How to Care for an Overweight Baby

Parenting a baby is a joyous time but is also season of learning and, at times, uncertainty. You may be concerned at some point about your baby's weight, especially if you believe he is gaining weight faster than he should. Before making assumptions, speak with your pediatrician to learn how to properly feed and care for your baby.

  1. Talk With Your Pediatrician

    • Any time you have concerns about your baby's weight, speak with your baby's pediatrician. Keep in mind that babies triple their birth weight and grow 10 inches in length, on average, during their first year, according to KidsHealth from Nemours. Your doctor will measure his height and weight, then compare that to what average is for his age, notes BabyCenter. Doctors also use growth charts to keep track of a baby's growth pattern. If your baby's growth is consistent, it is likely there is no problem. However, if his rate of growth increases drastically in just a few weeks, it could possibly signal an issue. Before making any changes, you should always consult your babies doctor.

    Breast Milk or Formula

    • Fat is important for healthy development in babies but excess calories and fat can delay development, states the Mayo Clinic website. To give your baby the best start possible, breastfeed her as long as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics' recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months if possible. Breastfed babies are often better able to stop eating after they are full, notes the Mayo Clinic. If you give your baby a bottle, whether it's filled with breast milk or formula, the amount she needs will vary by her age. Newborns need approximately 1.5 to 3 ounces every two to three hours, while a two-month-old may need 4 to 5 ounces every three to four hours. By six months, your baby will likely need 6 to 8 ounces every four to five hours, according to KidsHealth from Nemours.

    Solids and Juice

    • Avoid offering your baby juice during the first six months, unless your pediatrician instructs you to. After six months, juice still isn't necessary but can be given in a cup and should be limited to 4 ounces per day. Babies should not start solid foods until they reach six months. At that point, you can begin introducing your baby to iron-rich cereals, mixed with formula or breast milk, or other types of baby foods, advises KidsHealth from Nemours. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding during this time. Studies show that beginning solids too early can increase your baby's risk of childhood obesity, according to WebMD.

    Baby Activities

    • While there is no reason for you baby to need to hit the gym, you can keep him active at home. Lay your baby on an activity mat that has safe toys hanging overhead. This gives him the opportunity to stretch, kick his legs and swat at the toys. Place a blanket on the floor with some toys and encourage tummy time. When your baby begins to learn to crawl and move about, place the toys just out of his reach, so he has to work at getting them. Another option to keep your baby moving is to sign up for a parent and baby activity class.

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