It is often necessary to increase the number of calories a child eats in order to encourage appropriate weight gain.  This may be necessary for underweight children and/or picky eaters.  The following can be added to the child's meal, often without the child noticing.

Butter or margarine

• Can be added to puddings, casseroles, sandwiches, vegetables, oatmeal, bread, spagetti, macaroni and cheese.
• Provides 45 calories per TEAspoon.

Wheat germ

• Can be added to oatmeal and hot cereals, meats, cookie dough, and casseroles.
• Provides 25 calories per TABLEspoon

Mayonnaise or salad dressing

• Can be added to sandwiches, chicken or tuna salad, or used as a dip for vegetables and other foods
• Provides 45 calories per TEAspoon.

Evaporated milk

• Use instead of regular milk in all types of recipes
• Provides 25 calories per TABLEspoon

Sour cream

• Add extra to baked potatos, casseroles, dips, and sauces
• Provides 26 calories per TABLEspoon

Sweetened condensed milk

• Add to desserts such as pies, puddings, and milkshakes
• Provides 60 calories per TABLEspoon

Gravy

• Add lots to potatos, noodles, rice, and meats
• Provides 40 calories per TABLEspoon

Heavy whipping cream

• Add to whole milk, milk formulas, milkshakes, sauces, casseroles, mashed potatos, macaroni and cheese, and puddings
• Provides 50 calories per TABLEspoon