If your toddler is not gaining weight as expected, she may be experiencing failure to thrive. Children who fail to thrive do not gain weight as expected. There are many possible causes for this diagnosis, including illness, and the underlying cause must be determined to fix the problem. You can work with your toddler's doctor or nutritionist to decide which foods might work best to get your child into a normal growth pattern. It is important to include healthy and nutrient-dense, high calorie foods from each food group in her diet.
Dairy and Eggs
Whole milk products contain fat that can help your toddler gain weight as well as nutrients her body needs such as calcium and vitamin D. Offer whole milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream and pudding. You can try incorporating whole milk products into her diet by making soup with whole milk instead of water and by adding cheese to other dishes.
Fruits and Vegetables
Dried fruits and canned fruit in syrup provide calories while still remaining a healthy and nutritious option. Fresh bananas are also a good source of calories. You can try offering your toddler a smoothie made with fruit and full-fat yogurt. Some vegetables, such as peas and corn, are good options for your toddler if she needs to gain weight. Avocados are a good source of unsaturated fat and can help your toddler put on weight.
Starches and Grains
Feeding your toddler starches and grains can help your her gain weight. Offer her starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes and rice. Whole wheat pasta, bread and pancakes are nutritious, higher-calorie choices as well. Try adding full-fat cheese to whole wheat macaroni for a healthy meal. Granola bars are also good additions to your toddler's diet for weight gain.
Protein
Sources of protein can help with weight gain while also providing energy. Try offering meat and poultry like hamburgers and chicken. Oily fish like salmon and sardines have fat and are energy dense, but may not be appealing to a toddler. Beans and nuts like kidney beans, chickpeas and peanuts are also sources of protein. Try offering your toddler a peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread.
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