Dr. Gowri Ravi Chinthalapalli is Consultant — Child Development, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

My 14-month-old son is underweight. How can I help him gain healthy weight?

— Niharika Sinha, Mumbai

It’s important for parents to provide balanced diets including nutrient-rich foods to ensure infants receive adequate calories, vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal physical growth and development. Regular consultations with a pediatrician and/or nutritionist will enable you to prepare a feeding plan that addresses specific nutritional deficiencies while monitoring child development milestones. Create a positive feeding environment, encourage responsive feeding practices, and introduce a variety of flavors to stimulate your son’s appetite and interest in food. I suggest you consult a pediatrician to monitor his developmental progress and make necessary adjustments to feeding strategies.

My daughter is a year old. I want to introduce healthy and pesticide-free seasonal fruits and vegetables into her diet. Please advise.

— Rema Shankar, Chennai

Prioritise buying organic produce from local farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture programs. Organically grown vegetables and fruits contain minimal pesticides. Please research and educate yourself on the Environmental Working Group’s lists of produce with the highest and lowest pesticide levels.

Preparing homemade purées or baby food from organic produce ensures food quality and introduces infants to various flavors. Consult a pediatrician to advise you on the best nutritional options to introduce solids in your daughter’s diet.

We live in Delhi where summer temperatures shoot to over 40^oC. How can I keep my two-year-old hydrated?

— Myra Palekar, Delhi

First, avoid commercially available sugary beverages. Instead offer your two-year-old fresh, natural, water-rich fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, buttermilk, and coconut water. These provide hydration as well as essential vitamins and minerals. You could also prepare homemade electrolyte solutions using water, a pinch of salt, and a splash of natural fruit juice. Encourage regular water breaks throughout the day, especially during outdoor play, and incorporate hydrating fruits/ fresh juices to keep your toddler hydrated in summer.

How can I ensure the food I make for my three-year-old daughter is free from contaminants and pollutants?

— Minal Krishna, Hyderabad

You can take proactive measures to ensure the food you prepare doesn’t contain harmful contaminants such as pesticides and pollutants. Prioritize the purchase of organic produce, which is cultivated without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, thereby reducing the risk of chemicals exposure. Also ensure you wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water to remove any surface residues and peel them to minimize contamination. It’s also beneficial to be well-informed about local food safety regulations and support local farmers practising sustainable farming methods. By being vigilant about organic food sourcing and healthy preparation techniques, you can ensure your daughter eats a balanced diet.