What and how should I feed my baby so that she can add some weight?
Esther Kimani Staff
Babies in particular have very high energy needs and you need to bridge this gap to ensure that your baby maintains a healthy weight and meet your baby’s calorie needs. Calories are needed to provide energy so the body functions properly. The number of calories in a food depends on the amount of energy the food provides. The number of calories a baby needs depends on age, height, weight, gender, and activity level. If you notice that your little ones seems to be loosing weight, do consider the following factors.
1. Ensure that you give enough fats and oils in your baby’s diet e.g cooking oil, butter, margarine, avocado.
2. Give enough carbohydrates (starch). These are a major source of energy and should account for 50% to 60% of calories consumed each day e.g millet, sorghum, ugali, potato, cooked banana, sweet potatoes, arrow roots, etc.
3. Give adequate protein which should account for 10% to 20% of the calories consumed each day eg meat, chicken, fish, eggs, lentils, green grams,
4. Adequate fruits and vegetables.
Give a wide variety of foods to ensure that you maximise on the nutrient intake for your baby.
