Is Benecalorie advised for small children?

[bxclark]

My child is 17 months and weighs just under 18 lbs. We currently feed him Pediasure with Haagen Daaz Ice cream and rice cereal. He is a healthy little boy but or doctor thinks his issue is strictly caloric. I came across Benecalorie and am curious to give it a try. Is it safe for a child at 17 months? Have any of you doctors suggested it to patients?

[Renee Radenberg]

It is recommended only to use with children over the age of 3-4 years (not younger) old due to very high fat content. You should use the Pediasure milkshakes in place of milk at all meals and snacks. He needs protein sources at each meal such as the milkshake you mentioned, puddings, meats, and cheese, to name a few, to help gain weight. At this age he can also be eating finger foods so let him eat on his own. Some tips for additional calories: If they like pasta, then add cream or cheese sauces to the pasta instead of plain tomato sauce or plain pasta. Add dry milk to oatmeal, mashed potatoes, gravies, creamed vegetables, and creamed soups (add additional protein sources to soups such as tofu). Suggest adding Duocal to his Pediasure 'shake' and his food for additional calories if you are still concerned.