51 Effective Baby Weight Gain Foods

Weight issues are the issues that almost every child and their parents suffer with. Till 6 months of age, only breast milk should be given as it is the healthiest of all for that particular age. But, after 6 months, many other foods and drinks can be given to the babies for increasing weight and develop health of the kids.

Now, here is the list of 51 promising foods for weight gain in babies who have been eating solids since some time now.

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Also, If your baby has just started with taking solids, watch this video about How to Increase Baby Weight .

#1. Nuts

Nuts are a healthy option to increase weight. A 1/4th cup of dry-roasted mixed nuts contains approximately 200 calories. The nuts are rich in vitamin E, good fat and proteins.

Nuts are a great source of weight gain due to the high oil content in it. You can also go for the nuts butter as well, like almond butter or peanut butter as spreads.

• Give the children a handful of mixed well grounded nuts.
• Add as the toppings on the milkshakes or porridges.

Note: make sure that the nuts are well-grounded in order to prevent choking.

#2. Rice

Rice contains 75% of carbohydrates, which help baby gain weight faster. It also contains minerals, vitamin B and iron. Give rice with some breast milk or formula milk. By this, rice will not add any excessive or not required weight to the baby. Try rice with some pulses or ghee for a better taste.

#3. Whole wheat bread

Whole wheat bread is a healthy food to increase baby weight. Wheat has a lot of benefits of being rich in dietary fiber with low fat.

Though it is a slow food for weight gain but is a nutritious process. It does not add any unnecessary weight to the baby.

Give your baby, wheat in the form of porridges and pancakes. This is a healthy as well as a tasty way to gain weight.

Another way to have wheat is through broken wheat called ‘dalia’.

#4. Poha

Poha is the dehusked flattened rice. It has the same properties as of the rice. Poha is rich in carbohydrates that help in gaining weight.

Try different recipes for making poha and give it to your baby.

#5. Butter

Butter is full of healthy fat that helps baby gain weight faster.

People who want to lose weight do not have away from this food. The food is actually important for the body if taken in the correct amount.

Add a teaspoon of butter in your child’s food. But, don’t overdo it as it’s 97% fat could lead to obesity. Make your baby healthy, not fat.

Watch the 5 most effective weight gain foods and their quantities to be given according to your kiddo’s age.

#6. Dry fruits

Dry fruits are great for weight gain. Besides a healthy option, they are safe and tasty also.

Dry fruits make a healthy snack. You can start with them once the baby is 8 months of age and above.

• Try making some dry fruits powder for your little one to have it easily. Make dry fruits powder at home.
• Try giving foods including dry fruits like, dry fruit laddu, fruit snack bar, etc.

Note: dry fruits can cause allergy in some babies, look for it and stay safe.

#7. Pear

A food with taste as well as a health benefits is pear. Each and every child eats this fruit.

The sweet fruit is loaded with many nutritional values like vitamins, fiber and iron.

Give pear to the baby everyday to gain weight.

#8. Pumpkin

Pumpkin has many calories that help in gaining weight. This round and deep yellow vegetable is rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

Give the vegetable to you little one to boost health, weight and also this vegetable will add colour to the meal.

#9. Mangoes

Mango is called the king of fruits. Everyone loves this fruit and kids just can’t stop eating mangoes.

The fruit is enriched with fiber and vitamin A. Besides aiding in healthy weight gain, it has a lot of health benefits like, it improves digestion, and boosts tryptophan levels in one’s body, which makes a person feel happy.

#10. Peach

Another yummy food to boost weight gain is peach. One can start giving this fruit after 6 months.

Peach is enriched with dietary fiber and vitamins, particularly vitamin C.

Give directly by cutting or serve the fruit as smoothies and shakes after one year of age.

#11. Raw banana

Raw banana is a weight gaining as well as a nutritional food.

If you feel that your baby is underweight, give him/her a raw banana as it’s starch and carbohydrate content would help for the same.

Also, if one doesn’t feel to give banana to their baby during cold, ‘raw kerala banana powder’ could turns out to be a good option.

#12. Black gram (Urad dal)

Urad dal is packed with a lot of nutrients along with gaining weight. The food contains many calories, potassium and carbohydrates.

