Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters. If your child's pickiness is causing him to not hit growth targets, however, it may be a reason for concern. Underweight toddlers are more susceptible to health problems. If your child has recently suffered an illness and lost weight as a result, you may need to add calories to his diet to help him achieve a healthy weight. Always consult with your child's doctor before beginning a diet plan.
Step 1
Give your toddler high calorie, nutritious foods at meal times. Try eggs and hot cereal at breakfast, avocados with lunch and overcooked whole wheat pasta for dinner.
Step 2
Supplement your toddler's diet with ample snacks. Offer up toddler-friendly options such as cheese sticks, yogurt and pudding. Skip the cookies, artificial "fruit" snacks and crackers made with refined flour.
Step 3
Enhance the calories in foods your toddler will eat. Add dry milk powder to mashed potatoes and pancake batter. Toss pasta in olive oil. Melt cheese over soft-cooked carrots, noodles and toast. Offer your child French toast, instead of plain bread, or soups with extra noodles.
Step 4
Indulge your child's eating pattern. Allow her to graze throughout the day rather than forcing her to eat three larger meals.
Step 5
Discourage juice consumption. While juice may contain calories, it often fills your toddler up so that she refuses regular food. Encourage whole milk or water between meals.
Step 6
Create toddler-friendly smoothies. Blend frozen fruits such as bananas with milk, honey and instant breakfast mix for added calories and sweetness. Add frozen yogurt or ice cream for added calories.
Step 7
Use full-fat dairy products. Allow your child to drink calorie-rich whole milk. Prepare soups, cereals and pudding with whole milk. Offer whole-milk yogurt and full-fat cheeses. Butter your child's toast and add butter to baked goods.
Step 8
Consult your doctor about adding a nutritional supplement. Many high-calorie drink supplements are commercially available. Make sure you choose one that meets your child's nutritional needs.
Tips and Warnings
- If your toddler is underweight due to a serious illness, using traditionally "unhealthy" foods may be okay. The Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford suggests enhancing meals with sweetened condensed milk and ice cream.
- If you are concerned about your child's weight, please consult her physician.
