Overweight Toddler - Port Huron,MI

That's good that you recognize there's a problem. many doctors are afraid to tell parents their children are overweight, and also many doctors do not concern themselves with child weight until age 2. 50 lbs is really big, and while she's tall you say, her weight for her height is probably still too big if you think it is. She is still growing, so your goal at this point would be not to put her on a diet and have her lose weight, but rather to have her maintain her weight as she grows. There are a few easy things you can do that will probably make a big difference:
1. skim milk, not whole. Limit to 24 oz/day. after that water only.
2. eliminate juice. if she drinks a lot of juice this is just empty calories, and they can really add up
3. with snacks, stick to fruits and vegetables only. my daughter is just a couple months younger - we eat lots of cut up apples, clementines (this time of year), pears, and frozen berries. Cut up veggies are good too - she can probably gnaw on a carrot, and my daughter really likes frozen green beans and cherry tomatoes. the thing is that these will fill up her stomach, so she will not eat more. You can also do air-popped (NOT microwave) popcorn with no butter. Fat-free yogurt is another good one, though we limit our kids to one yogurt per day (because otherwise they just fill up on yogurt - plus it's expensive)
4. Feed her what you eat for meals. Don't make a special meal for her. Make sure 1/3 of each meal is a vegetable or fruit. Eliminate butter on the veggies. If YOUR meals aren't healthy, hers won't be either, so check your own diet too. Cook at home instead of eating from a restaurant. Avoid fried things and cookies.
5. Get her some exercise. This can be going for a walk, having her push a push-toy like a toy baby stroller, riding a push bike or tricycle when she gets older, dancing, etc.

Finally, give it some time - she needs to grow to start slimming out.

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You need to find a dr. that will rule out anything medical. Then, you need to offer her up healthy choices. This is not the time for low fat/fat free! That isn't healthy. Stock your home with grow foods. If you have something in the home she shouldn't have, then you either dont' have it, or put it out of reach. Kids WILL eat what we provide. So as long as you are giving her a well balanced meal 3x a day plus a few healthy snacks then weight will not be an issue, unless of course it's medical. Parents needs to be good role models too and eat healthy as well. The great news is that you are doing something about this now, it's still early. It will be hard at first if she is used to eating anything she wants, but you can still tame her taste buds to crave the good stuff. If it isn't in the house (for you/her) then it won't drive you crazy! You can do this! Best wishes,
M.

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My son is also big for his age. He was just like your daughter, always eating. He is 4 & 40 lbs now but as tall as a 6 year old. Seriously. Like your daughter my son was very active as we are an active family-hiking, biking, running, always outdoors. Plus like you we eat very healthy-all organic, homemade etc, etc. At that young age my son was eating as much as you say your daughter is BECAUSE he was so active he had to keep up his energy, like your daughter. What I would do was puree his veggies. I would lots of time add broccoli and stuff to sweet potato, brown rice or lentils. It was great before he had teeth. What I also did was put locks all on our drawers and refrigerator to limit his intake.

Plus he had an obsession with fruits you name it he HAD to have it, strawberries, bananas, mango, blueberries etc. His Doctor and dentist said too much fruit is a bad thing because of all the natural sugar. Go figure! I thought – it’s fruit, how bad can it be for you? Everything in moderation is what his Dr. said as some fruits have a lot of calories. I bring that up because you say your daughter loves fruits =-) Now that my son is 4 he has grown WAY leaner. People always comment how big he is almost likes it’s a bad thing because he’s so tall, but I don’t care. He never gets sick and is one of the most active kids I know. It sounds like what you’re feeding your daughter is right on. She’s not even 2 yet. As she grows, remains active and you keep feeding her healthy foods, her body will catch up. The internet or library can provide you with a lot of useful information too. You’re a wonderful Mom. Don’t be so hard on yourself. It is so obvious how much you love your little girl and want to help her.

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Hi C.---There may be several things going on here. First of all, many kids grow like a Christmas tree, they put on weight, grow out, and then the next growth spurt, they put on height and then their height catches up to their weight.

I highly recommend keeping a food journal as well. That will give you a true picture of what she is cosuming. Just like keeping a spending journal, many people feel that they eat 'pretty good' only to find that it's maybe not as good as they thought once they see it in writing.

I'd also refer you to Dr. Bill Sears, and his son Dr. Jim (ABC The Doctors) at their website www.askDrSears.com. I'm sure he'll have some answers for you. He recommends a grazing tray, a muffin tin with a variety of healthy foods for your daughter to snack on during the day. Make sure you have veggies...if she can eat fruit, she can eat veggies. Steam them lightly and cut into small pieces. A healthy dip for the veggies helps to absorb the fat soluble vitamins. BE sure she also has fiber rich whole grain foods/snacks. Fiber fills a tummy with fewer calories and lasts longer in the tummy as well. Add ground flax seeds to baked goods and hot cereals...smoothies too.

