Introduction: Why Focus on 1 Year Old Weight Gain?

By the age of 12 months, most babies have tripled their birth weight. But growth can slow down after the first year, and many parents worry if their toddler is eating enough. The right weight gain foods for 1-year-old babies are calorie-dense yet nutritious, helping your child gain steadily while supporting brain and bone development.

Quick Answer:
Good weight gain foods for a 1-year-old include paneer, full-fat dairy, ghee, avocado, eggs, nut pastes, dal-rice, parathas, smoothies, and fruits like banana or mango. Combine these with continued breastfeeding/formula and balanced family meals.

👉 Related: Baby Weight Gain 6–12 Months Guide

What all we will cover in the blog?

How Much Should a 1 Year Old Weigh?

Average weight (WHO charts):

Boys: 9–10.5 kg

Girls: 8.5–10 kg

Growth slows after 1 year → expect ~200–300 g per month gain.

Height grows by ~1–1.5 cm per month.

Best Weight Gain Foods for 1 Year Old Babies

Choosing the right weight gain foods for 1 year old babies is about more than just calories. At this stage, children are transitioning to family meals while still needing nutrient-dense foods that support healthy growth. The goal is to provide foods that are energy-rich, easy to digest, and full of essential vitamins and minerals.

Many parents worry when their toddler becomes a “picky eater” after the first birthday, but this is normal. Growth slows down compared to the first year, which can reduce appetite. Offering a mix of wholesome, calorie-dense meals helps ensure steady weight gain while building strong immunity and brain development.

Dairy & Protein Foods

  • Paneer cubes, paneer paratha, or paneer bhurji
  • Full-fat yogurt or curd rice
  • Cheese slices or grated cheese in parathas
  • Eggs: scrambled, omelette, or boiled (if no allergy)

👉 For more toddler meal inspiration: 1-Year Baby Food Guide

🥑 Calorie-Dense Fruits & Vegetables

  • Banana, avocado, mango, chikoo (sapota)
  • Sweet potato mash with ghee
  • Potato with paneer or butter
  • Steamed carrots and peas with rice

👉 Explore earlier stages: Weight Gain Foods for 6-Month Baby

Grains & Energy Foods

  • Dal khichdi with ghee
  • Roti or paratha with ghee
  • Oats or suji porridge with milk
  • Rice with dal and a spoon of ghee

🥜 Healthy Fats & Nut-Based Foods

  • Almond paste or cashew paste mixed in kheer
  • Peanut butter on soft chapati or bread (allergy check first)
  • Smoothies with yogurt, banana, and finely ground nuts

👉 For balanced growth beyond weight: Brain Development Foods for 1-Year-Old

Practical Feeding Tips

  • Offer 3 meals + 2 snacks daily with variety.
  • Keep foods soft, bite-sized, and easy to chew.
  • Add healthy fats like ghee or nut paste for extra calories.
  • Avoid processed or sugary snacks — they add calories without nutrients.
  • Encourage self-feeding with finger foods to build interest.

Continued Breastfeeding/Formula

  • Breastfeeding after 1 year still provides immunity and nutrition.
  • Offer 2–3 feeds/day if possible.
  • Formula can be continued if required.

👉 Related: Weight Gain & Breastfeeding Tips

Weight Gain Foods for 1 Year Old guide

1 Year Old Baby Not Gaining Weight: Causes & Solutions

Possible Causes:

  • Not enough calorie-dense foods.
  • Frequent illness or infections.
  • Poor appetite (teething, picky eating).
  • Anaemia or nutritional deficiencies.

Solutions:

  • Add healthy fats like ghee, paneer, avocado.
  • Give small meals every 2–3 hours.
  • Offer foods in fun forms (parathas, smoothies, cut fruit).
  • Get a pediatric check-up if gain is consistently below charts.

👉 Brain development support: Foods for 1-Year-Old Baby’s Brain

Tips for Healthy Weight Gain in 1-Year-Olds

  • 3 meals + 2 snacks daily.
  • Don’t force feed — encourage variety.
  • Family meals → toddlers copy adults.
  • Use natural sweeteners (fruit puree, dates) instead of sugar.
  • Track growth monthly using WHO chart.

Beyond Weight: Development at 1 Year

At 1 year, babies are learning to walk, talk, and play. Nutrition impacts brain development, memory, and motor skills.

  • Offer finger foods to encourage independence.
  • Include brain foods: paneer, eggs, nuts, spinach.
  • Provide sensory play and learning toys.

👉 Related: Montessori Toys for Toddlers

Transitioning Towards Toddler (1 -2 Years)

After 12 months, your baby’s appetite may fluctuate — that’s normal. From 1–2 years, growth continues steadily, and diet should expand further.

👉 Future reading: Toddler Weight Gain Foods (2 Years+)

FAQs About 1 Year Old Weight Gain

Q1. Which food is best for 1 year old baby to gain weight?
Paneer, avocado, banana, ghee khichdi, eggs, and yogurt are excellent choices.

Q2. How many meals should a 1 year old eat daily?
3 main meals + 2 snacks, plus milk feeds.

Q3. Can cow’s milk be given after 1 year?
Yes, but limit to 300–400 ml/day to avoid iron deficiency.

Q4. Why is my 1 year old not gaining weight?
Causes may include poor calorie intake, frequent illness, or iron deficiency. Consult a pediatrician.

Q5. How can I make my 1 year old gain weight fast?
Offer calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods like paneer parathas, nut pastes, eggs, smoothies, and ghee-enriched meals.

Conclusion

At 1 year, steady growth matters more than fast gain. The best weight gain foods for 1 year old babies include dairy, eggs, nuts, fruits, and cereals enriched with ghee. Combine these with continued breastfeeding and balanced family meals. Monitor growth with monthly charts and consult a doctor if gain is consistently low.

👉 Explore more:

Weight gain baby food for 0-3 year babies

Toddler Weight Gain Foods (2 Years+)

Weight Gain Foods for 6-Month Baby

Newborn Weight Gain Tips

Weight Gain & Breastfeeding Tips

Baby Weight Gain (6–12 Months)

1-Year Baby Food Guide

7-Month Baby Food

Brain Foods for 1-Year-Old Baby

Montessori Toys for Toddlers