What Kinds Of Food Make Children Gain Weight?

Children who are underweight or have difficulties gaining weight might have an underlying health condition, such as a food allergy, food intolerance or medical condition. A child whose BMI, or body mass index that is calculated by height, weight and body proportion, falls below the fifth percentile is underweight, according the growth charts from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Certain foods might help your child gain weight, but this is not a substitute for medical advice, thereby consulting with a health-care provider is advisable.

Starchy Carbohydrates

Adding a starchy carbohydrate, such as pasta, rice and potatoes can help your child gain weight. According to the NetDoctor website, 1 g of carbohydrates contains 3.75 calories. Other foods with high carbohydrate content include French toast, pancakes, bread and hot cereal.

Dairy

Dairy products made with whole milk or dry milk powder might help put on the necessary weight. According to the Baby Center, adding cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt and ice cream are food items that can help with weight gain. When preparing carbohydrates, such as potatoes, topping the starch with whole milk sour cream adds more calories. In addition, feeding your child creamed soups and pudding made with whole milk are other available sources.

Milkshakes

Making a milkshake with whole milk and adding a packet of instant breakfast powder and ice cream can help to add 400 calories to your child's diet, according to Keep Kids Healthy. Additional calories can be added to the milkshake that will add taste as well, such as fruit, either fresh or frozen or instant pudding.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a protein source that adds approximately 100 calories per tbsp., according to Keep Kids Healthy. Adding peanut butter on top of vegetables, crackers or fruits or blending it with ice cream or yogurt during snack time is a way to help with weight gain.

Snacks

Introducing two to three snacks a day to your child's diet helps to add additional calories to increase weight gain. Some healthy, high-calorie snacks include dried fruit, bananas, avocado, cheese and crackers, or cream cheese and crackers and small sandwiches filled with proteins, such as eggs or cheese, according to Britain's National Health Service.