I have serving size charts for kids, along with a variety of other nutritional strategies, so I'd be happy to share those with you. Just send me a private message and we can talk more about that. Be sure she is not eating processed foods, which are high in calories and deficient in nutrients. As one mom said, if she's not getting what she needs, the body tells her by her appetite. Think nutrient dense, calorie poor for optimal health.

Good luck. D.

You do need to break the habit of her getting into the freezer and fridge when it is not snack time.

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Yes, 50 lbs does seem large for a 2 year old even given her height. I would start but teaching her structured eating times. Breakfast/morning snack/Lunch/afternoon snack/Dinner. Only have health food in her reach(fruits, veggies, etc). You can get a thing for the fridge so she cannot open it. It's probably a good general rule that a 2 year old should not choose/get her own food. If you want her to have some choices let her pick between two healthy options. Also limit her juice consumption. If she won't drink plain water do 1/3 juice to 2/3 water or something like that. Her pediatrician should be able to give you some other/more specific guidelines.

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I am not so sure you should be worried about it. I was a heavier toddler and even into my young adult stages, it wasn't until I actually became a teenager that I lost all of my weight. I think kids all grow differently and as long as her health is ok, which it seems like it is, I think you should just let her grow. She is eating healthy, drinking healthy, so I would think that she is ok. One thing to watch is that she is not eating out of bordom or habbit, I know those can cause trouble down the road. Maybe setting her up on a schedule would be more helpful. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a snack in between. I wish you all the luck, and don't pay attention to what other people say, our world has become very judgemental and as long as she is happy and healthy, it's ok that she is overweight, (I think). Take care and good luck.
A.

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Try blueberries, strawberries, melon pieces, peas are good and soft. Only give her a little cheese it can be fattening. Try low fat yogurt... Frozen grapes cut up - cut green grapes then freeze.. They taste good, try whole grain cheerios... Limit her.. Put a lock on the cabinets and they have somehting you can put on the fridge too. Sit her down to eat... Make 3 meals and 2 snacks... Give her a sippy cup if she starts to fuss..but don't let her just take food.. After about 2 weeks she'll get used to when she can eat and when she can't good luck..you sound like a good and a smart mom....

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I went through this exact same thing. My daughter was 50 lbs. at 2. Like you I couldn't carry her either. My doc told me to not have her lose weight but just not have her gain anymore. I had to limit what she ate. And it worked, she's stayed at 50 lbs but she's grown almost a foot taller so it evened itself out. Kids go through growth spurts and this might even itself out in a year or so. It sounds like you're doing good as far as what you're feeding her, but like I said it's how often that may need to be adjusted. I know you don't want to feel like you're depriving her but trust me, you won't be. She's not going to starve even though she acts like she is. Really it sounds to me that she's gonna be a tall girl and taller people weigh more, period. Why are you worried about her health? If the doctors haven't told you anything to be worried about, then don't worry. As far as veggies go, she does need them and not all veggies are difficult to bite. How about cucumbers in vanilla yogurt? Or tomatoes? Salad, peas and green beans are easy to chew also. Try them every way you can think of so she'll eat them. Steamed, in spaghetti, blended, or just regular with hummus dip. This will be fun for the whole family. Trying new vegetables and fruits and trying different cooking methods. Get the whole family involved. If kids help with the preperations they're more likely to eat the meal. And even though she's not quite 2, she can help! She can get you the green beans from the fridge or help you measure.

One more thing that helped me was re-direction. If my daughter wanted to eat I'd think of something fun to do instead. By the time the game was over she usually forgot about eating, cause alot of times it was more out of boredom than actual hunger.

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Yes your daughter is heavy, but I had three XL toddlers as well. If several doctors say they are healthy and they are eating right and moving or excercising, don't be so hard on yourself. My son was born 3 weeks after his best friend. They both eat, run, play etc. One is 5'3 and 130 pounds the other is 4' 8 and 80 pounds at 11 years old. My son looks like he's 13 or 14. OH well that's how God made him. My daughter was chubby as a younger girl. Now she is very athletic on three varsity teams as a sophomore and doing well. Look at the parent's body types and make sure she is healthy.

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I would take her to see an endocrinologist. 50 pounds at that age and tall could mean an issue. The best thing is to rule out any medical issue first, especially since it sounds like you are doing things right. Remember you are her advocate, if the pediatrician doesn't see a problem find someone that will help you.

