What should a 6-month-old baby eat to gain weight? This question is on the mind of many parents as their little ones seem to be constantly growing. While in this blog post will provide some general guidelines for what you can feed your baby to help them reach their optimal weight. Keep in mind that every baby is different, so if you have any concerns about your child’s diet or weight, be sure to speak with your pediatrician!
Weight gain foods for babies should be rich in calories and easy to digest. Every parent wants to see their kid flourish and develop well. One of the most difficult responsibilities of parenthood is ensuring that your child receives the proper amount of nutrition daily while also maintaining a healthy weight. However, adjusting a child’s food habits while they are underweight is a completely different story. Apart from providing them with a balanced diet and attention, you must also ensure that you are feeding your babies plenty of calorie-dense foods to assist them to gain weight.
If your baby is underweight do not give them high-fat foods as these will make it harder for them to digest and assimilate the nutrients. Always remember foods for weight gain in babies should be easy to digest and should not put any strain on their immature digestive system. That’s why we’ve outlined the foods for babies that will help them gain weight the healthy way!
In This Article
Best Foods For 6-months old baby
At 6 months of age babies are not able to digest all types of food until they reached the milestone of 12 months. However, there are a few special foods that can help in the development and weight gain of 6-month-old babies. In contrast to what you might think, 6-month-old babies don’t need to eat more to gain weight. It’s quality over quantity that matters when it comes to your baby’s meals. The following foods are great for helping your 6-month-old baby gain weight:
Rice and Oats
The cereals like rice and oats contain simple carbohydrates that are easy to digest and assimilate. They also have a high amount of calories that help in weight gain. You can start by mixing a little bit of rice cereal with breast milk or formula and gradually increasing the amount. However, rice has a high arsenic content, so it’s important to cook it properly. Oats are another great option and can be given as porridge or in the form of oatmeal biscuits. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Oats also contain a plant-based compound called avenanthramide, which has anti-inflammatory properties. In your baby weight gain journey, you can start with 1-2 tablespoons of either rice or oats cereal and then increase the amount gradually.
Pureed fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also contain dietary fiber, which is important for proper digestion. You can start with pureed fruits like bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins. You can also give pureed vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans. These purees can be given along with cereals or as a separate meal. You can gradually increase the quantity as per your baby’s tolerance.
Egg yolk
Egg yolk is an excellent source of nutrients like choline, biotin, and vitamins A, D, and E. It also contains high-quality protein and fat that help in the weight gain of babies. You can start by giving your baby a little bit of egg yolk mixed with breast milk or formula. However, for your baby’s diet egg yolk should only be given in small amounts as it contains cholesterol. Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrients and are one of the best foods you can give to your 6-month-old baby for weight gain.
Breast milk
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your 6-month-old baby. It contains all the nutrients that are essential for your baby’s growth and development. Breast milk also has antibodies that protect your baby from infections. Moreover, it is easy to digest and assimilate, which makes it perfect for babies who are trying to gain weight. On the contrary, formula milk is not as easily digested by your baby and can cause gastrointestinal issues. If you want your baby to gain weight, remember that breast milk is a source of nutrition. Furthermore, it is always advisable to consult your pediatrician before starting any solid food.
Yogurt
Yogurt is another excellent food for weight gain in babies. It’s packed with nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins that are essential for your baby’s growth and development. Plus, the live cultures present in yogurt help in strengthening your baby’s immune system. You can start by giving your baby plain yogurt or yogurt mixed with some fruits or vegetables. However, make sure to choose yogurt that doesn’t contain any added sugar. You can make this nutritious snack even more wholesome by adding some whole-grain cereal to it. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt and increase the amount gradually.
Cheese
Cheese is another great food for weight gain in babies. It’s rich in calories, fat, and protein, all of which are essential for your baby’s growth and development. Cheese also contains calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals that are important for your baby’s health. You can start by giving your baby small pieces of cheese to gnaw on. You can also add grated cheese to other dishes like pasta, rice, etc. Always remember to choose cheese that is easy to digest and has a lower fat content. You can make it even healthier by opting for cheese made from skimmed milk.
Avocado
Avocado is not only a delicious fruit but also an excellent source of healthy fats. It contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids. Avocados are also rich in fiber, which promotes a feeling of fullness. You can start by giving your baby a quarter of an avocado and then increasing the amount gradually. You can also add avocado to other dishes like mashed potatoes or pureed vegetables. However, make sure to avoid adding salt or sugar to it because it can be harmful to your baby’s health.
