Child Have a Healthy Weight

Help Your Child Have a Healthy Weight

July 26, 2023 Infant

Everyone loves a pudgy baby! You just want to hug and squeeze them! Babies are born with body fat and that is normal. In the first year, as babies grow and become more active, their bodies “stretch” and thin out. Some babies don’t thin out over the first year and instead, become overweight toddlers. This can be a problem because the extra weight can “follow” them into childhood and adulthood. If you have ever tried to lose weight as an adult, you know it’s not easy!

There’s good news, though! As a parent or caregiver, you have a lot to do with your baby’s eating, activity and sleep habits and how they will form over the first years of life. Research shows that certain habits steer babies and toddlers toward a healthier weight — both now and later!

BREAST / CHESTFEED

BREAST / CHESTFEED​

Breast/Chestfeeding gives babies the healthiest start in life and the benefits can last into adulthood. It can also help babies learn to eat according to their appetite. This habit promotes eating no more than we need, which can help us maintain a healthy weight.
WAIT TO START SOLIDS

WAIT TO START SOLIDS

Offering solid foods before 4-months can lead a baby to eat more calories than they need and it can also increase their risk for allergies. It’s best to wait until your baby shows signs they are ready before introducing solid foods.
SWEET DRINKS

SKIP THE SWEET DRINKS

Babies only need human milk or formula the first year. Small amounts of 100% juice can be introduced to older babies, but should be limited to no more than 4 ounces per day. Babies and toddlers who aren’t offered sweet drinks like soda, sweet tea and juice drinks are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.
ENCOURAGE BABY to play

ENCOURAGE BABY TO PLAY AND BE ACTIVE!

It’s never too early to be active! Babies need tummy time and a safe place to roll, crawl and reach for toys. This playtime builds muscles and teaches baby coordination. Babies who spend too much time in a baby swing, stroller, car seat or bouncy seat may not get enough active time.
KEEP BABY AWAY FROM TV

KEEP BABY AWAY FROM TV AND SCREEN VIEWING

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for babies, except for video chatting until 18 to 24 months, and no more than 1 hour of TV per day for children ages 2 to 5 years. The amount of TV or “screen time” a child has can affect their weight because children are usually not active when they are in front of a screen.
ATTENTION TO baby hungry or not

PAY ATTENTION TO SIGNS THAT BABY IS HUNGRY OR FULL

Sometimes when babies are fussy, caregivers may think they are hungry, but they may just be tired or have a dirty diaper. This can lead to overfeeding.
GIVE BABY ENOUGH time to sleep

GIVE BABY ENOUGH TIME TO SLEEP

Starting healthy sleep routines at the beginning of a child’s life can help them stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight as well. Babies and toddlers who don’t get the sleep they need are more likely to be overweight as toddlers. Researchers have found that not getting enough sleep can affect hunger and appetite.
OFFER FRUITS 0AND VEGETABLES

OFFER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Once babies start eating more table foods and less baby food, it might be harder to make sure they get their fruits and veggies. Make it a habit to serve fruits and vegetables for snacks. Soft fruits and steamed veggies make perfect finger foods for older babies and toddlers.

There is so much to know and learn about being a new parent! Starting your baby with healthy habits now can mean a healthier life for your child in the future.

Side-Lying

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
cross-cradle

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE hold

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position