Babies with plump and chubby cheeks are cute. However, parents must be aware of the weight gain of the baby to prevent that he is obese.
The epidemic of obesity in many countries is now a matter of concern to health experts. In developed countries, one in three children are overweight or obese excessive, even this problem has been seen before the child can walk.
In a study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, mentioned a third-risk children aged 9 months or even already obese.
According to the Medical Director of Pediatrics at Gramercy New York City, Dr. Dyan Hes, there are several reasons why a baby could be overweight.
Most babies will indeed be thinner when they reach the age of five. While there are some children who are born great. "If you were born with a weight of 4.5 pounds then your life will be one of the toughest," said Hes.
If one or both parents are obese, usually the child's weight is not much different. Is it because of genetic obesity or lifestyle, is difficult to determine. But Hes said, generally a combination.
Women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy are also likely to give birth to large babies and children who are overweight. According to research in the journal Diabetes Care, 31 percent of children whose mothers had gestational diabetes are overweight at the age of 11 years.
However, the main thing to consider is growth curve. When the child suddenly fat, then it is a good time to consult your pediatrician.
"What we want is to keep the child's growth curve. The weight gain is not too fast, "said Hes.
Here are some things to consider, related to the child's weight:
1. Consultation
When visiting the doctor, be sure to always carry the card growth. Indonesia knew her Health Card (KMS). So you can see if the child's weight remains in the line, or already crossed too far. Consultation can also digunaka to talk about diet and physical activity, as well as changes in the child's body.
2. Give milk
"Breastfeeding is protective against obesity weapons," Hes said. However according to the American Medical Associaty, prolong breastfeeding was not better than a short duration.
3. Start eating solid at the right time
Although most pediatricians recommend solid food between 4-6 months, according to the journal Pediatrics, 40 percent of mothers do it more quickly.
Formula-fed babies usually start first. The result, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children with milk formula were obese at age 3 years. The experts agreed to pay attention to children's readiness in determining the right time to give solid food.
4. Choose healthy foods
"All infants and children should eat the same way," says nutritionist Melinda Johnson. But he said, children who are overweight are not supposed to follow the diet. Should make sure children eat as usual with fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Parents can give an example of choosing a healthy diet by avoiding fast food restaurants when with child.
5. A healthy diet
At this stage the child will learn how to eat in response to hunger. But at this stage that parents are sometimes too ambitious. "In the end, a child's parents did mess up," said Johnson.
Sometimes some parents to get rid of the plate when the child is still hungry. As a result, children look for other foods that can make children overeat.
Using the approach when children eat sad, lazy, or angry are also not recommended. According to the Johnson children must learn to respect his hunger, how to eat when hungry and stop when satiety.
6. Move
Children love to run, jump, and play. Make physical activity as part of a child's daily routine. Habituation is going to be the style of later life.