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You say she loves to eat, but you don't say WHAT she eats.

Make sure she only has access to healthy foods, no junk foods! Things that are healthy without a lot of fat in them. That way if she's truly hungry, she won't be taking in too many calories/fat.

Fresh fruit & veggies are good snacks. If you Google "healthy snacks for toddlers" etc, you can find a lot of ideas!

And make sure she stays active!

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Changing doctors is all I can think of. You might also try putting locks on the cabinents & on the fridge (we had to use these with my boys). Have the doctors run any blood tests for thyroid issues?
I'm so sorry that other people are so judgemental. If you are having problems with her car seat I would suggest the Graco Nautilus. The 5 point harness goes up to 65 lbs.

Sorry that I couldn't be of more help.

God bless!

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It sounds like you're trying to do the best for her. The only thing that worries me is you said "She goes into my kitchen reaches onto the counters into the freezer and fridge over and over." You should be the one to give her food. 3 balanced meals and one snack (doctor will give you portions sizes).

I'm GLAD you're concerned, it shows you're a good mommy! If what she's eating is healthy and portions sizes are good, then be sure she's active. There isn't much else you can do. Best wishes!

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Start by creating a food journal and for a week or two write down EVERYTHING (seriously every bite) she eats. That will help you pinpoint where she is getting all these extra calories from. Also write down when and how she exercises.

If she is a grazer, limit food intake to 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. Offer water if she asks for food in between those times. Always sit down to eat.

I agree that she should not be helping herself, put locks on the cabinets and fridge if you have to.

Get her exercise. Playgrounds, join a gym class for toddlers, go for walks (ditch the stroller). Toddler need movement for proper development.

It is good for you to want to do something about this NOW. If you can afford it or you insurance covers it, get a referral to a pediatrician who specializes in obesity and a nutritionist. It will help a great deal if you already have a journal of her intake and activity. If you address it now, once you have her on healthy habits, she will not actually need to diet, but can simply grow into her weight.
Good luck!

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I have/had an overweight 2-1/2 yr old and I have come to the conclusion that her body is needing a certain vitamin, so she don't feel full because her body needs something.From what I hear and research...our food now is not loaded with vitamins like it used to be and we would have to eat a massive amount of food to get what we need. Even with fresh veggies. My mom had some liquid vitamins she gets from a company and she gave me a bottle to try. I slip a small amount in each sippie drink. I think she has slimmed some since I started giving it to her. She obviously feels better than before. I H. this helps. And to make you feel better, my daughter didn't slim when she started walking (at 15 mos) either! I go outside with my daughter any chance I get. She rarely thinks of food when she is occupied with something she likes to do. Also I hear the new wii things have fun kids action games.... I feel your pain and it sounds like you are a good mom, so don't let any negative responses discourage you!

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your daughter is very big. my five year olds weight about 41 lbs and are tall for their age. i don't know if changing doctors will change anything for you. you need to not have any food accessible to her. you give her food you take away food. all the chips, sugar, cookies, juices etc all of those need to be in garbage bags and out of the house. i hate to say this but skim milk for her and 3 'normal' size meals for her. when i say normal size do that rule of thumb: 3 tablespoons of food per age, and then load her plate with vegetables. for your daughter that would be about 6 tablespoons of food, which for her won't be enough, so fill her plate with veggies and fruit. she will throw a fit at first, she's used to getting lots and lots of food. if she cries for food give fruit. that's it no other snacks, nothing unhealthy.
the truth is the mean looks, the comments and all that will continue if you don't do anything about it now. it is in your hands to change her eating habits.

I'd like to echo the encouragement to see a homeopathic type person. The homeopath (or naturopath) I went to recommended what is basically a vitamin drink with some crazy sounding ingredients (spirulina, wheatgrass, etc.). Without this I am SUPER hungry all the time, don't feel full, etc. etc. and have blood sugar dips. When I drink this, it levels my blood sugar and I feel like I can actually judge full or not and have a normal appetite. I buy this privately (contact me if you want more info from the homeopath in Iowa) but otherwise, Naked Juice has a green drink that is the closest (Kinda high in sugar since it's juice) or check out other vitamin/nutrient offerings. Other people have really good advice too - I wish you all the strength and all the best!

