4 Natural and Safe Recipes to Help Your Baby Gain Weight

Doctors now recommend introducing solid foods to babies as early as four months of age—earlier than the previously suggested six months. With this shift, mothers need to follow certain guidelines when starting complementary feeding to ensure their babies gain weight at a healthy rate while getting the necessary nutrients for strong immunity and overall well-being.

To help with this, nutrition consultant Dr. Raja Abdulaziz shares four smart and natural recipes that safely promote healthy weight gain for infants. These recipes are easy to prepare, boost appetite, and provide essential calories and nutrients.

1. Mashed Vegetables with Olive Oil
   Mashed, well-cooked vegetables are among the best first foods for babies. However, they may not significantly increase weight due to their low fat content. Adding a small amount of pure, cold-pressed olive oil enriches the meal with healthy fats and extra calories. It also enhances flavor, making the meal more enjoyable for your baby.

2. Oatmeal with Dates and Peanut Butter
   Oats are an excellent brain food, rich in folic acid and B vitamins that support immunity and development. They can be introduced around the fourth month, especially for underweight babies with poor appetite. Cook oats with breast milk or formula, mash them with pitted dates, and mix in a little peanut butter. This blend provides a delicious, energy-dense meal packed with healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates—ideal for weight gain and overall growth.

3. Yogurt with Banana and Almond Flour
   Yogurt is a baby favorite due to its smooth texture and calcium-rich content. However, on its own, it may not aid weight gain. Mixing it with mashed banana and fine almond flour transforms it into a satisfying, high-calorie meal. Banana adds natural sweetness and energy, while almond flour provides healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health and fullness.

4. Mashed Potato with White Cheese and Egg Yolk
   Mashed potatoes are high in carbohydrates and calories, but their thick texture can be challenging for babies to eat. Combine mashed boiled potatoes with natural white cheese and cooked egg yolk for a smoother, creamier texture and richer taste. This nutritious mix delivers protein, fat, and carbs—making it both appetizing and effective for healthy weight gain.

These four recipes offer balanced, natural options for helping your baby gain weight safely and enjoyably, all while promoting good eating habits from the start.