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Why Fruits and Dry Fruits Matter More for Underweight Babies

BySamradni Pradhan
Updated: 14 Jan 2026, 3:30 am
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Priya Bansal, Senior Consultant – Gynaecology & Gynae Oncology, Medanta Hospital

When you give birth to a smaller baby, every bite of food that they eat counts. Fruits and dry fruits can really help babies gain weight since they’re packed with key vitamins, minerals, natural sugars, and healthy fats. Knowing why these foods are so beneficial, how they support your baby’s development, and the right way to introduce them makes feeding easier and relaxing.

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When you give birth to an underweight baby, you’re probably worried about whether they're eating enough or getting all the necessary nutrients. But including fruits and dry fruits in your baby’s diet can solve this problem easily by promoting healthy development.
In this article:
Let's understand what makes them so great, how they help your baby grow strong, and the best ways to feed them to your baby without any worries.

Why Do Smaller Babies Need More Nutrition?

Smaller babies need more nutritional support to grow better and healthier. Doctors often check percentiles, and if your baby falls below the 5th or 10th percentile, they might need additional nutritional care.

Being underweight can happen because of:

  • Premature birth
  • Being born at a low weight
  • Being sick or not feeling hungry
  • Not eating well
Since they don’t have much energy stored, every meal is important, and fruits, along with dry fruits, can give a lot of nutrients.

How Do Fruits Help Babies Grow Strong?

Fruits might seem light, but they’re packed with nutrients. They provide fibres, essential vitamins, and natural sugars, which help improve energy levels and digestion, both crucial for growth.

Certain fruits can help babies gain a healthy weight:

  • Bananas, with about 90 to 100 calories each, give you potassium and natural carbohydrates
  • Mangoes are packed with vitamins A and C. Plus, they help boost your appetite.
  • Chikoo (sapota) are naturally high in calories and easy to digest
  • Avocado has healthy fats; about 120 calories in a half portion
  • Papaya helps you digest food and boosts nutrient absorption

Why Are Dry Fruits Thought of as Growth Boosters?

Dry fruits have lots of nutrients since they don’t have water. This means even a little bit is good for everyone, particularly for underweight babies.

What are the best dry fruits for smaller babies?

  • Almonds are great because they’re packed with healthy fats, vitamin E, and protein
  • Cashews are high in calories; 1 tablespoon provides about 55-60 calories
  • Raisins are naturally sweet and have iron, which is good for your baby’s appetite
  • Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain development
  • Dates are great for digestion, give energy, and they’re naturally sweet

How Do These Foods Support Overall Growth?

Besides helping your baby grow, fruits and dry fruits help your baby in multiple ways:

  • Fibre promotes digestion, helping prevent constipation
  • Vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants, boost their immune system and help them fight off illness
  • Natural sugar provides quick and steady energy
  • Avocados and walnuts have good fats that help with your baby’s brain development
  • Papaya and dates support rapid digestion

How to Include Fruits & Dry Fruits Carefully in Your Baby’s Diet?

Your baby’s digestive system can be sensitive, so you must stay alert. Some simple fruits to try are:

  • Mashed banana, papaya, or mango fruit
  • Mashed avocado with a tiny bit of breast milk
  • Stewed apple or pear, since they’re easy to digest
  • Dry fruit powders, such as almond, cashew, and pistachio, are added to porridge
  • Raisin water for babies under one year, instead of whole raisins

What Are the Alarming Signs?

Fruits and dry fruits are generally fine, but watch out for these signs:

  • Vomiting once feeding is done
  • Redness, indicating allergies
  • Swelling around the eyes or lips
If you notice these, stop giving your babies these foods and talk to your doctor.

What If Your Baby Is Still Not Gaining Enough Weight?

Sometimes weight gain is slow, even when nutritious foods are included. But why?

  • Eating less
  • Often falling sick
  • Problem with feeding
  • High metabolism
  • Underlying medical conditions.
Always check with your paediatrician if:

  • The baby isn't gaining weight, about 150 to 200 grams each week
  • Your baby seems grumpy, sleepy, or not eating well
  • You see delays in development
The doctor may recommend supplements or additional assessments.

What’s Next?

To support your baby's healthy development, try following this short guide:

  • Offer meals in small, frequent portions
  • Include at least one calorie-packed fruit regularly
  • Keep track of weekly weight gain
  • Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dry fruit powder to meals
  • Maintain a calm and positive mealtime experience
  • Talk to your partner about what’s bothering you so you can feel better
  • Consult a paediatrician if progress is consistently slow

The Emotional Aspect

Dealing with a situation when your baby’s not gaining enough weight can be really hard on your emotions. You might start feeling guilty, anxious, or stressed about how they’re eating. Don’t forget:

  • Lots of parents go through the same challenges, so you're not the only one
  • A supportive family member or partner can help you stay calm
  • Celebrate little wins like better feeding or a few grams gained. This boosts confidence.
  • You must stay relaxed while feeding your baby; they’ll probably be calmer and more likely to eat.
Fruits and dry fruits are a good and safe way to help your baby grow. They’ve got all the nutrients, calories, and good fats your baby needs, all helping them get stronger. Feed them carefully, keep an eye on what they’re eating, and ask your doctor for advice. You can totally help your baby grow better, gradually.

FAQs on Why Fruits and Dry Fruits Matter More for Underweight Babies


  1. Can I regularly give fruit to my baby?
    Yes. You can give them fruits often. Just be sure it’s something your baby can handle for their age, and try a new kind at a time to watch out for allergies.
  2. When is the ideal time to give dry fruit powder to my baby?
    At about 6 months of age, it is safe to introduce dry fruit powder to your baby. However, you should always check with your doctor before introducing anything new to their diet.
  3. Is it enough to make a baby who is underweight gain weight with fruits only?
    Fruits are highly recommended, but to gain weight healthily, ensure that they get proteins, grains, and healthy fats.
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