How to Prevent Overeating in Infants and Toddlers
We want children to eat only when they are hungry and to stop when they are full. It is far easier to teach good eating habits early than to wait until a child starts to show signs of becoming overweight.
For Babies:
- Try to breast-feed. Breast-feeding allows babies to control the amount of milk they drink.
- Don’t try to hurry your child’s pace of eating. It takes 15 to 20 minutes of eating for most babies to feel full.
- Don’t make your baby finish every bottle. After she signals she is full by turning her head or closing her mouth, don’t encourage your child to eat more.
For Toddlers:
- Help your child recognize hunger and only feed him when he’s hungry.
- Don’t allow your child to keep a bottle or sippy cup with her during the day or night. Children who carry a bottle around may learn to use food for comfort.
- Use praise and physical affection instead of food as a reward for good behavior.
