High calorie diets are advised for children with certain health conditions, like cancer and cystic fibrosis. Children with malabsorption or failure to thrive may also benefit from more calories. However, the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford says that good nutrition is important. This means that nutritionally dense foods with a high calorie content should be chosen over foods like soda, fast food or junk food. Choosing the right foods will help a child gain weight and stay healthy at the same time.
Peanut Butter
According to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, peanut butter provides about 95 calories per tablespoon. It also has plenty of protein and nuts contain high levels of heart healthy fats. Children with nut allergies should not be given peanut butter to boost calorie intake. Peanut butter on crackers or toast makes a good snack. Apples or celery dipped in peanut butter is a healthy way to increase calories in a child's diet while also providing nutrients for health. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are popular kid fare and make a healthy start to lunch or dinner.
Cheese
Providing cheese for a snack or adding to sandwiches, salads or vegetable side dishes provides children with about 100 calories per ounce. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta says that cheese can be introduced into a child's diet at 8 months of age provided there is no history of a milk allergy. Shredded cheese melted on potatoes, eggs, in soups or on top of casseroles effectively increases calorie intake at a meal and often makes these items more palatable and appealing to children.
Avocado
Avocados are a versatile food that children can eat mashed as a dip or chopped in a salad, on a sandwich or in soup. Children can dip crackers, chips or sliced vegetables into avocado dip to boost calories and fat intake for healthy weight, says the Costello Syndrome Support Group. Mashed or diced avocados can be fed to babies who are able to eat solid foods and make a good addition to a school-aged child's lunch. They can be added to tacos or served sliced as a side dish as well and provide about 75 calories per one-fourth avocado.
Nutritional Shakes
Many companies manufacture nutritional supplements that provide extra calories for children who need them. They come in a variety of flavors and brands, including Carnation Instant Breakfast and Pediasure. Some grocers sell a less expensive store brand product that provides the same benefits. The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital reports that one Carnation Instant Breakfast adds 130 calories to a child's glass of milk, boosting calorie intake in something they likely drink anyway.
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