Tips to Help a Child to Gain Weight
When we think of a child with a weight problem, we automatically assume she is overweight. Sometimes, however, the opposite is true. If a child is not gaining enough weight it can be detrimental to her health. In babies and young children, this is called a failure to thrive. There are some things you can do as a parent to help your child gain the necessary weight she needs.
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Track Calories
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Purchase a scale and a calorie index for items that don't list their total calories directly on their packaging. Keep track of how many calories your child eats each day for three to five days. Call your pediatrician to find out how many calories your child is suppose to eat each day to be an average weight. Compare the two numbers.
If your child isn't eating enough calories, you know you must add a few food items to his diet until he is eating the recommended number of calories per day. If he is eating the recommended number of calories, tell your pediatrician. This means there is something wrong in the body and the food is not being used like it should. The pediatrician can order tests and help you find out why your child is not gaining weight.
Whole Milk
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Only give your child dairy products that use whole milk. First, whole milk is necessary for growing children. Second, whole milk contains fat that will help your child gain weight. You will want to give your child one 8-ounce glass of milk daily or with each meal if you would like. Then, if you are planning on serving dessert, choose something like pudding that is made with whole milk. Make sure any cheeses you serve your child also are made with whole milk.
Healthy Calories
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Children will not gain weight the right way if they are eating unhealthy calories such as from fried chicken or a fast-food hamburger. These are called empty calories. Make sure you are giving your children healthy calories such as those from a sweet potato or a piece of boneless chicken breast.
You also should switch from white bread (which has little nutritional value) to 100 percent whole-grain bread. It is important that the bread says 100 percent whole grain; if it just says wheat bread, it isn't a whole grain bread. Also, try to use whole-grain pastas. For a snack, your children can munch on nuts, which are high in calories, but healthy calories. Dark green vegetables also are a good choice.
Supplements
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Start giving your child a supplement such as Pediasure or Carnation Instant Breakfast. If you choose Carnation Instant Breakfast, use whole milk to make it. If your child is not gaining enough weight, the insurance company will pay for Pediasure. You just need a prescription from your doctor and you can take the prescription directly to a pharmacist.
Pediasure can be given to your child twice per day in addition to regular meals. It provides the proper nutrition your child needs to encourage weight gain.
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