Some parents (and even well-meaning, but misguided relatives) worry that a chubby-looking baby is overweight. With childhood obesity a problem in the U.S. and other countries, it’s understandable to worry about baby weight. Just keep in mind that a large baby may not become an overweight or obese child. An obese child is more at risk of remaining obese as an adult. If you’re worried about your baby’s weight, talk to the healthcare provider. Weight checks are part of wellness appointments throughout childhood, and the provider can tell you whether your baby is growing normally. Growing infants need a diet high in fat. An exclusively breastfed baby, for example, gets nearly half of his daily calories from fat in breastmilk. And research has found that being breastfed may actually reduce the risk of obesity later in life. Too much weight can be concerning if it affects a baby’s physical development, such as delayed crawling or walking. In that case, the healthcare provider will work with you to bring things into better balance. |