I am a toddler’s mom and trust me one of the biggest challenges in front of me has always been helping my little one gain healthy weight without turning every mealtime into a battle. Though there are a number of weight gain recipes for toddlers; however, not all of them are practical, nutritious, or appealing to picky eaters.
So, after trying several things personally, I’ve decided to put together a curated list of the most effective, toddler-approved weight gain recipes. This blog isn’t just a generic list—it’s a well-researched, experience-backed resource with over 60+ weight gain recipes for toddlers, including easy vegetarian and Indian options.
I’ve also included 10 step-by-step recipes that are healthy, toddler-approved, and designed to work even for the most selective eaters. But before we jump into this information, let’s figure out why this topic is crucial.
Why Toddlers Struggle to Gain Weight (And What to Do)
If you are a parent, you know how difficult it is to feed a toddler. In this phase, they are exploring their independence, developing food preferences, and often rejecting meals for reasons that make no sense—making mealtimes a daily challenge. However, if your child is consistently underweight, it’s important to take a closer look. From my own experience and discussions with pediatric nutritionists, here are common reasons toddlers may not gain weight:
- Fast metabolism
- Picky eating habits
- Insufficient Calories
- Sensory issues or oral-motor delays
- Undiagnosed food intolerances
- Nutrient gaps in their diet
A child doesn’t need junk food or excessive feeding—they need nutrient-dense, high-calorie meals tailored to their needs.
What Makes a Great Weight Gain Recipe for Kids?
I’ve curated these recipes to balance calories, protein, healthy fats, and key nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium. Everything here is toddler-safe, and many options are:
- Vegetarian or vegan
- Indian-inspired, using locally available ingredients
- Pediatric dietitian-approved or adapted from clinical guidelines
This list also includes smoothie recipes for weight gain for toddlers, easy dinner recipes, and Indian veg food for underweight kids.
60+ Healthy Weight Gain Recipes for Toddlers
Breakfast Ideas
- Ragi Banana Pancakes
- Paneer-Stuffed Paratha
- Mashed Sweet Potato with Ghee
- Oats Upma with Vegetables
- Multigrain Dosa
- Banana French Toast
- Sathu Maavu Porridge (Health mix)
- Suji Halwa with Almonds
- Khichdi with Moong Dal and Ghee
- Idli with Butter and Grated Cheese
Weight Gain Smoothies for Toddlers
- Banana Peanut Butter Shake
- Chikoo Milkshake
- Avocado & Cocoa Smoothie
- Dates & Dry Fruit Smoothie
- Apple Oats Milkshake
- Ragi & Banana Smoothie
- Mango Lassi with Cashew Powder
- Yogurt & Honey Smoothie
- Pumpkin Coconut Milkshake
- Spinach Banana Smoothie (iron-rich)
High-Calorie Snacks
- Sweet Potato Tikki
- Paneer Fingers
- Mashed Banana & Nut Butter Sandwich
- Cheesy Vegetable Cutlets
- Stuffed Paratha Rolls
- Mixed Dry Fruit Ladoo
- Vegetable Muffins
- Curd Rice Balls
- Multigrain Biscuits
- Ghee-Roasted Makhana
Weight Gain Dinner Recipes
- Moong Dal Khichdi with Ghee
- Palak Paneer with Jeera Rice
- Vegetable Korma with Paratha
- Paneer Bhurji Wrap
- Creamy Pasta with Hidden Veggies
- Pumpkin Dal
- Quinoa Pulao with Cashews
- Rajma Curry with Rice
- Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Pongal with Ghee
Desserts & Treats
- Suji Banana Halwa
- Gajar Halwa
- Lauki Halwa
- Dates & Nuts Energy Bars
- Coconut Barfi
- Ragi & Jaggery Ladoo
- Apple Crumble with Oats
- Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
- Kaju Katli (Low Sugar)
- No-Bake Chocolate Oat Balls
Extra Options for Older Toddlers (3–7 years)
- Aloo Paratha with Butter
- Egg Bhurji with Roti
- Tuna Mayo Sandwich
- Mini Veg Pizza with Paneer
- Creamy Chicken Curry
- Fish Cutlets
- Stuffed Omelet Rolls
- Dal Makhani with Rice
- Cheese & Corn Quesadilla
- Vegetable Fried Rice with Egg
10 Tried-and-Tested Weight Gain Recipes for Toddlers (With Detailed Instructions)
These recipes are ones I’ve personally used or adapted from pediatric nutritionists. They are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbs — perfect for underweight toddlers. Each is designed to be simple, flavorful, and toddler-approved.
1. Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
Why it works:
This smoothie is a calorie-dense, energy-packed drink perfect for kids who don’t eat large meals. It’s creamy, sweet, and full of healthy fats from peanut butter.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup full-fat milk
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 1 tsp honey (only for children over 1 year)
- 1 tbsp flaxseeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Add banana, milk, and peanut butter to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add honey and flaxseeds, blend again.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Tip: Freeze banana slices ahead for a milkshake-like texture toddlers love.
2. Ragi Banana Pancakes
Why it works:
Ragi (finger millet) is rich in calcium and iron, while banana adds natural sweetness and energy. These pancakes are soft, making them perfect for toddlers learning to chew.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup ragi flour
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 egg or 2 tbsp curd (to bind)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Ghee for cooking
Instructions:
- Mix mashed banana, ragi flour, and egg/curd into a smooth batter.
- Heat a non-stick pan and grease with ghee.
- Pour small amounts of batter and spread lightly.
- Cook on low heat till bubbles appear, flip, and cook the other side.
Serving Idea: Pair with a drizzle of date syrup or a side of yogurt.
3. Paneer-Stuffed Paratha
Why it works:
Paneer provides protein and fat, while the whole wheat paratha adds fiber and carbs — a well-rounded, toddler-friendly meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup grated paneer
- 1 tbsp boiled mashed potato
- Spices: pinch of cumin, ajwain, and turmeric
- Ghee for cooking
Instructions:
- Knead soft dough using whole wheat flour and water.
- Mix paneer, potato, and spices for stuffing.
- Roll a small dough ball, stuff with paneer mix, and seal edges.
- Flatten and cook on both sides using ghee until golden.
Tip: Cut into bite-sized triangles for self-feeding toddlers.
4. Sweet Potato Tikki
Why it works:
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of beta-carotene and complex carbs, and they mash easily for smooth texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 boiled sweet potato
- 1 tbsp grated paneer or cheese
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- Spices: pinch of jeera, ajwain, and salt
- Ghee/oil for pan-frying
Instructions:
- Mash sweet potato and mix in cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices.
- Shape into small round tikkis.
- Pan-fry in ghee till crispy on both sides.
Serving Tip: Serve with curd or a mild homemade dip.
5. Sathu Maavu Porridge (Health Mix Porridge)
Why it works:
Made from a blend of millets, pulses, and nuts, Sathu Maavu is a traditional Indian superfood mix for babies and toddlers.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Sathu Maavu powder
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup milk (or formula)
- 1 tsp ghee
- 1 tsp jaggery or date syrup
Instructions:
- Mix Sathu Maavu powder with water and bring to a boil.
- Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add milk and sweetener once thickened.
- Mix in ghee and serve warm.
Expert Note: You can batch-prepare and store Sathu Maavu powder for quick breakfasts.
6. Masoor Dal Khichdi with Ghee
Why it works:
A complete meal with protein (dal), carbs (rice), fiber (veggies), and fat (ghee) — easy to digest and customize.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup rice
- ¼ cup masoor dal
- Mixed vegetables: carrot, peas, spinach
- Pinch of turmeric, cumin
- Ghee
Instructions:
- Rinse and pressure cook rice, dal, veggies with turmeric and salt.
- Mash the cooked khichdi well.
- Add ghee before serving.
Tip: Add a few drops of lemon for iron absorption if spinach is used.
7. Dates & Almond Smoothie
Why it works:
Iron-rich and naturally sweet, this smoothie is ideal for kids with low hemoglobin or poor appetite.
Ingredients:
- 5 soaked dates (pitted)
- 1 cup warm milk
- 5 soaked almonds (peeled)
Instructions:
- Blend soaked dates and almonds with milk until smooth.
- Strain if needed for younger toddlers.
- Serve slightly warm in winter or chilled in summer.
Nutritional Bonus: Provides iron, calcium, and healthy fat.
8. Vegetable Cheese Cutlets
Why it works:
These soft, cheesy cutlets are a sneaky way to add veggies and protein. Easy to hold and chew.
Ingredients:
- 1 boiled potato
- ½ cup grated cheese
- 2 tbsp boiled veggies (carrot, beans, peas)
- Bread crumbs to bind
- Ghee/oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mash potato and veggies.
- Mix in cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Shape into small patties and shallow fry.
Serving Tip: Offer with tomato ketchup or hung curd dip.
9. Lauki Halwa (Bottle Gourd Halwa)
Why it works:
This is a gentle, iron-rich dessert that’s sweet but nutritious. Kids love its soft, melt-in-mouth texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 1 tsp jaggery or sugar
- Cardamom powder (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté grated bottle gourd in ghee for 5–6 minutes.
- Add milk and cook until absorbed.
- Stir in sweetener and cardamom. Cook until soft.
Safety Tip: Use freshly grated bottle gourd (avoid bitter ones).
