Baby Weight Gain (6–12 Months): Foods, Tips & Growth Guide
Topic
Baby Weight Gain (6–12 Months): Foods, Tips & Growth Guide
May start as early as
At 6 Month
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May end around
12 Months
Introduction: Baby weight gain 6–12 months foods
Parents often ask: “What can I feed my 6-month baby to gain weight?” or “Which foods help a 9-month baby grow stronger?”
This age is a critical transition phase: babies move from exclusive breast milk to solids, and growth depends on both diet and feeding practices.
Quick Answer:
Between 6–12 months, babies should gain around 400–700 grams per month. Nutritious weight gain foods include mashed banana, ghee-rich khichdi, lentils, paneer, eggs, avocado, and full-fat yogurt, along with continued breastfeeding or formula.
👉 Related: Weight Gain Foods for 6-Month Baby
What all we will cover in the blog?
- How Much Weight Should Babies Gain (6–12 Months)?
- Best Weight Gain Foods for 6 – 12 Month Babies
- Common Concerns Between 6-12 Months
- FAQs
How Much Weight Should Babies Gain (6–12 Months)?
6 – 9 months: ~400–500 g per month
9 – 12 months: ~350–500 g per month
By the first birthday, babies usually triple their birth weight.
Best Weight Gain Foods for 6 – 12 Month Babies
At 6 Months: First Weight Gain Foods
- Mashed banana
- Dal puree (lentils)
- Rice cereal with breast milk/formula
- Khichdi with ghee
- Ragi porridge
👉 Check: 6-Month Baby Food Guide
At 7-8 Months: Introducing Variety
- Mashed avocado
- Paneer mash
- Soft scrambled egg yolk
- Suji halwa with ghee
- Steamed apple or pear puree
👉 Explore: 7-Month Baby Food Guide
At 9 Months: Calorie-Dense & Brain Boosting
- Dalia with milk & ghee
- Yogurt with mashed fruit
- Egg yolk omelette
- Vegetable upma with oil/ghee
- Cheese cubes, paneer recipes
👉 Related reading:
At 10-12 Months: Transition to Family Foods
- Rice & dal khichdi with vegetables and ghee
- Roti with ghee and mashed dal
- Paneer paratha
- Mini idlis with curd
- Smoothies with yogurt, nuts (finely ground) & fruits
👉 Explore next:
- 1 Year Baby Food Guide
- Brain Development Food for 1-Year-Old
- Future: Weight Gain Foods for 1-Year-Olds
Breastfeeding & Weight Gain (6–12 Months)
Even after starting solids, breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition up to 12 months.
- Continue breastfeeding 3–5 times/day.
- Offer solids after milk feeds, not before.
- If weight gain is slow, check latch and milk transfer.
👉 Learn more: Weight Gain & Breastfeeding Tips
Common Concerns Between 6-12 Months
| Concern | Possible Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Baby refusing solids | Texture not suitable | Start with purees → mash → finger foods |
| Poor weight gain | Not enough calorie-dense foods | Add ghee, paneer, avocado, eggs |
| Frequent illness | Low immunity | Breastfeeding, fruits, veggies, hygiene |
| Constipation | Low water/fiber | Hydration, fruit purees, oats |
Tips for Healthy Weight Gain (6–12 Months)
- Offer small, frequent meals (3 meals + 2 snacks daily).
- Avoid junk foods, biscuits, or sugar as “quick fixes.”
- Stick to iron-rich foods (dal, spinach, ragi).
- Encourage finger foods by 9–10 months to build independence.
- Track monthly weight with growth charts.
👉 For next stage, see: Toddler Weight Gain Foods (2 Years+)
Baby weight gain 6–12 months foods should focus on calorie-dense yet nutritious options that support steady growth during this transition stage. Along with continued breastfeeding or formula, include mashed banana, dal khichdi with ghee, paneer, avocado, eggs, and full-fat yogurt. These foods provide healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins to help your baby gain weight while building strong bones and brain development.
FAQs About Baby Weight Gain (6-12 Months)
Q1. How can I make my 6-month baby gain weight fast?
Focus on calorie-dense solids like banana, ghee khichdi, paneer, and ragi porridge, along with continued breastfeeding.
Q2. What are the best weight gain foods for 9-month babies?
Dalia, yogurt, paneer, cheese, and avocado are excellent at this age.
Q3. Can I give cow’s milk to a 10-month baby?
Avoid plain cow’s milk before 1 year; use breast milk/formula as main source.
Q4. How many meals should a 10-month-old eat?
Three meals + two snacks + milk feeds daily.
Q5. What if my 8-month-old is not gaining weight?
Check if meals are calorie-rich, ensure breastfeeding is on track, and consult a pediatrician.
Conclusion
Between 6–12 months, babies need both nutritious solids and continued breastfeeding/formula for steady growth. Introduce calorie-dense foods step by step, monitor weight monthly, and focus on overall development.
👉 Explore Next:
Weight gain baby food for 0-3 year babies
Weight Gain Foods for 6-Month Baby
Weight Gain & Breastfeeding Tips
Research & Resources
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Infant and Young Child Feeding https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding
- American Academy of Pediatrics – Starting Solid Foods https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Switching-To-Solid-Foods.aspx
- CDC – When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-what-and-how-to-introduce-solid-foods.html
