'Baby' Fat - Cute no More!

Is it a reason to worry when you see those few extra pounds piling up on your baby?

The Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center says that being over weight early on in life leads to life threatening troubles in the future even if the child loses those extra pounds later on in life. Babies who were on the heavier side are more prone to suffer from arthritis and atherosclerosis in the later stages of their life.

Babies need fat intake and cholesterol in the first two years of their lives as their bodies are rapidly growing. Infants have 25% baby fat early in life. But you need to know when to stop continuing the same food chart and here are some signs that can highlight your way:

Know if your child is obese

• Pediatricians can help eager parents by finding the ideal weight for the baby depending on the babies’ height, age and growth chart


• Reassure your family doctor that you will not be offended by his report stating that your child is obese

What can you do to protect your children from obesity?

• Start them on a healthy diet with a heavy nourishing breakfast followed by smaller meals at fixed intervals


• Learn to differentiate the good from the bad when it comes to fat


• Create an atmosphere where all involved in the upbringing of the child follow healthy diet patterns

Play an active role in the nutrition and activity level of your children, right from the beginning.

Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com. He writes articles on parenting, parenting skills, pregnancy and dads, parenting tips, baby names, baby rooms and many more topics related to dads.