How to Increase the Weight of a One Year Old

Attaining a proper weight is an important goal for babies, toddlers and young children. Overweight babies may be at greater for obesity later in life. Underweight babies may face developmental problems from calorie deprivation. If your year-old child is not meeting desired weight goals there are steps you and the child's other caregivers can take to help remedy this situation.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed more frequently. Many older babies are still nursing. Nursing a baby is an excellent way to feed the baby. Breast milk provides infants with high-calorie nutrition that is custom-designed for an infant's needs. If you are breastfeeding a baby and the baby is still underweight, consider breastfeeding more often. Try nursing every other hour during the day. Sit your baby on your lap. Offer him one breast for 10 minutes and your other breast for another 10 minutes.

2

Introduce cereals. Cereals are an important source of good nutrition for any baby. Many babies find cereals easy to digest. Experiment with different kinds of cereals to help the child find one she likes. Try wheat cereal one day and rice the next. Allow sufficient time between new foods to double check that your child is not allergic to the type of cereal. If you think your baby is having an allergic reaction, check with your pediatrician.

3

Offer the baby whole milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding babies whole milk after their first birthday. Whole milk is loaded with necessary calories, fat and calcium to help build strong muscles and bones. Offer a 1-year-old baby whole milk twice a day. Pour the milk into a sippy cup that he can grip without spilling. Introduce the milk in small doses. Try 1 oz. one day and 2 oz. the next.

4

Feed smaller and more frequent meals. Instead of feeding a baby three meals a day, try five or six meals per day. Offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks every day. Provide the baby with a choice of two items per meal. Let the baby choose which particular item he prefers at each meal. For example, consider offering the baby a choice of mashed potatoes or mashed carrots. Make the baby feel like a big girl or big boy by feeding the child at least some of the same foods that the adults at the table are eating.

5

Speak to caregivers. If your baby is in daycare, make sure that caregivers are aware of the baby's weight problems. Offer specific suggestions to staff members about how to feed your baby. If possible, check up on the daycare to ensure the staff is following your instructions correctly.