Make various dishes using urad dal and serve it to the baby.

#13. Golden bananas

Bananas can be given to a child after 6 months of age. Bananas are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, energy and essential carbohydrates and thus helps in healthy weight gain.

A single banana contains 105 calories. Give it in milkshakes or puddings along with some cream. This way, the child will find it pleasant to eat.

#14. Natural fruit juices

Fruit juices contain many nutrients and calories.

But, do not give the packaged ones containing preservatives. Rather, make the fresh juice at home by using the seasonal fruits.

Remember not to give too much juice to the baby as the baby can deny the other food items. One glass a day is enough for the growth.

Also, do not give the juice as the first thing in the morning. As the juice is acidic in nature, it can affect the inner lining of the stomach when it is empty.

#15. Oats

An oat is packed with a lot of carbohydrates and is one of the healthiest ways of putting on weight in babies. Oats are rich in manganese, phosphorus and thiamine. Oats is the only cereal that contains legume like protein.

You can give oats in these simple ways

• Give a bowl of oats to the baby.
• Try oat cookies.
• Plain oats porridge, oats kheer.

#16. Tofu

Tofu is made from soymilk and contains a lot of calcium and protein. For the vegetarians, tofu is a great food for weight gain.

Give 3-4 pieces everyday to the baby for healthy weight gain.

#17. Soya beans

Another food for vegetarians to gain weight is Soya beans. It has same nutritional values as meat.

Soya is rich in protein, iron and calcium. This description of soya includes soya chunks as well as the green soya bean.

#18. White meat

One can introduce chicken/meat to the baby after the age of 8 months. Meat is a rich source of protein, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, and cholesterol, which helps in gaining weight.

Meat can be given once a week to babies. Chicken is much affordable than meat.

Go for chicken soup, rice, or use chicken in baby’s dishes.

#19. Olive oil

The healthiest way to increase weight from oils is by using olive oil. It includes the good fats and the monounsaturated fatty acids. Olive oil is termed as a very nutritious element in one’s diet, providing all the required nutrients.

Besides, providing healthy weight gain, it is also good for the skin. So, start preparing the baby foods in virgin olive oil.

#20. Mung bean

Mung bean or moong dal is a nutritional food, while aiding in gaining weight. Dal is rich in carbohydrates, fat and potassium.

You can go for moong dal khichdi, soups or halwa.

#21. Chickpea

Chickpea is a nutritious food packed with a lot of protein content.

The food is popular for weight gain, particularly among vegetarians. Give chickpea for the healthy weight gain in your little one.

#22. Red meat

Red meat includes pork, beef, mutton, etc. It is a great source of fat and iron and is required by the body for proper growth and development.

Do not give the processed and cured meats for babies as it may contain the harmful preservatives. Remember to properly cook the non-vegetarian food.

#23. Fish

For non-vegetarians, another food is fish. The food is rich in protein and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Fish is known for its nutritional value for a healthy development of body. Give fish to child for weight gain as it has high protein.

#24. Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are termed as the first food for baby. It can be given from 6 months of age. The vegetable is rich in magnesium, potassium, vitamin A and C, dietary fiber and is very low in saturated fat. Sweet potato is also rich in beta-carotene and sugar. Hence, it is a highly nutritious food for gaining weight.

You can give it to your little one as

• Khichdi, pancake, purees or as soups.
• Mash plain or with milk.

#25. Avocado

Avocado is a great fruit for the underweight children. This exotic fruit is rich in calories, dietary fiber, and monounsaturated fats and has many other healthy nutrients as well that required by a growing child.

• You can use the avocado pulp for making dips or spreads.
• Go for blending it in the whole cream.
• Give simply by mashing it plain or with milk.

#26. Finger millet (Ragi)

Finger millet is a highly nutritious food and is loaded with carbohydrates, fat, calcium, proteins, vitamin A, fiber and B complex.

Several Mothers consider ragi for weight gain in babies. There are a number of Ragi Recipes which you could use as food ideas to introduce Ragi to your little one.

Finger millet is a must have food on the list. Give it with some ghee and jaggery for a better taste not only to the babies but to older kids as well.

#27. Potato

Starchy foods help in weight gain and potato is one of them. Apart from starch, potato also contains minerals, phytochemicals, and vitamins and is an excellent source of carbohydrates.

