Overview

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  Many children begin losing their baby fat as toddlers because of how active they are. Some, however, get to the point of being considered underweight. Speak with your child's pediatrician first to make sure there is not an underlying condition that is causing your toddler's weight to be low. Devise a plan for helping your toddler regain her weight with her pediatrician. There are a few things you should keep in mind, as well, when preparing meals for a skinny toddler.
  
  

Increase Caloric Intake

• Increase the amount of calories your toddler is taking in. Toddlers are very active, so they lose calories easily. Make sure your child's meals are nutrient- and calorie-rich and include foods from all five food groups. The website MyPyramid.gov has a page on which you can enter your child's information, such as name, age, sex, and amount of physical activity. You will get a customized food pyramid for your child that will tell you how much grains, fruit, vegetables, milk, and meat and beans your child needs in a day.
  
  

Emphasize Good Fats

• Dairy foods are one good source of healthy fats. Make sure your child eats full-fat dairy products and whole milk to help him gain weight. Add healthy fats such as olive oil to your child's meals. Peanut butter, avocado, eggs, and beans are all good foods to add to a skinny toddler's diet.
  
  

Increase Amount of Snacks

• Toddlers need to graze throughout the day to keep up with their activity level. Feed your child more snacks, especially ones that are high in good fats and low in sugar.
  
  

Limit Sweets

• Sugar is full of empty calories and unhealthy in excessive amounts. In addition, it can ruin your child's appetite for his next meal. Give salty snacks more often than sugary ones. Make sure the juice your child drinks has no added sugar. For dessert, try cut-up fruits or some whole-grain low-sugar cookies.
  
  

Give Vitamin Supplements

• Vitamin supplements may be necessary, especially for a picky toddler who doesn't eat a well-rounded diet. Ask your child's pediatrician before starting your child on a vitamin regimen.