My son was also pretty big at this age. We still call him Buddha even though he is now 4'4", 66 lbs, and a size 8 slim, but still, he's only 6. He has always been off the charts for both height and weight since he was 2 weeks old. Also, once my son hit 4 years old, he stopped growing out and just grew up. He has only gained 8 lbs in the last 2 years, but has grown 13 inches. I swear, every ten minutes he says he's hungry. We make him drink a glass of water and he has to wait until assigned times to eat his snacks and meals unless he's hungry because of extenuating circumstances (like playing outside really hard or after basketball practice). I'd have the new dr check on things like her thyroid and what not, but otherwise you just have to perservere. Keep on the healthy foods and exercise. In order to make sure my son's get the aerobic exercise they need during the winter, I take them to the play area at the mall. Cut back on tv. Just keep pushing the healthy foods. We had to put a lock on the fridge at 2 years old, but now he asks permission before getting any food. Teach her that she has to ask you for food before getting it herself. It will be a struggle to do anything new at first and she will fight you. Eventually she will learn that this is just the way it is. (Oh, and for the veggies, I steam everything for my 2 year old. Mushes them right up!)

you've gotten some excellent advice already, I just wanted to throw in something my grandma used to say "sometimes thirst comes disguised as hunger" sometimes when our bodies need water and we dont get the signal our mind tells us we are hungry to get us to get some moisture in our bodies. maybe her constant hunger is a sign that she is thirsty and her body needs water? just a thought!

I would definitely find a new pediatrician and have some testing done to make sure there isn't an underlying reason for her size.

For now though, I would make sure she only has healthy options to snack on. If she is going into the fridge/freezer and just eating random things, whatever she wants, then I would put something on them so that she can't open them. Keep things off the counter so that she can't just help herself. Because of her size, you really need to no offer things that aren't good for her. It might be hard, especially if you are set in a routine.

Start doing a set breakfast, lunch, dinner time with two snacks a day. Look into what is more long lasting filling.

Just another thought, is she eating out of boredom? Do you snack often?

Definitely get her into a new doctor ASAP. It could all be normal, but better to be on the safe side.

I recommend you find yourself a holistic nutritionist. Don't forget, as someone has already pointed out ~ thirst is often disguised as a feeling of 'hunger'. Push more water ~ NO juices, and skim/low fat milk when it's mealtime. In addition... you do not mention if the fruits she is eating are 'raw', cooked, canned, etc.... The best way to have fruits and veggies are raw or steamed (just soft enough to tolerate.).
You also have to limit the fruit intake. Just because fruits are found in nature, it does not mean once ingested it will not turn to sugar. Most fruits are HIGH in sugar, so you have to be very, very careful of this trap ~ even dieters fall into this one thinking they are doing well, when they really are not.

Same with string cheese~ yes, it may have protein, but everything should come moderation.

You may have to become more strict about her overall diet. Set up a schedule of meals: breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner and one last snack depend upon the time of dinner... My son does not get that last snack before bed. (Make sure the meals are healthy, watch the portion size, and be sure it contains veggies.)
Set this up where water is plentiful and outside the times set up for meals or snacks - there is no other food. Set up times, to get her body used to a time to eat, and when it should expect food.

Just like anyone getting used to eating correctly, that is what you want to establish, but also make sure you are choosing the correct foods - this is where a nutritionist can come in handy. Even though she is a baby, she does not require that much food all the time. You may also want to check in with a specialist to be sure there is nothing internally going on~ such as with the glands... (meaning she doesn't feel full).

At age 5, my son only goes into our refrigerator to fill his cup w/ water... or to assist me when I make his meal or dinner. He knows better than to just help himself. He can ask me and I will give him a choice of healthy snacks.

Wow, I can't believe that the doctors haven't been able to help you!

1. get a lock or bungee cord for the fridge and freezer. A 21m old should not be going into the fridge/freezer by herself. Put a gate(s) across the door to the kitchen if you need to.

2. Put all food up off of the counter/out of sight. She should have to come to you or another adult to get most of her food.

3. Put healthy snacks - single serve packs, just a few at a time, in a drawer that she is allowed to go into.

4. Remove all sugary drinks from her reach. Let her have a sports bottle of water, and then milk for meals. Limit the juice/soda, etc.

5. Talk to a nutritionist. Ask them to create a meal plan/menu for her. Your dr. should be able to give you the name of one that specializes in children.

6. Replace all white grains (white bread, crackers, pasta, etc) with whole grains/wheat products.

7. Purchase a kids/toddlers exercise DVD. She needs to burn off more calories than what she currently is doing. This should become part of your morning or bedtime routine. Nothing too long, maybe 5-10m a night to start. You will need to help her do the exercises.

8. Go to the indoor pool 1 - 2 times a week and let her kick around in the water. It will be good for her muscles and joints. Besure to have her rest after 5 - 10m. Go slow and don't over do it or she will be hurting and not want to participate.

Good luck,
M.