Babysitter Feeding Baby Too Much

One year olds will stop eating when they are full, regardless of what you tell them. I wouldn't worry about it, as long as it is healthy food. I would tell the babysitter that food should be restricted to the high chair or the table because eating while playing is a bad habit to start.

Does your sitter know what to do with a one year old beside feed her? :)

Food should only be given in the high chair. Explain to your sitter that it's your 'house rule' that food be given only at the table or high chair, that you don't want to confuse your daughter by letting her eat elsewhere. This is also for safety reasons-- walking and eating or crawling and eating can cause choking.

If you have a fairly regular feeding schedule, ask her to stick to this.

Also, give her a list of foods that are okay for your child, and then be sure that she's not being given junk food, too.

It's my guess that feeding your daughter keeps her happy and busy, but be sure the sitter has some other tricks up her sleeve. Babies need to be played with, read to, etc.

Well, your babysitter should not just stuff her with food because it's fun to do. She should feed her because she's actually hungry. People should stop eating when they are full - not be part of the "clean plate club". Listening to one's body that is signaling to stop eating is one thing that keeps us from being overweight.

Time to sit down with her and have a talk.

Ok... it's fine to feed a baby as long as the baby is hungry. Don't ever tell a child they have to finish everything. This will cause eating issues later.

I would personally set out a schedule of foods and prepare them before I leave. Tell her it is ok if the baby doesn't finish everything. You do not want to expand the little one's stomach. The baby KNOWs when she is full and does not need to be overfed and get sick.

Good luck!

Reminds me of our nanny with our second child. She was an old-school Armenian grandma, and would feed our baby soooooo much food! The baby ended up hugely fat (I mean, 4 distinct rolls of fat on each little thigh! FAT!) I was really concerned that my child would end up obese. But then she became a toddler and went everywhere at a sprint. She dropped all of the weight right away and today is 8 years old and is actually very thin (in the 25% for weight). So... it's okay for babies/toddlers to eat a lot. They will actually not over-eat, and will refuse the food if they aren't hungry. I'd say that as long as your nanny is feeding your baby healthy foods (and it sounds like she is), it's really okay.

However, if you would rather that your daughter only eat while seated in her high chair, that is something the nanny should respect. Likewise, if you would rather that your daughter eats on more of a structured schedule (say, breakfast, lunch, dinner, with 2 snacks in between), that is also okay. Just communicate to her what you want her to do. She is in your employ and should respect your wishes.

How old is the kid, 12 months? How do you tell them to finish everything. In my experience, little ones eat when they need to eat. You can't force them to eat too much.

well it depends.. is she there occasionally?? if she is there one day a week or on an irregular schedule.. then no big deal..

however.. if she is there several days a week or the 5 day work week.. then it is a big deal as the baby will start to pack on the pounds..

then you have to tell her exactly what you want her to feed the baby...

I don't care much what my occasional babysitters so.. cause they are so infrequent.. if my gets get chocolate donuts for dinner from a sitter the one day a month they are with the sitter no big deal.. but if the sitter is with the baby most days.. then you have to step in and fix the problem.

however .. most babies will not overeat.. or will puke if they eat too much.

So.... what does the Babysitter do... if and when, your baby CANNOT... "finish everything?"

You are the Mom.
YOU tell the Babysitter, what to feed her and how.
Since the Babysitter is not doing as you see fit.

Talk to your child's pediatrician, if you are really concerned.

I agree with S.H. that this is YOUR daughter and YOU decide what she gets fed. Sounds like you aren't totally sure though, which is why I'm thinking you should talk with her pediatrician to get a professional's advice.

If you aren't comfortable with the amount of food your little one is being fed, there's an easy answer: Simply put the food you want her to feed your daughter in designated containers. If it's pre-packaged goodies, set them on the counter-top. Tell your sitter firmly but nicely, that you want to keep track of your daughter's food intake and to please only give her these foods/drinks.
When I watched this little angel, her mom (in the beginning) gave me an itinerary of sorts - 8:30 a.m. Oatmeal, 1/2 banana, & milk in sippy cup. 10:30 snack bowl with cheerios, water. 12:45 cut up lunch meats, veggies, grapes and juice.. 3:00 fruit snacks, green beans, crackers and milk etc.. you get it. There's nothing wrong with wanting your daughter to eat what you want her to eat and when you want her to eat it.
In fact, your sitter may even appreciate it. Perhaps she's a little lost when it comes to how much to feed your daughter. After all, all children eat and drink different amounts. She may just be making sure she doesn't go hungry, not realizing it's a bit too much. :)

Be careful to not micro manage the sitter if there is a good relationship there. Just don't feed your baby before the sitter comes and you know that the baby is well fed which saves you the task in the evening.

I wouldn't want the kid to be playing while eating. I would want her sitting in the high chair and having a defined mealtime. Sometimes toddlers eat a lot and sometimes they don't. What is typical for your kid? Some days my toddler could eat adult portions, but the next day not so much. I would talk to her if you think she's feeding her too much through the day. Discuss with the sitter what you expect for breakfast (if you don't feed her before you go), mid-morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. I personally don't like the "you must finish all this" but it's hard to say if it's a mandate or a suggestion from your post.

I think you need to clarify with her what and how you want your child fed.

I agree that your child is likely just fine with this amount and will thin out when she becomes more active.

How about asking the babysitter what's behind her method? Has her experience taught her to do this in all cases? Does your child seem to get hungry soon after meals? Is she opposed to the idea of snacks and just opts to do all feeding at the three meal times? Regarding feeding at play time, maybe it's no big deal to her and she's discovered that everyone is happier when baby can eat while she plays. If this is something that you are particular about (Be clear in your mind about why.), then let her know your preference. Be prepared to give in on some things, though. Frame your questions as picking her brain for her expertise on how to achieve your goals.

Don't expect her to know your vision if you haven't shared it with her. Some things just aren't on some people's radars. If you want her to tend to your child properly, you'll have to let her bring some of her ideas to the table. Unless they are true no-nos for you, she'll need to figure some things out by trial and error just like you do. That will help her to get to know your child intimately.

I can't tell how often you use this babysitter, but I would have regular chats with my nanny. Not only did I she tell me what she was doing, but I explained to her my ultimate goals, and we discussed the best--and sometimes our differing--methods for reaching those goals.

It's quite common for parents and caregivers to overfeed toddlers. Please give your sitter a schedule for meals and snacks, along with guidance for how much your daughter is allowed to eat.

Your daughter should be eating meals and snacks at the table, not while playing. She doesn't need to finish everything. "Cleaning your plate" is a terrible eating habit.

If your sitter doesn't agree to feed your daughter reasonable meals and snacks at the table....find another sitter.