Babies
between the ages of 6 and 12 months require proper nutrition for healthy weight
gain and development. During this period, babies need a well-balanced diet that
gives them the nutrients and calories they need to promote their growth.
Healthy
weight gain can be difficult for babies, especially if they have underlying
medical conditions or were born prematurely underweight. In such situations,
parents should consult with a healthcare professional to create a nutrition
plan (suited to the baby’s unique needs), while also monitoring the baby’s
weight and growth to make sure they are developing in a healthy way.
This article provides
an overview of the foods for babies aged 6 to 12 months that are recommended
for weight gain.
You can also read: Nourishing Your Little One: A Meal Quantity Recommendation for 0 to 12-Month-Old Babies
Beat the Heat for Babies: An Overview of Summer Nutrition Advice for Babies
Malnutrition in Children: Understanding the Causes and Consequences of a Child’s Malnutrition
Raising a Healthy Child: The Importance of Good Nutrition in Childhood
Healthy Eating for Children: How Parents Can Support Their Children in Healthy Eating
Overview of Recommended Weight Gain Foods for 6 to 12-Month-Old Babies
Babies need a diet that is well-balanced and nutrient-rich throughout the first 6 to 12 months of life in order to support their rapid growth and development. It is important to concentrate on foods that are rich in calories, protein, and healthy fats when it comes to healthy weight gain. This includes:
--> Breast milk or infant formula
--> Iron-rich foods
--> Healthy fats
--> Fruits and vegetables
--> Whole grains
How can Solid Weight-Gaining Foods be Introduced to Babies between 6 and 12 Months Old?
To maintain your baby’s safety and to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible, make sure to follow some basic guidelines when introducing solid weight-gaining foods to your 6 to 12-month-old babies. The following guidelines can help you achieve that:
1. Start slowly
Start with a single-ingredient dish like rice porridge, steam-cooked fruits or vegetables, or pureed fruits or vegetables. Before introducing other foods, wait a few days to check for allergy or intolerance symptoms.
2. Concentrate nutrient-rich foods
Start offering calorie-rich foods that are high in fiber, healthy fats, and protein, such as cooked meat, fortified cereals, etc. The infant will receive the essential nutrients from these foods to support healthy weight gain and development.
3. Offer a variety of foods
Introduce the infant to a variety of healthy, whole foods, including steam-cooked fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lentils. In order to encourage healthy weight gain, the baby will need to eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients he or she needs.
4. Look for signs of readiness
Look for signs that the baby is ready to start eating solids, such as the ability to sit up with or without support, an interest in the food, the ability to use a spoon to eat, etc.
5. Feed small, regular meals
Offer small, regular meals throughout the day. As the baby’s appetite develops, gradually increase the portion size. It is important not to rush the feeding process or force the baby to eat more than they want.
Healthy Weight-Gaining Foods for 6 to 12-Month-Old Babies
During the first year of life, babies grow and develop at an incredible rate, and nutrition is essential to their growth and development. It is usually advised to consult with your child’s doctor if you (the parents) are concerned about your baby’s weight. However, in general, some recommended healthy weight-gaining foods for 6 to 12-month-old babies include:
1. Breast milk or formula
It should be the primary source of nutrition for babies up to 6 months of age. Breast milk is rich in all essential nutrients, including fat, which helps with healthy weight gain. The formula is also a good source of nutrition and can provide adequate calories for weight gain.
Oatmeal is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. It can be mixed with breast milk, formula, or pureed fruits and vegetables for added nutrition.
2. Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which are important for the healthy functioning of the body. Here are some fruits and vegetables that you can consider introducing to your baby:
--> Fruits like apples, bananas, avocados, mango, berries, etc.
--> Vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, green peas, spinach, etc
3. Lentils
Lentils are a good source of protein, iron, and fiber.
4. Meat
Meat (especially chicken) is a good source of protein and fat. It can be cooked and added to other foods for added nutrition.
Note: It is recommended that you consult with a pediatrician before offering any solid foods to your baby.
Foods to Avoid for Babies 6 to 12 Months Old
When a baby is between 6 and 12 months old, it is important to start introducing them to a variety of healthy foods. However, to lower the risk of allergies, choking, and other illnesses, several foods should be avoided at this time. They are:
--> Honey
--> Cow’s milk
--> Salt and sugar
--> Raw fruits and vegetables
--> Spicy or acidic foods
--> Certain fish, like swordfish, shark, cod, salmon, etc.
--> Shellfish such as shrimp and lobster
--> Undercooked and processed meats
Final Thought
Healthy weight-gaining foods should be introduced to your 6 to 12-month-old baby as a necessary first step in promoting their growth and development. Understand that every child is unique and could have specific preferences. Be patient and keep offering your baby a variety of healthy food options to help them develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
This article focuses on sharing the lessons I learned while raising my child from birth to 12 months. If you have any further questions, it is advised that you consult with your child’s doctor.