This information is for infants who have difficulty gaining weight. If you are concerned about your child’s growth you should speak to your GP, Paediatrician or Early Childhood Nurse. A dietitian can provide advice on feeding your child.
This information, with its food examples, is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute SCHN/JHCH endorsement of any particular branded food product.
Some infants need added protein and energy 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 they eat.
The table below provides some suggestions for increasing the energy and protein content of your child’s diet:
Food/fluid |
Uses to boost energy and protein
|
Breast milk/formula = energy & protein |
|
Oil = high energy |
|
Margarine = high energy |
|
Meat and alternatives = high protein |
|
Avocado = high energy |
|
Egg = high protein |
|
Dairy products = high protein |
|
Cheese = high protein |
|
Cream = high energy |
|
Nut spreads = high protein, high energy | ** Note whole nuts are a choking hazard for children under 3 years **
|
Note about carbohydrate supplements (e.g. CarbPlus, Polyjoule): ask your dietitian if these are suitable for your child. Always follow the directions of your dietitian or doctor when using these products.
How much to use?
The following is a guide only. Please discuss with a dietitian if you are unsure if a booster is suitable for your child.
Foods | Energy/Protein Boosters | |
Puree foods | 2 Tbs puree/mashed vegetables | 1 tsp margarine/oil |
Soft foods | ½ cup baked bean/spaghetti ½ cup cereal ½ cup cooked noodles/pasta ½ cup cooked rice and vegetables | 1-2 Tbs grated cheese 2 Tbs cream 1 Tbs margarine/oil 1 Tbs margarine/oil |
Finger foods | Cooked vegetable pieces Sandwich Meat | Dip in cream cheese/ avocado/ hommus/natural yoghurt/sour cream or melt cheese over the top Use thickly spread margarine and add cheese/ avocado/ nut spread Cook in oil and add extra cheese/ creamy sauce/ crumb coating |
Recipe Ideas
Pastry Cheese Straws - sprinkle grated cheese on a sheet of puff pastry. Cut into strips, twist and bake in hot oven until golden.
Risotto - toss rice in oil, then slowly add water / stock / milk, stirring constantly until rice is soft. Add chicken, peas, cream and sliced mushrooms
Fruit Crumble - rub 1 tablespoon of margarine/butter in with ½ cup flour 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
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 (if applicable) and bake until cooked through. Ideas include:
- Chicken mince with mashed sweet potato
- Pork mince and grated apple
- Lamb mince with grated cheese
- Beef mince with grated zucchini, carrot and tomato based pasta sauce
Crumbed chicken – Lightly beat 1 egg and 2tbs cream, dip chicken pieces into this mixture, then coat in bread crumbs. Fry in olive oil until golden brown
Couscous - soak couscous grains in boiling water. Add grated cheese and margarine/butter. Serve with chicken, meat or fish and vegetables. Another idea is to try mashing pumpkin through the couscous to help it stick together. Roll into little balls which toddlers can then feed to themselves
High energy mash - mash potatoes with cream, butter, sour cream and melted cheese over the top.