10. Mini Egg Muffins
Why it works:
Protein-packed and versatile, these can be batch-prepared and refrigerated. Ideal for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp grated cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped spinach or bell peppers
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk eggs in a bowl.
- Stir in cheese and veggies.
- Pour into greased muffin tins.
- Bake at 180°C for 12–15 minutes.
Tip: Serve warm. They’re soft and easy to chew—even for younger toddlers.
Final Tips for Parents of Underweight Toddlers
- Don’t pressure your child to eat more—offer options often.
- Track meals in a food diary to spot gaps or preferences.
- Focus on texture—some toddlers prefer soft, pureed foods.
- Always consult your pediatrician or a pediatric dietitian if weight issues persist.
A Week of Weight Gain Recipes for Toddlers: Easy Meal Plan
Here’s a friendly, flexible weeklong kids weight gain food chart plan to ease into these recipes. Repeat favourites, switch days, adapt per your child’s preferences.
| Day | Breakfast | Snack/Smoothie | Lunch/Dinner |
| Monday | Sooji Banana Sheera | Mango‑Avocado Smoothie | Paneer Vegetable Paratha |
| Tuesday | Mixed Nuts Paratha | Apple‑Oats‑Dates Smoothie | Dahi Upma + a few mini idlis |
| Wednesday | Banana Omelet | Banana‑Peanut Butter Shake | Soft Cheesy Wheat Noodles |
| Thursday | Ragi Flour Porridge | Mango or Apple Smoothie | Nut‑Paratha + Yogurt Dip |
| Friday | Semolina Sheera | Smoothie of the day | Paneer Paratha or Spiced Rice |
| Weekend | Mini idlis with ghee | Dates/Nut Laddoos | Vegetable khichdi + Dahi |
Keeps repetition low, nutrient intake high, and picky palates intrigued.
When You Need Weight Fast: Safe, Effective Tips
- Feed often: aim for 5–6 small meals/snacks a day.
- Pack in the fats: a drizzle of ghee or swirl of nut butter adds hundreds of extra calories.
- Prioritize protein: paneer, yogurt, eggs—each meal should include some.
- Sneak ingredients: nut powders into porridge, pureed vegetables in idli batter.
- Engage and involve: let kids press cheeky cookie‑shaped parathas, choose smoothie flavours—they’re more likely to eat what they’ve “helped” make.
Open‑Ended, Heart‑To‑Heart Encouragement
I know it’s worrying when your child isn’t hitting the expected weight milestones. But what helped my little one was switching the conversation from “eat more” to “eat smarter.” When every meal becomes an opportunity for nourishment—dense in calories, gentle in flavor, and fun in form—weight gain happens steadily. And more importantly, your child begins to enjoy food again.
Final Notes
So, these were some weight gain recipes for toddlers. By weaving together classic Indian recipes for toddlers to gain weight, creative drinks and smoothies, parent‑friendly prep tips, and emotional support, this narrative has one goal: help your under‑weight child grow stronger, healthier, and happier. If you’ve tried any of the recipes above, or have your own success stories—drop a comment below. Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but together, we’re writing one.
FAQs
1. What is the fastest way for a kid to gain weight?
The fastest way for a kid to gain weight is by offering high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods throughout the day. Focus on meals rich in healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbs—like ghee, paneer, bananas, eggs, and full-fat milk. Make sure your child eats 3 main meals and 2–3 snacks daily. Consistency, variety, and calorie-rich homemade meals are key to helping children gain healthy weight quickly.
2. What can I give a child to gain weight?
To help a child gain weight, offer foods that are rich in calories and nutrients such as peanut butter, dry fruits, full-fat dairy, eggs, ghee, parathas, bananas, and cheese. Homemade smoothies, laddoos made with dry fruits and ghee, and rice with dal and ghee are excellent choices. Make sure meals are balanced with carbs, proteins, and fats to support steady and healthy weight gain.
3. How to make a child gain weight fast with Indian food?
To make a child gain weight fast with Indian food, include calorie-dense staples like ghee-loaded parathas, dal rice with ghee, paneer curry, dry fruit ladoos, halwa, and full-fat curd in their daily meals. Indian recipes like suji halwa, besan chilla with cheese, or khichdi with vegetables and ghee are great options to boost weight naturally while keeping meals familiar and nutritious.
4. What should kids eat for breakfast to gain weight?
For healthy weight gain, kids should eat high-calorie, protein-rich breakfasts like paneer paratha with curd, egg toast with ghee, suji upma with vegetables and nuts, or banana milkshake with dry fruits. Including full-fat dairy, whole grains, and healthy fats like ghee or nut butters in breakfast helps fuel growth and supports steady weight gain in children.
