High Energy High Protein Diets for Babies (6–12 Months)

If your little one is struggling with weight gain i.e losing weight or dropping down percentiles on their growth charts you may need to consider high energy high protein meals.

The good news is, we can support growth by focusing on nutrient-dense foods—those naturally higher in energy and protein.

Why higher energy and protein foods matter

Babies need enough energy, protein and nutrients to support:

• Growth

• Brain development

• Muscle development

When intake is low, choosing foods that are naturally higher in energy and protein can help bridge the gap—without needing to increase volume too much.

Foods that are higher in energy and protein include:

• Meat, chicken and fish

• Eggs

• Full-fat dairy

• Fats and oils

How to increase energy and protein intake

One of the simplest ways to support growth is to add extra energy and protein into foods your baby is already eating.

This doesn’t need to be complicated—small additions can make a big difference.

Easy ways to boost energy and protein

Using milk feeds

• Use breast milk to puree vegetables, fruit, meats or cereals

• Use formula in the same way

• If needed chat to a paediatric dietitian about concentrating formula or using human milk fortifier

Adding fats and oils

Fats are a very effective way to increase energy intake without increasing volume.

You can:

• Add oil when cooking meats

• Mix butter, oil or margarine into purees

• Stir into baby cereal

• Drizzle over vegetables, rice, pasta or noodles

Including protein-rich foods

Offer a variety of:

• Meat, chicken, lamb and pork

• Fish

• Eggs

• Legumes like lentils and baked beans

To increase energy further:

• Cook meats in oil

• Add cheese, butter or sauces

• Combine with higher-fat ingredients

Using avocado

Avocado is a great, easy option thats very rich in fat.

You can:

• Spread it on toast or sandwiches

• Mash into fruit or vegetables

• Offer as a dip

Full-fat dairy options

Full-fat dairy foods are excellent sources of energy and protein.

These include:

• Yoghurt

• Custard

• Cream

• Sour cream

• Cheese

You can:

• Add to purees

• Mix into cereals

• Stir into soups or casseroles

• Offer as snacks

Cream cheese

A simple and versatile option:

• Mix into purees

• Spread on bread or toast

• Use as a dip for soft vegetables

Cheese

• Grate into vegetables, pasta or rice

• Add to baked beans or savoury meals

• Offer as slices or sticks for finger foods

Eggs

Eggs are a highly nutritious option.

You can:

• Use in foods like meatballs as a binder

• Offer scrambled eggs (add cream, cheese or butter for extra energy)

• Serve boiled eggs with toast

How much should you add?

The amount of extra energy or protein needed will vary depending on your baby’s:

• Age

• Development

• Medical needs

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to speak with a dietitian for individual guidance.

As a general guide, small additions can go a long way.

Simple booster ideas

For purees (early stages)

• Add ~2 teaspoons oil or margarine to vegetable purees

For soft foods

• Add grated cheese to meals

• Stir in cream or yoghurt

• Mix in oil or butter

• Add cheese or oil to rice, pasta or vegetables

For finger foods

• Offer vegetables with cream cheese or avocado as a dip

• Spread margarine, avocado or cream cheese thickly on bread

• Cook meats with added oil

• Add cheese to meals where possible

The takeaway

If your baby has a smaller appetite or needs support with weight gain, focusing on energy-dense, nutrient-rich foods can make a big difference.

It’s not about getting them to eat more—it’s about making the food they do eat count.

Simple additions like oil, dairy, avocado and protein-rich foods can help support growth in a practical and manageable way.

If you’re unsure what’s right for your baby, a dietitian can provide personalised guidance to suit your child’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my baby need extra calories?

Not all babies do. This approach is usually recommended when there are concerns about growth or intake.

Can I just give bigger portions instead?

For many babies, that’s not realistic. Increasing energy density is often more effective than increasing volume.

Are fats safe for babies?

Yes. Healthy fats are important for growth and brain development in infancy.