Healthy Weight Gain for Children: Strategies & Expert Advice

There are many reasons that a child may be underweight. There are just as many steps that you can take to modify your child's diet and promote weight gain.

Misconceptions

• Not every child who is small is underweight. The standard for determining if a child is underweight is if their Body Mass Index is less than 5% of the average for age and gender. But even this is not a hard and fast rule. Consult with your child's physician, because some children who fall into this category may actually be at a size that is healthy for them.

Effects

• Some underweight children are also diagnosed with Failure to Thrive, which represents stunted growth and development. It's highly probable that a truly underweight child is also malnourished, which can make the child more susceptible to illness.

Possible Causes

• Children may be underweight due to skipping meals, a lack of appetite, a deficit of iron, or a diet too low in fat. (For children under two, a high-fat diet is especially important for brain development and overall growth.) Drinking too much juice can stem a child's appetite. Underlying disease may also be a cause.

Solution

• Dietary adjustments can be made to increase a child's caloric intake.

Diet Tips

• Give your child calorie-dense healthy foods, such as peanut butter and jelly, and macaroni and cheese. Encourage frequent healthy snacking. Dairy foods are always a good choice, as they are high in fat. Consult your physician to see if vitamin pills may also be appropriate.