What To Do About Obese Toddlers

Obese toddlers can lead to obese teenagers and adults. That is why it is so “essential” for your toddler to start out with proper eating habits. We as parents are an important piece to the puzzle to help our children avoid obesity. The percentages of overweight toddlers and children in America are astounding.

Obesity is one of our most troublesome and disheartening health risks. It has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma and emotional problems. I am speaking from experience. I was an overweight child and still battle with it to this day. However, I broke this cycle for my own son and I am doing right for him.

You can help your toddler stay healthy by following some important tips that I will share. We practice these habits in our own home so I stand by them and know they do work for us. Always speak to your pediatrician or a nutritionist to see what habits are important to avoid obese toddlers. We really need to start them out young to develop proper eating habits.

Eating Habits In Toddlers

Food habits are started very early in life. We as parents are the role models for our children. Children are more adaptable than adults to change eating habits.

• You cannot withhold dietary foods in the first year of life. DO NOT GIVE skim or low fat milk to any child before the age of 2, unless a doctor has told you to do so.
• Never force a baby to empty a bottle and never add sugar to formula or baby cereal. Remember that sometimes when a baby is fussy, does not mean they are hungry.
• Avoid using food as a bribe, reward, or a form of entertainment or to make them feel better.
• Limit juice to 4- 8 ounces a day. ENCOURAGE WATER!! Avoid giving your toddler pop, heavy sugary fruit punches. Use 100% fruit juices only.
• Offer a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables at every meal.
• Never withhold food as a punishment.
• Talk to your pediatrician about increasing the fiber intake in your child’s diet.
• Parents become a label reader. Be aware of what is in the foods you are giving your toddler.
• A “good eater” does not mean a "big eater". It’s the total for the day that counts, the sum of three meals plus two snacks. It is better to eat smaller portions more often, especially in toddlers.

Exercise

Increased exercise is the most effective way to help children manage their weight. From the day your child is born, make their environment an active one. Obese toddlers do not have an active lifestyle. Again, if the parents aren’t active you cannot expect your children to grow up active. Set a good example!

1. It is possible to be active with a toddler. You can contact the local YMCA or local Parks and Recreation Department for fitness ideas.
2. Plan weekend activities and vacations involving exercise with your toddler. Check out my toddler activities page for more great fit and activities to do with your toddler.

Here is a statistic that really made me think about the importance of exercise. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the incidence of obesity wad highest among children who watch 4 or more hours of television a day… WOW! Remember to avoid obese toddlers and children, we cannot allow the television and computer to raise our kids.

Prevention Techniques

• Eliminate problem foods from your shopping list and your house!
• The most successful “healthy” children are those whose parents eat healthfully right along with them. You are your toddler’s best insurance for a healthy future!
• Encourage your toddler to be active and exercise together. Swimming classes at the YMCA are fantastic.
• Teach proper portion sizes. You want to avoid obese toddlers by starting them out young.
• You do not have to deny them sweets. Cookies, ice cream can be included in small portions at least once a week. Fresh fruits, frozen yogurt and graham crackers are great as well.
• HEALTHY SNACKS! Check out my healthy snacks for toddlers page for some great ideas.
• Value your toddlers. Their worth is more than anything. The greatest gift we can give our child is to instill good habits and self esteem. These gifts will follow them throughout their lives.

Again you are their role model parents. Surround them with love and with a healthy lifestyle. I can see the difference it has made in my son. I wish that my mother knew what I know now. However, I chose to break the bad cycle of nutrition from my childhood and wanted better for my toddler.

* I am not a Doctor or Licensed Professional in the field of obese toddlers. I am a stay at home Mom passing on tips, advice and information that are based on my opinions. Always remember to consult your pediatrician with serious questions concerning your child and their weight.*

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