While overweight and obesity are growing concerns among toddlers, some toddlers may also struggle with being underweight. It's important for parents to understand the causes, risks, and prevention strategies for this issue.

Overweight and obese toddlers are such a widely discussed worry, and rightly so, that you may be wondering what to do if your child has the opposite problem. What should you do if your child isn’t eating enough or seems to have trouble gaining weight?

Firstly, why might a toddler be underweight?

Genes, poor nutrition, fussy eating, and even underlying medical issues can all cause a toddler to become underweight or fail to reach a healthy weight for their age and size. Even if you feel people in your family are naturally petite and thin, it’s extremely important to speak to your doctor about why a toddler might be of a low body weight.

Health risks of being underweight.

Underweight toddlers may have poor immunity and be particularly susceptible to infections. They may also fail to reach their growth and development milestones, having trouble building muscle and practising the skills needed for physical activity.

How can I stop this from happening?

After you’ve looked into genetic causes and any underlying medical conditions, start working on their eating habits. Encourage them to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including the healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins we’ve shared so much about on this university journey. Eating regularly and consuming proper portions is also important. Don’t let them displace more nutrient-dense foods in their diets by consuming sugary drinks and snacks. Even filling up on milk can also decrease their appetite. Combat fussiness by role-modelling good eating habits for them and introducing new foods gradually in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Treatment for underweight toddlers

If your toddler is already underweight, work with your doctor to create a meal plan for healthy weight gain. This may involve increasing calorie and nutrient intake, monitoring growth and development, and addressing any underlying medical conditions.

Advice for parents of underweight toddlers

Talk to your doctor about any potential medical causes and ask for advice on an eating plan.

Give your child a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Encourage your toddler to eat regularly and limit sugary drinks and snacks. Monitor their milk intake, as if they are drinking too much, this may impact how much of their meals they are able to have.

What do I need to know about underweight toddlers?

Is your toddler underweight? Unii’s Toddler Nutrition Journey has some advice.