Forum Index
»
Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Did your chubby baby grow up to be overwight?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
During the toddler years, kids tend to slim down. So if he doesn't slim down then, then I would be concerned. Both of ours kept growing taller and slimmer a few months after they started walking.
Regarding formula feeding, make sure you have the right flow nipple for the bottle. If the formula comes out of the bottle too fast, then he could be eating too much. (When BFing, it comes out really slowly.) |
Anonymous
| Two of my friends had incredibly chubby babies. Both kids are lean toddlers. |
Anonymous
I think this is why they say formula feeding can lead to overweight kids. Like us, babies take a while to realize that they're full. If they're being bottle-fed, they are more likely to drink too much too quickly without realizing it; breastfeeding has both the benefit of being slow and that it changes nutritionally as a baby drinks - the more caloric hind milk comes out last, and takes some work to get at, so they are less likely to overconsume. If you're really concerned, then, use slow flow nipples, and dont give your LO a huge bottle just because she'll finish it; try to slow her down a bit. That said, my DS was 6 lbs 2 oz at birth, and 21 lbs at 6 MOS!!! now that he's mobile he's definitely slimming down, and I expect he'll be a string bean in another year. Enjoy the squishes while you can! |
Anonymous
| My DS was 23lbs at six months! He wasn't very tall either and he was exclusively breastfed and wasn't feeding excessively. He then got very mobile and his weight stayed the same for the next year. At 5 and a half he weighs just 40lbs and it's hard to keep him at that 40lb mark. He is super active and will ride his bike (in circles on our cul-de-sac) for hours on end. |
Anonymous
i think ~ 46". btw he's EBF... and he was a chubby toddler. |
Anonymous
|
My DD fortunately has DH's genes - started as the fattest rolly polly baby - seriously she had multiple chins (just like him!) & high 90th %iles for weight and height through the first year. But now at 3yo her weight has dropped down to 50th %ile and her height is still in the 90th. So she's a string bean now just like her dad.
There isn't much you can do about genetics, but you can foster healthy eating habits as your child grows. |
Anonymous
| All good advice. One suggestion I would add if you remain concerned is that you read 'Child of Mine," a much recommended book around here by a nutritionist that is at least a decade old. It is full of great research and feeding advice. A key point she makes well is that you want to give your child good choices, but you never want to either restrict food because you think your child is too heavy nor push food because you think your child is too thin. If you go down either path, chances are your plan will backfire and your child will not learn how to eat the naturally right amount for his/her body type. |
Anonymous
| My very chubby (95th percentile) baby is now 8 years and she is the farthest thing from overweight. Seriously, she is strong as an ox and while she is tall, she has a small frame and is a rail. |
Anonymous
| Also had a positively rotund EBF baby, and have a sinewy 8 y.o. boy. |
Anonymous
I agree with this, but I think the distinction is bottlefeeding versus at the breast. I pumped for child care and struggled with the caregivers wanting to overfeed past hunger with the bottle. It was breastmilk, not formula, but the same issues apply. Check Kelly mom for paced feeding advice if you think this may be an issue. But generally, I would not worry too much. After 1 year, you can reduce the amount of milk and replace with tons of veggies, fruits, and grains that are both nutrition and lower fat and calories, and your child will be more active. I still have a pudgy toddler, but I know he eats well and as he gets steadier footing will become more active. |
Anonymous
| Don't worry about it. I had twins - the smallest one was nearly diagnosed with failure to thrive. She is now a great eater and not overweight, but sturdy. Her chunky baby sister is now a foot shorter than her and skinnier than all get out. |
Anonymous
|
I was a super-chubby (EBF) baby and I thinned out after I started walking. My formula-fed daughter was 95th %ile for weight (and height) and she got noticeably thinner after she started walking. As she continues to grow, there are times she looks chubbier than usual, but that's usually right before a growth spurt. Neither her dad nor I are super-skinny, but we're both of normal BMI's.
I wouldn't worry so much about the formula vs. BF thing when it comes to weight - surveying my friends' kids, there doesn't seem to be a clear dividing line between the weights of the BF and formula-fed babies. (my friend N's son is 30th %ile and BF, but his mom is super skinny. my friend A's daughter was 50%ile and formula fed. My friend L's daughter was 90's and BF; my daughter was 90's and FF.) |
Anonymous
| 6 months is too early to know, I think. I've read it's around ages 2-3 where weight and height percentiles tend to be more (but not completely) predictive. |
Anonymous
| My daughter was a true butterball. I look at pics now and still can't believe how a baby could be so round! She's 3.5 now, and was in the 55th percentile for weight and 45th for height at her last check-up. |