While obesity is epidemic in children these days, a fair number of children have exactly the opposite problem, a tendency to be underweight. Some children are naturally slender, but not necessarily underweight, so be sure to have your child evaluated by a pediatrician to determine which category fits and to rule out health problems or allergies. If weight gain is recommended, adding more calories to your child's diet should help add a few pounds. If weight gain remains difficult, adding a few supplements to a healthy, well-balanced diet can be helpful.
Supplement with Calorie-Dense Foods
Adding more calories to your child's daily diet can be done with a few simple changes. Using whole milk rather than 2 percent or skim can add calories, as can frequent snacks that contain healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts and seeds. Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on toast at breakfast to add calories, or offer peanut butter crackers for snacks. Gradually increase portion sizes at meal and snack times, or encourage small, frequent meals throughout the day. Shakes or smoothies are a great way to sneak in a few extra calories, as is adding a dollop of butter or margarine to vegetables or potatoes or a bit of extra dressing on salads. However, it is important to offer foods that are both nutritious and calorie-dense and avoid sugary or fatty foods that offer only empty calories.
Vitamins and Minerals
Kids who have difficulty gaining weight may not be getting balanced nutrition, according to Children's Hospital Boston, and may be lacking in vitamins, minerals, protein or dietary fat. Inadequate nutrition can make it difficult for some children to gain weight as well, so poor nutrition can be either an underlying cause or an effect of poor weight gain. A balanced multivitamin that contains iron, calcium and other essential minerals is good dietary insurance for underweight children.
Dietary Supplements
If dietary changes and vitamin and mineral supplements have not brought about the desired weight gain, weight gain supplements may help, according to BabyCenter. These are commonly available in the form of high-calorie milkshakes or juice drinks enriched with vitamins, minerals and proteins, either in powder form or ready-made in cans. Protein bars can be helpful to children who are not getting enough protein at mealtimes. Such supplements should be given after a meal or at bedtime, since they can be quite filling, to avoid interference with the consumption of regular, balanced meals.
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