In spite of the obesity epidemic in this country, there are many toddlers and kids who happen to be underweight. Parents are often seen expressing their concern over their toddlers not gaining considerable weight. 
 

Firstly, you must find out whether it just appears that your toddler barely eats or whether he is really underweight. To find out the same, you need to visit health advisor to calculate your toddler's height and weight. This will help you know whether your toddler is really healthy weight. Even if your toddler happens to be underweight, you will not have to worry about the health or development if you address it timely. 
 

What causes a toddler to be underweight? 

Toddlers become underweight owing to many reasons. The most general reason is a toddler burning off more calories than what he actually takes in a day. If your toddler is a fussy eater, he will apparently lose more weight.
 

In short term, toddlers lose weight when they happen to be ill as their body fails to absorb the needed nutrients. The weight gain should happen within a couple of weeks after his recovery from illness. At times, weight loss might be a sign of some underlying medical condition. This is mainly the case if your toddler seems to eat fine or has digestive issues. 
 

A strategic approach can help you make your underweight toddler gain considerable amount of weight.
 

Encourage Grazing

The grazing approach to eating is perfect for the smaller stomach size of your toddler. If your toddler doesn’t eat much during his meal time, offer him a plate of food for grazing all through the day. Keep this plate where he can easily reach it, say near his bed, or the place in the house where he plays.  Foods such as crackers, fruits and vegetables are fine to stay out for an hour or two at a time. Don’t forget to switch the offerings so that the toddler doesn’t get bored.
 

Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods

Foods that are rich calories and nutrients increase your toddler’s daily intake, even if he or she isn’t eating a lot of food. Avoid feeding high-calorie foods that have zero nutritional value, such as candy or donuts. Stick with foods such as cheese, pasta, eggs and yogurt. Whatever food type you offer, just make sure your toddler isn’t allergic to it. 
 

Limit Liquids

Toddlers drinking a lot tend to fill up on the liquids and don’t eat as much food. This apparently gives them fewer healthy calories. It would be better to limit the intake of milk and juice throughout the day. Instead of giving your toddler a sippy- cup to carry around everywhere, offer a small glass of juice or milk at definite times during the day. Don’t give liquids half hour before the meal time as it will make the child eat glass.
 

Sneak in Calories

A few recipes will see a calorie enhance by stirring in some added ingredients. Dairy products can be a great option. Choose for full-fat dairy products; for example, add whole milk and butter to your toddler’s mashed potatoes add bananas to veggie smoothies to disguise the taste of the vegetables.
 

Doctor Support

If feel that your toddler is severely underweight or isn’t able to gain weight, speak to his doctor to ensure he stays healthy. The doctor will monitor your toddler’s weight gain while offering more suggestions to help him gain. 
 

Monitor your toddler’s weight closely so that you take the necessary measures if he isn’t gaining the needed weight!