The recommended daily caloric intake for toddlers is between 1,000 and 1,400, according to Kids Health. Whether your child is underweight or simply doesn't eat much due to picky eating or the inability to sit still and eat, sneaking in extra calories helps with proper growth. To keep your toddler healthy, choose extra calories that are nutritious rather than simply filling him with empty calories to meet the daily quota. Talk to your child's health care provider if you are concerned he is underweight or not eating enough calories.
Step 1
Schedule meals and snacks for your toddler to establish distinct eating times. When meal or snack time arrives, your toddler is more likely to feel hungry and may eat more in one sitting than he would grazing on snacks here and there.
Step 2
Encourage your toddler to eat first before drinking. Limit drinks like juice that are high in sugar without a lot of nutritional value.
Step 3
Serve your toddler between 16 and 24 ounces of whole milk each day to add calories and healthy fat. Add powdered breakfast drink mix to the milk for more calories and nutrients. Avoid serving her more than 24 ounces, as the milk is likely to fill her up and make her less hungry for other calorie-rich foods.
Step 4
Use the higher fat version of dairy products and other foods, like yogurt, sour cream, cheese and salad dressing. Avoid low-fat products that will also limit your child's calorie intake.
Step 5
Stir in extra ingredients to make your toddler's meals higher in calories. For example, stir cream cheese, peanut butter or whole milk into your child's bowl of oatmeal. Ingredients that work well stirred into other food items include dairy products, mayonnaise, nut butters, cheese and sauces.
Step 6
Dip the bread for a toasted cheese sandwich into an egg and milk mixture similar to French toast. Cook the bread and add the cheese slices between it to finish the sandwich.
Step 7
Add high-calorie dips to your child's plate to encourage greater calorie consumption. Try full-fat salad dressing, hummus or cheese sauce.
Step 8
Carry snacks with you when you leave the house so you are prepared if your toddler gets hungry. Try granola bars, peanut butter crackers or graham crackers for snacks that are portable.
