High energy eating (infants 6 – 12 months) factsheet
Introduction
This resource provides information for a high energy eating plan for infants who have difficulty gaining weight. This information should be used by the parents or carers of infants who require this diet plan to gain weight and should be used under the guidance of a qualified dietitian or Doctor. If you are concerned about your child’s growth, you should speak to your local doctor, Paediatrician or early childhood Nurse. A dietitian can provide advice on nutrition and feeding your child.
A healthy diet containing plenty of energy (kilojoules/calories) and enough nutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals) is important for all infants. However, some infants need added energy and protein to assist with their weight gain and growth. One of the simplest ways to do this is to increase energy and protein in the foods your infant eats.
This information, with its food examples, is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute SCHN endorsement of any particular branded food product.
Management
A high energy eating plan should not be routinely used for other family members and should be stopped if the child no longer needs to gain weight.
If your child does not gain weight on the high energy eating plan, further medical advice and investigation may be required. Please consult with your dietitian or doctor.
Suggestions for increasing the energy and/or protein content of your child’s diet.
Breast milk/formula (energy & protein) |
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Oil (olive or canola) (high energy) |
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Margarine (high energy) |
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Meat and alternatives (high protein) |
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Egg (high protein) |
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Cheese (high protein) |
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Cream/Sour cream (high energy) |
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Other dairy products (high protein) |
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Avocado (high energy) |
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Nut spreads (high protein, high energy) Note: whole nuts are a choking hazard for children under 3 years |
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Carbohydrate Supplements (high carbohydrate, high energy) |
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Food quantities and boosters
The amount of energy and/or protein needed will depend on the weight gain required. Please discuss your infants requirements with a dietitian and if a booster is suitable for your child. The following is a guide only.
Puree foods | 2 tablespoons puree/mashed vegetables with 1-2 teaspoons margarine/oil |
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Soft foods |
with
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Finger foods |
with
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High energy recipe ideas
High energy mash | Mash potato/pumpkin/sweet potato with cream, butter, sour cream and melt cheese over the top. |
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Risotto | Toss rice in oil, then slowly add water / stock / milk, stirring constantly until rice is soft. Add chicken, peas, cream and sliced mushrooms. Mix in additional oil/margarine/butter before serving. |
Fruit Crumble | Mix 1-2 teaspoons sugar into 1 tablespoon of margarine/butter, then mix in ½ cup flour or minute oats and sprinkle on top of stewed fruit. Oven bake until golden on top. Serve with cream or ice-cream. |
Creamy Rice Pudding | Simmer rice in milk, stirring constantly, until soft. Add sugar & coconut cream to taste. |
Pastry Cheese Straws | Sprinkle grated cheese on a sheet of puff pastry. Cut into strips, twist and bake in hot oven until golden. |
Mini Meatballs | Mix mince (beef/lamb/pork or chicken) with a beaten egg to hold it together – roll into little balls & fry in oil until browned. Transfer to baking dish, cover with sauce (optional) and bake till cooked through. Ideas include:
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Crumbed chicken | Lightly beat 1 egg and 2 tablespoons cream, dip chicken pieces into this mixture, then coat in bread crumbs. Fry in olive oil until golden brown. |
Couscous | Soak couscous in boiling water. Add grated cheese and margarine/butter. Serve with chicken, meat or fish and vegetables. Another idea is to mash pumpkin through the couscous to help it stick together. Form into little balls to make a tasty finger food for your toddler. |
French toast | Soak bread in a lightly beaten egg, fry in margarine or oil until golden brown, then cut into fingers. |