Which Dal Helps in Weight Gain in Kids?

When introducing solid foods to your baby, many parents ask the important question: which dal helps in weight gain? Among the many options, urad dal (black gram) stands out as a highly nutritious, traditional choice widely used in Indian households.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of urad dal for babies, its nutritional value, and the best ways to prepare it safely for weaning infants.

Which Dal Helps in Weight Gain? Nutritional Value of Urad Dal

Urad dal is rich in essential nutrients crucial for the growth and development of children. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional profile per 100g:

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	60g
Dietary Fiber	18g
Fat	1.6g
Calcium	154mg
Iron	7.57mg
Magnesium	267mg
Potassium	983mg
Folate	216µg

Its high protein and mineral content make urad dal a great answer to the question, “which dal helps in weight gain for babies?”

What Is Urad Dal?

Urad dal, also known as black gram or split black lentils, is available in several forms:

• Whole black urad (with skin)
• Split black urad (with skin)
• Split white urad (without skin)
• Urad dal flour

For babies, split and dehusked (white) urad dal is preferred due to its easy digestibility and smooth texture after cooking.

When Can You Introduce Urad Dal to Babies?

You can begin offering urad dal to babies after 7–8 months of age, once they are comfortable with simple solids like moong dal, rice water, and purees.

Signs your baby is ready:

• Can sit upright with support
• Shows interest in food
• Can swallow mashed or soft food easily

Start with a watery urad dal soup and gradually progress to thicker versions, such as khichdi or porridge.

Health Benefits of Urad Dal for Babies

1. Supports Muscle Growth

Packed with protein, urad dal helps in developing strong muscles in growing babies.

2. Boosts Bone Health

Its calcium and magnesium content support the development of strong bones and teeth.

3. Aids Digestion

The fiber in urad dal improves digestion and helps relieve constipation during the weaning phase.

4. Strengthens Immunity

Urad dal contains iron, zinc, and antioxidants that help build a stronger immune system.

5. Promotes Brain Development

Folate and B-complex vitamins support brain and nervous system growth in infants.

How to Prepare Urad Dal for Babies?

Tips Before Cooking:

• Use split white urad dal (dehusked)
• Wash and soak for 2–3 hours before cooking
• Cook thoroughly to achieve a soft, mashable texture
• Use a pinch of turmeric and hing for digestion
• Avoid salt, sugar, and spices for babies under 1 year

Simple Urad Dal Recipes for Baby Weight Gain

1. Urad Dal Water (7+ Months)

A gentle first food to check for tolerance.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp urad dal
• 1 cup water
• A pinch of turmeric

Method:

• Soak dal for 2–3 hours.
• Pressure cook with turmeric.
• Strain and serve the water.

2. Urad Dal Khichdi (8+ Months)

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp urad dal
• 2 tbsp rice
• Turmeric
• Ghee (optional)

Method:

• Soak rice and dal.
• Pressure cook with turmeric.
• Mash well and add a small amount of ghee.

3. Urad Dal Porridge (9+ Months)

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp urad dal flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp ghee
• Jaggery (for babies 1+ years)

Method:

• Mix flour with water.
• Cook on a low flame, stirring continuously.
• Add ghee and cook until thick.

4. Urad Dal Idli (10+ Months)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup urad dal
• 2 cups idli rice

Method:

• Soak dal and rice separately.
• Grind and ferment overnight.
• Steam and serve with ghee.

5. Urad Dal Dosa (12+ Months)

As your baby nears 1 year, soft dosas made with urad dal and rice batter can be introduced. Serve plain or with ghee or curd.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Do’s:

• Start with small quantities
• Use fresh and properly cooked dal
• Monitor for signs of allergy (rash, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Ensure smooth consistency for younger babies

Don’ts:

• Don’t use whole black urad dal early on
• Avoid salt, spices, and chili
• Skip fried items like vadas until after age 2

Why Urad Dal Is the Best Answer to “Which Dal Helps in Weight Gain?”

Urad dal stands out because:

• It has more protein and minerals than moong or toor dal
• It combines well with ghee or rice for calorie-dense meals
• It supports digestion, brain growth, and immunity all at once

So, when someone asks, which dal helps in weight gain for babies?—urad dal is a proven, traditional, and balanced answer.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to add healthy weight to your baby’s growth journey, urad dal is one of the best foods to include. Nutritious, digestible, and versatile, it helps answer the all-important question—which dal helps in weight gain—with confidence.

By preparing it right and introducing it gradually, you can ensure your baby receives the nourishment they need for strong and healthy development.

FAQs

Q1. Which dal helps in weight gain for babies?
Urad dal is one of the best dals for weight gain, thanks to its high protein, calcium, and iron content.

Q2. Can urad dal be given daily to babies?
While safe, it’s best to give urad dal 2–3 times a week, alternating with other lentils like moong or masoor.

Q3. What to do if urad dal causes gas in babies?
Soak it well, cook thoroughly, and add a pinch of hing. Combine with rice or ghee to reduce bloating.