuts

It is rich in iron, vitamins, and magnesium. It also contains protein and healthy fats, all of which are important for healthy weight gain.

9. Beans and Lentils

It has a lot of protein. Soluble fiber, which is present in beans, controls blood sugar. 

10. Banana

Bananas are a rich source of fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, all of which help with easy digestion. This fruit is perfect for healthy weight gain.

11. Avocado

It is a good source of vitamins, including vitamins C, E, K, and B6. It also contains potassium, fiber, fat, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which contribute to improving overall health.

12. Sweet potatoes and Potatoes

It has a lot of fiber, vitamins B and C, and minerals like iron, calcium, and selenium. It is also rich in antioxidants, which help the body absorb beta-carotene.

Potatoes are a good source of fiber and essential vitamins, including A and C. It is also rich in carbohydrates, which promote healthy weight gain.

13. Other Fruits and vegetables

Children may find fruits and veggies boring, but if they are tasty, crunchy, and juicy, they are fun to eat. They would not support weight gain, but their high fiber, vitamin, mineral, and other nutrient content promotes a child’s healthy growth and development.

Note: The best time to feed your child with fruits and veggies is when they are extremely hungry if they are fussy eaters. 

Things To Keep In Mind

--> Serve three meals with two snacks every day.

--> Include fruits and vegetables in their diet on a daily basis.

--> Add plenty of fluids, including water, juice, and soup to their diet.

Many parents tend to include sugary drinks and fried foods to increase their children’s weight. This food, however, causes unhealthy weight gain.

Final Thought

It can be challenging to increase a child’s weight, but we can make it possible by including healthy, well-balanced foods in their diet. Always keep in mind that overfeeding is not a solution if your child is underweight. Since it is a concern for our child’s growth and development, if you have any questions regarding your child’s weight, feel free to consult with your child’s doctor.