EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

My dd was born a week late at 10lbs now I was a big baby when I was born but thinned out by about 2 or 3 bc i didnt eat ANYTHING.
My dh on the other hand a was a normal sized baby but was always heavy as a child and has always battled his weight.
Today she had her 2 1/2 year checkup and I told my mom and Dh the dr is going to be concerned about her weight.They both said I was crazy that she is just a BIG girl. She has ALWAYS been 90 0r 95% for height and Weight so there was never a concern. Now she is 80% for height( stll tall and the dr said her saving grace at this point) and over 95% for weight. She has gained almost 5lbs since october.
Its not even like she eats lots of bad stuff( or so i thought) but she eats A LOT of whatever she eats. Obviosly its bc I am giving it to her, well more everyone else does, I am the one who TRIES to limit the stuff she eats. She is worse when she is tired she just wants to snack and snack and snack. Now you would think that since my dh has always battled his weight he would be concerned. While he is a little he feels the dr is getting a little crazy. Basically she goes back at 3 in september and if her weight gain has continued she wants to recommend a pediatrician who deals with wieght issues. She said she thinks that will be unneccesary that we can just make changes now. She is to young for diet she said the goal is to try to get her not to gain or not to much by septmber and have her grow more than she gained. This time she only grew 1.5 inches but gained almost 5lbs.
Is anyone else dealing with this? I feel so lost right now.Obvioulsy i love my daughter unconditionally but obviously being an overwight child adds extra stresses and leads to the possiblilty of being made fun of and called horrible names. Please dont think I am this crazy skinny perosn bc 1) I am not skinny i am average and 2) I just want whats best for her.

ETA: 1) I forgot to add that she said in additon to portion comtrol cutting out some things like pretzels and juice and switching to skim milk( i use 2% now) she also said excerise which i admit i am so tired when i get home after teaching all day we go upstairs and watch tv that is going to stop and 2) I am not saying this bc its my kids but if you look at her i dont think you would go OH MY THAT KID IS FAT. in fact her belly gets very big after she eats, as does anyones, but you would say that is a BIG kid in general. I am goign to try and include a picture

Message edited 4/17/2009 9:16:30 PM.

Re: Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

I have no advice I am a new mommy and honestly I don't know what I would do... but I think you could use some

Re: Please help..a nyone have an overweight toddler?

My son has always been a big kid and he barely eats at all. He has been in the 95th percentile in height and weight since birth. He is 28 months, 37lbs, and 37.5 inches. His numbers are high but he does not look chubby at all, and our ped. has never been concerned.

IMHO, I would let her eat, but just try to push healthy foods and snacks as much as you can. The weather is getting nicer now, so I'm sure all the running around outside will help too.

Re: Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

my dd is 30 months 37 1/2 inches and 38 1/2 lbs and i just edited my origianl post to say i dont think she looks like an overweight kid just a BIG kid in general.u

Message edited 4/17/2009 9:39:54 PM.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

She is adorable! I really wouldn't worry.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

Posted by KerriSteve

She is adorable! I really wouldn't worry.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

Does she drink a lot of juice? If so, I would cut that out immediately and replace it with water. Snacking all day long isn't a good thing. Maybe try to limit the snacks to two per day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon.

Honestly she doesn't look overweight to me, she looks a lot older than she is, but she is cute

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

Thanks. See I dont thinks he looks liek anoverweight kid but I knew thast eh was. My mom and Dh were actually shocked at what the dr said..why I dont know I just think she carries it well.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

Well, my dr. hasn't mentioned anything about Ava's weight, since she's 40 inches and 39lbs., but I have some really similar issues with her and her portion size. She's ALWAYS had a huge appetite since she started on solids, and considering that I battle with my weight, I'm very concerned. She doesn't snack much, mainly because I don't let her, and she doesn't drink milk or juice, but she just eats SO much of everything. It's gotten better, mainly because I've noticed that she'll eat whatever is on her plate and rarely ask for seconds, so I've just cut her portions without her knowing. It seems to be working. I wouldn't be overly concerned, just keep an eye on it and try to limit her portions and snacking

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

I was told that my dd is overweight...She is 18 months and is 37 lbs and 35 inches tall. We have gone for some testing with the endocrinologist and I am waiting for the results. I don't think she is FAT, but she is solid. The scary part is that she really eats next to nothing. She does drink 18 ounces of milk each day. I give it to her because she doesn't eat enough calories. At this point, I am just waiting to hear what the endo says.

