Getting your picky toddler to eat can be a struggle at the best of times. As a parent, you should understand that a loss of appetite is very normal for toddlers and there are a number of reasons for why it can happen. As a child grows, they tend to become fussier eaters and as they get older their growth rate slows down a little. However, if the child is not gaining weight normally it may be due to an underlying problem that requires treatment. If your child is struggling to put on weight, see your doctor whom may prescribe an antihistamine such as periactin for weight gain.
Poor weight gain in toddlers is not a disease, but rather a symptom, with many possible causes. Generally the main problem is the toddler is not consuming an adequate amount of calories. The goal of treatment is to provide the toddler with adequate nutrition so that he or she can “catch up” to a normal weight. The best way to increase caloric intake for toddlers that have lost their appetite is to get them eating more high calorie foods in their diet. Foods that have the most calories which are high in protein and good fats, can help your child gain weight.
Here is a list of high calorie foods for toddlers who are not gaining weight:
Cheese
Cheese is a high calorie food for your toddler and a great source of protein and fat. You can start by adding cheese to vegetables, pasta, rice, scrambled eggs, or even sauces. The simple macaroni & cheese is an easy meal you can make. Cheese strips/squares (American, Gouda, Cheddar, Cottage Cheese etc.) with crackers are great for snacks. For lunch you can prepare a grilled cheese sandwich with mayo and margarine/butter on the outside of the bread.
Yogurt
Yogurt is another high calorie dairy product that will help boost your toddler’s calorie consumption. There are various types of yogurt; custard style, whole milk (4% fat) yogurt, and frozen yogurt.
Meat/Fish
Meat and fish provide another high protein high calorie food choice for your toddler. Some ideas include salami, ham strips, chicken pieces, and small meatballs made from ground beef. Fish options include tuna mixed with mayo and fish sticks with tartar sauce.
Starch
Starch are basically carbohydrates. This food group is your body’s main source of energy which is essential for your toddlers growth and development, and contains noodles, pasta, rice, bread, and cereals. Don’t ignore starchy foods such as potatoes which can make french fries, mashed potatoes made with butter, cream or gravy.
Fruit & Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are typically lower calorie foods, but they can be offered with dips and spreads to add extra calories in your toddlers diet. Some ideas… Banana: slices, mix with peanut butter or non-dairy whipped cream. Avocado: slices, mix with mayo and lemon. Papaya: mashed, whipped cream. Fruit: canned, chunks, roll in Graham cracker crumbs! Squash: pumpkin or squash squares, bake with butter & brown sugar, season with nutmeg. Vegetables: any vegetable cooked with sour cream, gravy or added cheese, cheese sauce.
References
Mamapedia: Food Ideas for 18 Month Old
