Most parents are faced with the problem of their kid being overweight and look for ways to help the child lose that extra weight. Some parents, however, face the problem of having an underweight kid.

Kids may be underweight for many reasons, and the first step in helping them gain weight is visiting their doctor to give them an exam for any underlying causes that may be responsible for their low weight. The doctor will offer treatment for the child if any cause is found and will direct parents on how to help the child gain weight. We offer you here some steps that can help your child healthily gain weight.

Healthy Options

Encouraging your child to gain weight does not equal allowing unhealthy foods that cause more harm than good. Offer your child healthy high-calorie foods rich in nutrients, such as whole milk and dairy products, nuts, peanut butter, and starchy vegetables.

Frequent Meals

If you find that your child does not eat much at lunch or dinner, offer your child small snacks throughout the day. Make sure these snacks are nutritious and high in calories.

Liquids

Make sure your child does not drink too many liquids close to mealtimes. Filling up on liquids before a meal will make your child eat less.

Choosing Times

If your child is feeling sick, avoid giving them their favorite foods. Being sick or nauseated while eating their favorite food can make these foods less appealing to them when they get better. Offer the child their favorite foods when they feel well so they consume more of it.

Take It Easy

Avoid forcing or pressuring your child to eat more. This can backfire and cause your child anxiety. Instead, add nutritious, high-calorie ingredients to your child's food, like making soups with whole milk instead of water or adding cheese to scrambled eggs. This will let them consume more calories without being pressured into it.

Setting up the Environment

Let your family have meals on the dinner table or the kitchen, and do not let your child eat while doing something else like watching TV. This is to allow your child to focus on eating and not get distracted.

Using Supplements

Certain supplements can be used to add extra calories to your child's diet. Make sure you consult with your child's doctor before offering them to your child and remember that getting nutrients and calories from food should be your priority.