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Do you think that fat and chubby babies and children are signs that they are healthy kids and considered cute? Not necessarily!

Many more children between the ages of two years old and five years old are already on there way to becoming the next generation of obese teens, and eventually obese adults and obese seniors. With obesity being one of the leading causes of morbidity, disability, discrimination, and employment problems, it has become one of the biggest public problems since tobacco use and exposure. Although playing a major role, bad eating and exercise habits are not the only culprit; some genetic diseases that can predispose children to become overweight cannot be forgotten.

Professionals are treating this as a major public health concern that is threatening to damage our most precious resources, the children. Introduction of healthy play, healthy food choices, and recreation that promotes physical activity is on the top of the list for discussion and plans of battling this epidemic. Having caretakers take pro active measures to keep the child on the right track and setting good examples are key elements to helping these children to learn a healthier behavior and attitude towards their own health.

A survey has come to the conclusion that as many as one third of U.S. children are overweight or at high risk for childhood obesity. The health problems that will begin to manifest themselves from the heavy weight of such young children will start kids down a road the problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risks of diabetes. These are diseases usually reserved to adults, not children. Combating this troubling condition must however, begin at home with the caregivers for these children. Improving overall diet, not dieting, and exercise is the key to resolving the problem. Protecting children’s health now and in the future will depend greatly on education of parents and caregivers to implement healthy daily living strategies.

On 21 June 2008, Shayna’s school held graduation ceremony for Kindy 2 and art performance for the whole kindergarten students. The theme was Global Warming, with several dances from around the world. Shayna and her other 19 friends got the Indian dance part. The dance was quite dynamic and exciting. And Shayna did her dance very well. We, as her parents, were really proud of her independence and self confidence during her dance performance and during her year of Shayna at Kindy 1.

With all of the varying advice on feeding your baby, you may just want to breastfeed forever.  Though you should always consult your doctor for the latest information on baby food, there are a few things you should expect in the first year.

When to introduce solids

Most doctors agree that solids should be introduced somewhere between four and six months.  However, if you had an especially large baby at birth or a little boy with a big boy appetite, your doctor might recommend starting your baby on solid food as early as 3 months.

What is “solid” food?

The term “solid” food is a bit misleading.  Typically, one of the first “solid” foods you will introduce is rice cereal diluted with formula or breast milk.  This food is extremely runny doesn’t appear to have any solid properties about it.  As your baby adjusts to eating from a spoon, dilute her food with milk or formula.  This will also help your baby adjust to the new flavors in solid food.

How to introduce solid foods

The most important thing about introducing solid foods is that you introduce them one at a time and wait at least 3 days between new foods.  This way you can monitor for any allergic reactions because it can take up to three days for signs of allergy to show up.  Always check with your doctor, some doctors recommend waiting as long as 7 days between new foods.

First Foods

Although your baby’s first food with probably be cereal, you can start introducing fruits and vegetables around 6 to 7 months.  Some good first vegetables are:  sweet potatoes, peas, or carrots.  Try to stay away from fruits that are to acidic like orange or other citrus fruits.  But your baby probably would like banana, peach or applesauce at this stage.

Foods to stay away from

There are few key foods that you should never introduce until after the baby is 1 year old.  These include honey, fish, peanuts and strawberries.  All of these foods can cause severe allergic reactions and if given to your baby too early, she could develop an allergic reaction she wouldn’t otherwise have had.  There are a few other foods that won’t necessarily hurt your child but it is really unnecessary to introduce at this stage while they are still developing their tastes.  These foods include sugar, soda or anything not naturally sweet.

Protein foods

You will want to begin introducing protein foods to your baby around 7 to 8 months.  These foods might include meats, cottage cheese or beans.  Remember that your baby probably still doesn’t have any teeth, or at least not enough to chew anything so your baby’s food should still be mushy at this stage.

Eating for the first year

The most important thing to remember about eating during the first year is to introduce new foods one at a time.  Your baby’s first year is a year of discovery.  As your child tries new foods feeding time will be an enjoyable experience for baby and parents alike.