Potato to increase baby’s weight

Potato is used in many dishes. The food is proven for gaining weight. French fries are a favourite food of kids. Add a variety of potato-based dishes to the child’s diet, but start with a small quantity as in some babies potato might upset the tummy.

#28. Lima beans

Not very famous beans, but lima beans are great for gaining weight. Lima beans are rich in minerals, fiber and proteins. These are also called the butter beans due to their texture.

Make a curry of lima beans and serve it to the baby.

#29. Sapodilla (Chikoo)

Chikoo is a yummy fruit packed with a lot of fruit sugar. The sweet fruit has a lot of fan following among children.

It’s high levels of sugar boosts weight gain, while providing energy. Chikoo is excellent for the digestive, respiratory and immune system and also for the bones.

Combine sapodilla with some whole cream and make a yummy milkshake for your little one.

#30. Cheese

Cheese is made from milk mixed with some flavours and textures.

Cheese is enriched with proteins, phosphorous, calcium and good fat. Children can be given this healthy food after 8 months of age.

Give a little of cheese direct as a snack or mix it in some fruit salad and serve it the baby.

#31. Breast milk

Breast milk is the healthiest and a full of nutrition food for the overall development of the body and this is the reason that a child should be given only breast milk for 6 months of age.

In order to keep baby healthy, do not give any other food than breast milk till 6 months of age. Breast milk is the super food for your little ones. It helps to fulfill all the fat, energy and other requirements of the body.

#32. Yogurt

Yogurt is made up by bacterial fermentation of milk and is comprised of calcium, proteins and fat.

Kids who are lactose intolerant, yogurt is an excellent option for them. Yogurt is a healthy choice for weight gain as it contains good bacteria required by the body.

Try flavoured yogurt and smoothies made at home for your kids.

#33. Papaya

Papaya is called the fruit of angels due to its many nutritional and health benefits. It contains high amounts of sugars, which provide a lot of energy, and helps in increasing weight.

Papaya improves digestion and boosts immunity in children.

• Try papaya smoothies.
• Papaya salad
• Mashed papaya

#34. Eggs

Eggs are loaded with proteins; 100 g of eggs contain 13 g of protein. This helps in increasing weight in an individual. Eggs are also rich in vitamin A and vitamin B12, which are required for the normal growth and development of a child.

One can start giving egg yolk to the baby from the age of eight months and the whole eggs when the baby gets one year old. The ritual is followed so as to prevent any kind of allergies.

egg yolk to increase baby weight

An egg a day can eliminate the need for any supplementary vitamins.

#35. Kerala bananas

A big Kerala banana with a glass of milk makes a perfect breakfast and this combination is so filling that one doesn’t feel hungry for a longer period.

Give half of a kerala banana steamed, deseeded and mashed with some ghee everyday to the baby to boost weight gain.

#36. Buttermilk

Buttermilk can be made using yogurt with some milk or water to make it thin. The drink has all the nutritional values of milk and thus, it is very healthy.

Give half glass of buttermilk everyday to the baby and observe the weight gain in them.

#37. Ghee

Ghee is considered as the best source for gaining weight as said by the grandmothers. It contains around 62% of saturated fats. The preparation includes melting the butter and due to very less amount of lactose present in it, ghee is safe for the children who are lactose intolerant.

It is said that ghee makes all dishes taste better but do not overdo it. You can add it in all the foods after 7 months of age, starting with few drops initially and increasing the quantity gradually.

ghee for healthy baby weight

Ghee can be sometimes heavy for the baby, so give it moderately. Always be safe, and for this, give only the homemade ghee to the baby, which is free from all the chemicals and preservatives.

#38. Peanut butter

Peanuts are an excellent source for increasing weight and hence, give the peanut butter to the child. It is a calorie dense protein rich food.

• Spread a teaspoon of the peanut butter on a slice of bread and give it to your 1-month-older.
• One can also combine it with jams and other spreads.
• Make cookies including the peanut butter.

Note for any allergies to peanuts with the child and do not give with the same case.

#39. Virgin coconut oil

It is recommended to use virgin coconut oil. Add a teaspoon full of virgin coconut oil to the baby’s food.

