Weight Gain Plan for Underweight Children

Children who are underweight may be more susceptible to illness. Being underweight can also affect their growth and impact them negatively when they start puberty. Parents can help by offering a variety of nutritious food choices. A relaxing atmosphere at mealtime with the family gathered together may help children eat more and eat things that are good for them. If a child refuses to eat or experiences severe weight loss, she should be seen by a doctor.

Calories

• Children may be underweight if they don't consume enough calories or if they're very active and are burning more calories than they're consuming. There are ways to increase the amount of calories in a child's diet. Milkshakes, smoothie drinks and peanut butter are all high in calories. Healthy sources of fat such as avocados, nuts and vegetable oils can provide extra calories that make up for calories burned during physical activity. Carbohydrates such as bread, rice and pasta can also add extra calories. Foods such as cake, candy and fried food are high in calories but aren't good for children's health.

Meals

• Healthy meals in the right combination can help underweight children gain weight. Children may not eat enough if the family doesn't sit and eat together for meals. Sometimes, six small meals work better for children to gain weight, but at least one family member should sit down to eat with them. Adult family members shouldn't criticize other adults or children for overeating, under-eating or skipping a meal. Instead, children should be encouraged to make healthy food choices and develop healthy eating patterns so they can be nourished properly. Children will usually copy their parent's choices, so it's important for parents to set a good example.

Healthy Snacks

• Healthy snacks should be given between meals to help children who need to gain weight. Foods high in sugar and fat aren't healthy and should only be given to children occasionally. Cheese slices or string cheese, bananas, apple wedges, peanut butter sandwiches and yogurt and fresh fruit are some examples of healthy snacks. Children should be offered different types of snacks so they can choose what they want to eat. They shouldn't be forced to eat something they don't want because it could affect the amount of food they eat or their eating patterns. Children want to eat more if they are involved in preparing foods. They can pick out the foods they like and help make their own healthy snacks.