Pulses
It is one of the best foods when it comes to gaining weight for a 6-month-old baby. Pulses are packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals. You can either give it to your baby in a mashed form or as soup. The birth weight of a baby is usually doubled by the 6th month. So, if your baby falls in the lower weight percentile, then you need to focus on increasing his/her weight. And, what could be a better option than giving them food which is not only healthy but also delicious! Pulses not only give them the required nutrition but also help in the development of their immune system.
Fish
Generally, fish is not recommended for babies until they are a year old. But, if your baby is 6 months old and underweight, then you can give him/her fish once or twice a week. Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are extremely important for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. You can give your baby fish in the form of soup or puree. For the 6 months of age babies, you can try salmon, tilapia, or cod fish. These are soft and easy to digest. You can also give your baby canned tuna, but make sure to drain out all the water completely.
Cow’s milk
For your little one, cow’s milk is one of the best foods to gain weight. It contains high-quality proteins, fat, and carbohydrates which help in increasing the weight of your baby. You can either give them whole milk or semi-skimmed milk depending on their age and health condition. You can also add some mashed fruits or vegetables to make them more nutritious and tasty. For your baby’s overall development, cow’s milk help in providing the necessary nutrients. However, at the end of the day, it’s important to check with your baby’s doctor before starting solid foods.
Mashed or pureed meat
For easy digestion and to get all the nutrients, it is advisable to give mashed or pureed meat to your 6-month-old baby. You can either give them chicken, lamb, beef, or turkey. All these meats are a rich source of proteins and help in the growth and development of your baby. You can either steam or bake the meat before mashing or pureeing it. This will help to retain all the nutrients. You can add a little water, broth, or formula to get the required consistency. On the contrary, it can be introduced as a semi-solid food as well.
Sweet potato
Baby weight is something that needs to be increased gradually and in a healthy way. And, sweet potatoes can do wonders in this case! They are rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, B6, and Manganese. Also, they have a low glycemic index which means that they break down slowly and help in maintaining the blood sugar levels. You can either bake or steam sweet potatoes and then puree them to make a smooth paste. You can even mix it with other vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to make a healthy and tasty dish for your baby. To the sweet potato puree, you can even add some breast milk or formula to make it more nutritious.
What yogurt can the baby eat?
A few different types of yogurt are generally considered safe for infants and young children to eat. These include plain, unsweetened yogurt made from whole milk. Some parents also choose to give their children low-fat or non-fat yogurt as well. However, it’s important to check with your child’s pediatrician before introducing any new food, as there may be specific dietary recommendations for your child based on their age and health condition.
Yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients, so it can be a helpful part of your child’s diet. When choosing a yogurt for your child, look for one that has live and active cultures listed on the label. These cultures can help promote gut health. You can also add yogurt to other foods, such as cereal or fruit, to make them more nutrient-dense and help your child reach their daily calorie goals.
How many times a day should I feed my 6-month-old solids?
It’s typically recommended to start with one solid meal per day, and then gradually add more meals as the baby gets older and becomes more comfortable with solids.
Some babies are ready for solids as early as four months old, while others may not be ready until closer to six or seven months old. If your baby seems interested in food and is able to hold its head up steadily, it may be ready to start trying solids.
Be sure to introduce one new food at a time, so you can easily identify any allergies or sensitivities. And always consult with your pediatrician before starting your baby on solid foods.
which fruit is best for 6 months baby?
There are many fruits that are great for 6-month-old babies, including pureed or mashed options. Some of the best fruits for 6-month-olds include bananas, avocados, and pears. These fruits are all soft and easy to mash, making them perfect for young babies. You can also puree these fruits or cook them into a smoothie for an even easier option. As always, be sure to talk to your pediatrician before introducing any new foods to your baby.
Is egg good for my 6 months of the age-old baby?
Yes, eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for babies 6 months and older. They provide essential nutrients like choline, vitamin D, and zinc that help support growth and development.
Eggs are also a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that help protect the eyes from damage. In fact, one egg provides 25% of the recommended daily intake of lutein and zeaxanthin for babies 6 to 12 months old.
So go ahead and give your baby an egg or two each day to help them get the nutrients they need!
The Conclusion
So, the best foods for weight gain for a 6-month baby are those that are high in calories and nutrients. Nutritional foods to your baby will help in his/her development and also ensure that your baby gets the energy he/she needs to grow. As we said healthy weight gain can be achieved by giving your baby the right amount of healthy food. Also, remember that every baby is different and will gain weight at its own pace. So, don’t worry if your baby isn’t gaining weight as fast as you’d like, as long as they are healthy and happy. We hope this article has helped give you some ideas on what kinds of food to give your 6-month-old baby to help them gain weight. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to speak to us through a comment below. Thanks for reading!