Coconut has many nutrients and is also good for the skin of the child. It helps in easy digestion and weight gain in babies.

Make sure that you check for the rancidity of the oil, as rancid oil can be harmful for the body.

#40. Pigeon pea (Tuvar dal)

Pigeon pea and all the pulses are high in calories and helps in gaining weight. Besides gaining weight, pulses are packed with a high content of protein and many other health benefits that helps in staying healthy.

Give some rice, dal and ghee to add taste and goodness in your child’s body.

#41. Kidney beans (Rajma)

‘Rajma Rice’ is the food loved by all the children.

Kidney beans are high in calories and are a healthy food to be added to baby’s diet for increasing weight.

#42. Peas

Peas are known to be as the ‘first finger’ foods for the baby. Peas have a good taste and this is the reason children love to eat them.

Peas are comprised to vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and proteins. The food is also rich in calcium and phosphorous. You can give peas to the child after 6 months of age.

Make peas soup, curry or khichdi and give to the baby.

#43. Dalia

Dalia or broken wheat is another healthy food for the babies to gain weight. Though, the food is low fat but is high in calories.

Dalia is soft and children find it easy to eat. Give a bowl of daila to boost weight gain in babies.

#44. Corn

Corn is a starchy food and thus helps in gaining weight. Besides having nutritional elements, it is yummy also. The baby would just love to have it.

Give it boiled or roasted to your little one to increase its weight. You can also use the corn oil for making baby food.

Note: look for any allergies as for some babies corn might be an allergic food.

#45. Health bars

Nowadays, health bars are very common to aid healthy weight gain.

Make your own health bars at home using flour, sesame seeds, ghee, nuts and dried fruits. Adding flavoured contents is optional.

Give one health bar daily with milk to the baby for healthy weight gain.

#46. Homemade cerelac

Homemade cerelac or sathu mavu is a healthy mixture.  It is one of the most nutritious and healthy baby foods to increase weight. The reason behind the cerelac being healthy is that it is homemade and is free from any additives and preservatives.
How to make cerelac at home? Here’s a step by step guide to preparing homemade cerelac, which is nutritious plus healthy weight gaining food for your baby at home.

This porridge is definitely going to help for baby’s weight gain and its nutrients will ensure that the baby grows up healthy.

#47. Coconut milk

Coconut milk is the liquid that is obtained by grating the white inner flesh of the brown coconut, and it is not the coconut water.

Coconut milk is has high oil content and its good taste makes it loved by kids. Add some of the amount to your child’s food to see the results.

Use the freshly squeezed coconut milk and avoid using the processed ones.

#48. Whole cream milk

Whole cream milk is loaded with a lot of calories and fat that could help the baby in gaining weight. Cream milk definitely increases weight. It includes a lot of calcium and is also enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.

Give a glass full of whole cream milk to your child every day in the morning and evening. The morning one will kick start the baby’s day and the evening one will provide enough energy to play. Add fresh cream to the salads and give it to the child to have.

Remember to look for any allergies while giving the packaged milk. If the baby doesn’t like milk, give them yogurt or try to make different kinds of milk shakes with fruits and then give it to the baby.

#49. Dates

Dates are popular for its delicious taste. The food is rich in calories, which helps in weight gain.

Give one or two pieces of it to your little one for increasing weight.

#50. Multigrain health drink powder

You can make a multigrain health drink powder at home by using lentils and whole grains. You don’t have to use the one available in the market but make yourself at home. Homemade one would be free from all the preservatives, additives or any chemicals.

All the bad tasting whole grains can be made to eat by the baby by this mixture.

#51. Almond milk

Almond is a great food and so is almond milk.

This creamy texture liquid is great especially for the lactose intolerant kids, as it does not contain the lactose. Almond milk is highly nutritious and helps in healthy weight gain, as it does not contain any cholesterol.

Give a glass of almond milk to the child everyday for best results

In the end

We hope the above list can help you find a solution. Do prepare your own custom list of food items for your baby from the above mentioned list. Take special care of avoiding any food item for which your baby is allergic.

In case you would like to share your baby’s experience and help other moms find the most effective food items for their cute little toddlers to gain weight, do tell us in the comments section below.

Happy Parenting 😀