In many ways I am hoping it is a thyroid problem and that will be that. Other than that, I don't know how to change the diet of a child who doesn't eat!

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

Posted by Mikismom

Posted by KerriSteve

She is adorable! I really wouldn't worry.

I agree, she is SO cute and I really would not stress it TOO much, try to cut out the juice and cut back on the snacks and she will be fine

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

She is absolutely beautiful! Don't worry.

Is she in any activities? Dance,soccer??Anything that keeps them moving is great. As far as food goes, you can try a Nutritionist. Good Sam Hospital has one.

Does she drink a lot of milk or juices? Maybe you can limit them.

My DD was a big baby and a chubby toddler. She is now 4 1/2 and just got really tall and skinny all of a sudden.

Don't be upset. As long as she is happy and healthy, she will be fine.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

My DD is also on the bigger side. She was born very average 7lbs 8oz but gained quickly. She was always 95% for weight and height. At her 2 year check up her height dropped to 75%, but her weight stayed at 95%. My ped said she is overweight. She is 34 inches and 33lbs. I've always struggled with weight (although I manage to stay average with a lot of work) and I understand not wanting wanting the same for your child.

My DD mostly drinks water (we give her one sippy of juice a day - which is watered down 50/50) and has decreased the amount she eats on her own but isn't sliming down as much as I hoped.

I try to keep her active, but nothing seems to be helping. I guess it's just her build. My DD doesn't appear overweight and people are often shocked when they lift her. I also have a hard time dressing her in jeans / pants because of the waistline. She's in a lot of leggings and comfy clothes.

I have no advice, but you aren't alone

Message edited 4/17/2009 10:21:39 PM.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

I have always had weight issues. My mom put me on my first diet at 7. So I can completely understand where you are coming from. Can you cut her juice with water? Give her water more. If she says she is hungry, perhaps she is not distinguishing that she is actually thirsty. So make sure you have water available. Make sure you have fresh fruit and veggies pre-cut or even a fruit cup available as a snack instead of cookies or pretzles. Put the things that are good for her on shelves she can reach. If it is not in the house she will not eat it. Also, don't make it a diet and limit the food so she is crying, just try to make her fill up on healthy food and water, skim milk or 1/2 water 1/2 juice. HTH

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

she looks cute but he dr mau think it will become a problem...cut out high frustose corn syrup and juice...

She will grow tall..I was an overweight kid and I cant tell you how horrible it wa sin school...you are doing your child a favor by cutting out the snacks...

Just to add, i think shes adorable...

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

Is she an emotional eater?

I remember reading in a book that parents should never force a child to eat if they are not hungry (like at dinnertime for example) and that we shouldnt offer them food when they are upset to try and calm them down or push food on them. They will let us know when they are hungry. Some kids can develop "poor" eating habits at a young age.

Being your DH has always battled his weight, it is possible its just her build. Maybe change what she's eating and try to limit her snacking. Also maybe put her in a sport, like soccer, over the summer.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

I definitely wouldn't see her and think that she had a weight problem.

BUT, if the Dr. is concerned, it might be worth paying attention to. I only say this as someone who has had weight problems since I'm 6 years old. NOW is the time to nip it in the bud if there is a problem...because here I am, an obese 28 year-old. My mom wasn't sure how to fix the problem, so she chose to ignore it and hope that it got better on its own. Clearly not the best way.

I'm not saying any of this to scare you, but just be on the lookout. I know you said that she wants to snack. Maybe when she asks to snack, take her away from the situation and do something else to take her mind off of it--go out and play tag, do her nails, do something fun!

