|
A child can become overweight as a result of overeating and / or insufficient physical activity. Changes in the child's environment and manner of care, as well as possible genetic disorders, can contribute to this. Excess body weight can lead to numerous health problems in childhood but also later in life: bone and joint deformities, heart and blood vessel diseases, diabetes, mental problems: depression and low self-esteem.
If you see that your child has started to gain weight, take him to the doctor/pediatrician for a check up, maybe a more detailed examination. There are some measures that you can take yourself.
Recommendations for infants
The best food for an infant is breast milk, which contains all the necessary nutrients in a balanced ratio. Therefore, it is recommended as an exclusive food in the first 6 months and further with the introduction of non-dairy foods.
Recommendations for children older than 6 months
Make sure that your child, if he is older than 6 months, has other meals in quantity and frequency that is in accordance with the valid recommendations for optimal nutrition. If that is not the case, make the necessary adjustments. Follow the recommendation not to sweeten the food you give to the child, and limit the daily amount of natural juice that you give to the child older than 6 months to 90 ml, maximum 120 ml. Do not add salt to the food you give your child.
Pay attention to the way you feed your child. Do not force him to eat all the food you have prepared, but respect his feeling of satiety. Encourage him to eat on his own, out of hand, because then he knows best when he has had enough. Encourage your child's movement and physical activity and create conditions for at least 30 minutes of interactive play, in various positions on the floor. Give him a good night's sleep of 12 to 17 hours, depending on his age and needs. Applying the recommendations for proper nutrition and physical activity of the child from his earliest age, increases his chances for a healthy and successful life.
|
