What to do about very fat baby?

Question

My 6 month old daughter is 23 lbs and I don't want her weight to get outta control. She dont like baby food but will scream for adult food so I give it to her. (ever seen a 6 month old eat a six inch subway sandwich?)

Answer 1

To be honest, yes. My daughter was a porky little one like your sounds like. She skipped baby food all together and went straight to 'adult food'. First I would say, don't freak out and get obsessed about her weight. Obviously, you should moniter it, and make sure she doesn't get too fat, but chubby babies are pretty common, and their weight before they start crawling and walking doesn't necessarily indicate how their weight will be.
You didn't mention how long she was, so I couldn't check her percentage on a baby growth chart, but here is a great link to find out how your baby compares to others.

http://www.babycenter.com/growthchart/

Of course your doctor will have more accurate information and charts, but this will at least give you an idea of how your child compares with others.

As to her eating adult food, there are certain foods to stay away from (egg whites, peanut butter, honey, certain fruit like strawberries etc.) Because of allergies. But as long as she's eating healthy and safe food, I wouldn't worry about it (my daughter actually started eating food with us at 4 months!)

Mention your concerns to her doctor at your next appt., but I promise you once she starts crawling around more and pulling herself up and walking, the weight will stay off, she'll slim down, and you'll feel much better.

Edited to add:
And after reading some of the other posts I just wanted to say, some people are really stupid. I have no idea how giving your baby some subway sandwhich compares with giving them doses of heroin (...?) Perhaps this woman is speaking from experience on how she takes care of her own children... let's hope not.
And most doctors do recommend children not eat food this early, but I've also been told (by both my daughters pediatricians) when a child starts to show interest in food, that is when you should introduce it to them. Most children wait until they are around a year, but every baby is different.

And everyone keeps telling you to give her healthy food, but I think bread, lettuce, tomato, and meat is healthy... Am I missing something?

Answer 2

Well, your baby wouldn't scream for adult food if you hadn't given it to her in the first place. I know that sounds harsh, but I'm not trying to be. You have to provide healthy good tasting foods at this point. I don't think it's too late for you. I knew a couple whose 5 month old baby could eat a banana split, the baby was about 30 pounds at that point. She's now a little girl and while not slim, she is no longer fat and seems pretty active. Ask your pediatrician for advice on this, and keep any and all junk food out of your house. When your baby is hungry, she'll eat what is available. Get some yummy, soft, healthy foods, like certain fruits and cooked vegetables. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Absolutely do not give your 6 month old a subway sandwich. Some mothers breast feed their children until 8 months and start introducing food then. This will totally mess up her tiny digestive system. You could be causing damage and exposure to harmful additives (nitrites and nitrates) that she does not need.

Answer 4

i know how hard it is not to give in to a baby. if she really likes adult food, get her started on healthy food, before she realizes what cake and candy taste like. whatever you eat, she'll eat (eventually)...i dont mean to scare you, but my sister in law took care of her baby cousin from birth to one year. she started that poor baby on Mc Donalds when she was four months old. that baby was WAY over her weight for her age, and she didnt start walking till she was 2 because she was so heavy, that it was hard for her to walk. her weight literally threw her off balance! i mean, this baby was 9 months old, and weighed as much as a 2 year old. so, start giving her healthy food, no more subway!

Answer 5

Oh, come on! Can't you all see that this is a fake question? Six month olds usually have very few teeth, if any, so how could a six month old eat a sandwich? That's ridiculous.

Answer 6

Wow, I would go & speak to a baby health ctr, that can not be good for her, I know you mean well, try mashing some potato with vegies, a little only, if you dont do something now it will cause her a lot of health problems, let her scream, she will eat if she is really hungry, but still I would see a health nurse.

Answer 7

Well for a mother who doesnt' want her baby's weight to get out of control you're on the right path straight to obesity. Subway, no matter HOW great for adults is NOT good for a baby's diet. So everything your kid screams for you hand it over huh? What if your kid screamed for a bottle of Guiness would you give that to her as well? Or maybe some nose candy? How about a couple doses of heroin?

Answer 8

Why did you start giving your baby table food in the first place so early. That's your fault. Since you've already made the mistake of allowing table food, at the very least make healthy choices about what you give her. Don't give her fatty or salty foods. Once she starts to become more mobile she should slim down some. But you should definitely consult her doc.

Answer 9

any type of books i have read says that you should start feeding them baby cereal and everything like that at 6 months old. i would talk to her doctor about that.

Answer 10

wow!
Ask your doctor.
Mine is the total other way.
He eats like a bird. I feel like I forcing him food.