Lots of and that you can get through this!!

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

You said you wanted to get her moving - that will probably help her out. My sister had the same issue with her daughter. My niece was in the 95% for weight and the 85 % for height when she was 3. My sister did not want to make a huge deal of it because she knew it could affect her self esteem. Instead, she decided to introduce more activities in her life. She enrolled her in swim class and eventually when she got a bit older introduced soccer. And...my sister started doing yoga at home and it has become a mom and daughter thing (age 5 1/2). My niece is now almost seven and wears size 10 clothes. She is tall (she is almost 5 feet already!) but her weight has gotten better. And she and BIL talk about healthy snacks all the time.....it helps.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

To be honest, as the mom of a VERY large 5 mth old girl, I think your DD looks simply healthy. I don't think she looks "fat" nor is she skinny of course. I think she looks like a healthy child and she is adorable.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

I dont think your DD looks fat either BUT, coming from a family of larger than average people and having a DD that is in the 90th percentile for weight (was in 99) i know how you feel, we were totally freaked out that she is going to have weight issue and it was starting already but everyone told us not to worry until later- around 2-3 . My dd is still only 9m.

Anyways, my point is that, i would rather be concerend NOW then save it for later. It is much MUCH MUCH easier to teach your DD an active lifestyle and healthy eating now than it is when she is going to be 6, 10, 15, etc.
If your husband had weight issues all his life then genetics will play a role, and as a female she is bound to gain more weight than a male simply due to the hormones that will kick in when she is a teenager.

Maybe you can get her involved in some sports etc?

I would say that if you felt she ate healthy with proper portions and got enough exercise THEN it wouldnt matter what the scale or percentiles say. But if you yourself feel that she needs more portion control and more exercise then you believe she is not as healthy as she should be and so the time to nip that in the bum is now because it is much harder later on in life.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

I think your dd looks beautiful... I dont see her being overweight at all.

Now on Maury Povich show.. hes shown some big toddlers.. and your dd is nowhere close to being like that.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

I'm sorry (and this is just MY opinion) but I think your doctor is being rediculous. You can't possibly control how much she grows. Kids go through growth spurts, next time she has a check up she may very well grow a few inches and not gain an ounce, thats how kids are......and I personally DO NOT think she looks fat by any means. You can of course limit juice and snacks and get her involved in more physical activity, but if you are making healthy choices for her then thats all that needs to be done at this age.

I don't think you are always going to agree with your pediatrician 100% of the time. You are her mom and know whats right.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

Posted by EmmaNick

Does she drink a lot of juice? If so, I would cut that out immediately and replace it with water. Snacking all day long isn't a good thing. Maybe try to limit the snacks to two per day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon.

Honestly she doesn't look overweight to me, she looks a lot older than she is, but she is cute

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

Your daughter is beautiful first off...
Thanks for sharing the pics

Gaining 5 pounds in less than six months can be what is troubling to the doc. After 2, that is supposed to slow way down and level off. Just think if you gained like 20% of your body weight in 5 months.

I agree with a lot of the previous posters. Portion control, healthy snacks, and water and activities will probably help.


Don't beat yourself up though, I am sure it can be easily managed...sometimes kids just have spurts as well.

Re: EDITED WITH PICS...Please help..anyone have an overweight toddler?

both of my kids were born over 10 pounds.

the first one thinned down pretty effortlessly to be thin, but the second is now almost 2 and has been in the obese catagory at 1.25 and 1.5.

I think the doctor was right to point it out (mine pointed it out very gently), b/c we needed to make changes. We use 1 or 2% milk and water down juice 75%

portion control is a huge issue for us, since when he's finihsed, he will attack his brother's (who usually doesn't finish)

DH makes a conscious effort to take him outside every late afternoon/evening in the yard and has him run around.


I will say that it doesn't happen over night and they shouldn't lose weight. DS stayed in the obese catagory for 1.5 check up, but since the curve didn't go up he was happy with that. We still have to 2 months for 2 years, but he just went in for a sick visit and he hasn't gained anything.