Babies should receive an average of 800 g (should not be below 500 grams) each month in the 0-6 month period, and an average of 600 g (should not be below 500 grams) each month in the 6-12 month period. If the baby does not have medical conditions such as heart or digestive problems, nutritious foods can support healthy weight gain.
Breast Milk
During the 0-6 month period, breast milk supports healthy weight gain by meeting all the nutritional needs of the baby. In order to ensure appropriate weight gain in babies in the first 6 months, attention should be paid to the frequency of breastfeeding.
Avocado
Avocado supports optimal growth and development with its rich content of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition, thanks to its fat content, avocado helps absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Also, thanks to its mild taste, it may be one of the first foods tried when starting to solid food at the 6th month.
Olive Oil
During infancy, fat should comprise significant part of energy intake in order to provide adequate energy for rapid growth and the essential fatty acids for brain development. Olive oil is a great source of fat that can be given to babies from 6th months. The nutritional value of meals can be increased by adding them to vegetable purees and soups.
Fish
Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, iron, B12, iodine, zinc and protein. Thanks to its nutritional content, fish not only supports weight gain in babies, but also supports healthy brain, eye and bone development and strengthens the immune system. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardine, trout and catfish which have high omega-3 content and are less likely to be contaminated with mercury can be given to babies from the 9th month.
Eggs
Eggs are the highest quality protein source after breast milk and thus support weight gain. Egg yolk can be given to babies starting from the 6th month, but it should start with ¼ amount and gradually increase to 1 whole egg yolk in the 7th month. Egg white can be given starting from the 12th month.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a very important nutritional source for the healthy development of babies with its rich content of protein, calcium, B12, zinc and selenium. It is among the first foods that can be given to babies from the 6th month.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal, which is a healthy carbohydrate source, supports healthy weight gain in babies with its rich content of vitamins and minerals. It also contains lots of fiber, including beta glucan, a type of soluble dietary fiber. In this way, it supports the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and can promote bacterial diversity in the intestine. Oatmeal can be given to babies from the 8th month.
Resources:
- Riley, L. K., Rupert, J., & Boucher, O. (2018). Nutrition in Toddlers. American family physician, 98(4), 227–233.
- Comerford, K.B.; Ayoob, K.T.; Murray, R.D.; Atkinson, S.A. The Role of Avocados in Complementary and Transitional Feeding. Nutrients 2016, 8, 316. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8050316
- Laursen, M. F., Bahl, M. I., Michaelsen, K. F., & Licht, T. R. (2017). First Foods and Gut Microbes. Frontiers in microbiology, 8, 356. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2017.00356
- Swanson, D., Block, R., & Mousa, S. A. (2012). Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: health benefits throughout life. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 3(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.111.000893
- Iannotti, L. L., Lutter, C. K., Bunn, D. A., & Stewart, C. P. (2014). Eggs: the uncracked potential for improving maternal and young child nutrition among the world’s poor. Nutrition reviews, 72(6), 355–368. https://doi.org/10.1111/nure.12107
