During pregnancy, the mother needs to consume nutritious food in order to supply the growing foetus with necessary fuel to develop. Post-delivery, the baby needs to be introduced to regular food once the breastfeeding period is over. The infant’s diet needs to be well balanced and high on nutrition which will support the physical and mental development of the child.
12 High-Calorie Foods for Baby Weight Gain
Parents want to ensure that their baby consumes sufficient nutrients and calories to keep their energy levels high and fulfil the daily requirement of minerals in the body. As babies are continuously growing, it is vital to ensure that there is no shortage of good food and that the same is fed to them on a timely basis. The ideal calorie intake for infants is between 430 and 844 calories per day, depending on the age, size, and gender of the baby.
In the initial four to five months after birth, the mother’s milk and formulated milk is the only food item which is given to the baby. Solid foods can be slowly introduced there-after in the form of purees and mashed mixtures.
Following are the high-calorie foods for infants which are healthy and bundled with necessary nutrients as well.
1. Tasty Milk Yoghurt
A healthy add-on to mother’s milk, yoghurt can be given to the baby after six months from birth. Typically, 100 grams of yoghurt made with fruit and multigrain cereal contains about 100 calories. Do not go for fat-free yoghurt as this has fewer calories.
2. Protein Rich Lentils
Boiled lentils are high in protein and calories. They can be mixed with mashed rice and ghee and fed to the baby. Easy to digest, it is nutritious as well as filling.
3. Hook To Cheese
High in calories and taste, cheese can be included in your baby’s diet plan. 25 grams of cheese contains more than 100 calories which will help fulfil the daily calorie intake requirement. Cheese can be shredded and mixed with vegetable puree or mashed rice and given to the baby. Even if the baby dislikes the taste of vegetables, the cheese will make the food tasty. It can also be used as a substitute for butter.
4. Egg Yolk
Egg, which is another calorie rich baby food, is packed with protein and can be cooked and added to puree of vegetables or rice. Egg yolk not only nourishes the baby with essential minerals, but it also helps the baby to gain weight. However, feeding egg yolk should be avoided during the first eight months after birth, and after that, it can be given three to four times a week to the child.
5. Amazing Avocado
Avocado is rich in good fats and minerals like potassium, folate and Vitamins E, B, C and K. It is good for the baby’s health and can be given in mashed or pureed form or mixed with formula milk to form a paste. Avocado can also be combined with other fruits such as banana and fed to the baby. One-eighth cup of Avocado can provide up to 46 calories.
6. Go Bananas
Banana is a heavenly fruit for various reasons. It tastes great, is an excellent source of calcium and high in carbs (carbohydrates). It is a storehouse of energy and is especially useful for the baby. Bananas can be added to porridge or cereals or can be mashed and given directly to the baby. Making a banana milkshake with formulated milk is also a tasty option.
7. Creamy Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is another item which contains a lot of protein that will help energise the baby and gain weight. Peanut butter can be applied on toasts, topped on crackers or be used as a dip for snacks and given to the child. This will add zing to bland food. Be sure to avoid chunky peanut butter as the peanut pieces can get stuck in the baby’s throat and cause irritation.
8. Crunchy Nuts
Nuts like cashews and almonds are rich in vitamin E, fats, proteins and carbs. Almonds and walnuts are known to improve memory power. Make sure that your baby’s diet has nuts included in it. Nuts can be added to shakes or smoothies, can be mashed and given or can be chewed upon directly once the baby has teeth. You must ensure that your child is not allergic to any of the nuts before you make them a part of their daily diet plan. Also, avoid giving large pieces of nuts to the baby as they might cause difficulties in swallowing and digestion.
9. Fish And Meat
Fish contains essential Omega 3 fatty acids which are very crucial for the growth of the baby. Meat also is high on nutrition and contains proteins and fat in the right amount. Fish and meat can be given to small children after they are cooked properly. Ensure that the meat and fish are bought from hygienic places, preferably of a trusted brand which is well packed.
10. Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is also a good food which helps the baby gain weight. Sweet potato contains beta-carotene and sugar which help to increase the baby’s weight. Sweet potato can be boiled, mashed and given to the baby directly or added to other fruits and vegetables. Sweet potato is compatible with soup and milk and makes a tasty and healthy combination with the two.
11. Wheat Germ Wonder
Wheat germ is an extraction from the wheat kernel which is extremely nutritious and a good source of calories for the baby. Wheat germ can be a part of any baby food which is prepared for the child. It can be added to regular dishes, purees or cereals and made a part of the baby’s daily diet plan.
12. Evergreen Vegetables and Fruits
Perhaps the most basic yet effective food groups for the baby are fruits and vegetables. Vegetables and fruits are mandatory food items which have to be included in the baby’s daily diet plan. They are storehouses of nutrients and minerals which supply the baby with life essentials. Vegetables like gourd, spinach, carrot and beetroot can be mashed or made into a puree to be fed to the baby. Once the baby can chew food, fruits and vegetables can be used as topping on bread and given to the child.
A baby’s diet needs to be carefully planned in consultation with the doctor and a nutritionist. As the baby grows, the food composition also needs to change to match and fulfil the nutrition requirement of the growing child. It is essential to seek the advice of health-care professionals before giving new food items to the baby. Observing the impact of various food items on them will help you understand their likes and dislikes.
Calories are an important part of their diet which needs to be balanced out according to their age, weight and size. Efforts should be made to avoid giving extra calories to the child.
