Your child's doctor will likely keep track of her weight using a growth chart. If her weight is not proportionate to her height, she may be considered underweight. Although every child grows at her own pace, her doctor can help you determine the best way to help her gain weight according to her situation.
Considerations
If you notice that your child is underweight, talk to his doctor before attempting to help him gain weight. He may appear to be underweight if he recently had a growth spurt and grew taller, in which case his weight will catch up with his height gradually. His doctor may ask questions about other symptoms, such as chronic diarrhea or vomiting. If your child is losing weight for an illness or is underweight due to a psychological problem, such as an eating disorder, that problem will need to be treated before changing his eating habits.
Meals
To help your child gain weight, it is important to offer her nutritious foods that are also good sources of fat, like avocados and foods cooked in vegetable oils. Give her whole wheat pasta, bread, peanut butter, mashed potatoes and lean proteins. Make sure that she has at least five portions of fruits and vegetables every day. You can add healthy foods that are high in calories in small ways as well. For example, you can try sprinkling some of her food with cheese. If your child is underweight and only eating breast milk or formula, his doctor can help you find ways to increase the calories in his feedings, which may include preparing his bottles with cereal or extra formula.
Snacks
Snacks are an important part of your child's calorie intake. BabyCenter states that nuts are healthy sources of fat. You can also offer him cheese and crackers, dried fruit and bananas. Try giving your child yogurt that does not have reduced-fat content. The fat can help your child gain weight, and fat is necessary for brain development in young children.
Beverages
Whole milk can help your child gain weight, and 100 percent juice can help provide a variety. Be sure not to give your child more milk than is recommended by her doctor, and only offer her 1 cup of juice a day. If she drinks too many beverages, she may have less room for meals that will provide her with nutrients. Her doctor may also recommend that she drink a high-calorie supplement drink with extra vitamins and minerals to help her gain weight.
Warnings
Do not give your child junk food to help him gain weight. Eating habits are established early in life, and it is important to encourage the consumption of nutritious foods. Be sure that he does not skip meals, and avoid weighing him consistently at home. BabyCenter states that this may make him self-conscious about his weight.
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