Q:
My son is gaining weight very rapidly. He was 8 pounds, 4 ounces at birth. Now, at just under two months, his weight is a little over 14 pounds. He's strictly breastfed, but I'm afraid he's gaining too much weight. With the statistics about overweight children I don't want him to start out life with problems that I could have done something to prevent!
A:
Breastfed babies cannot overeat because the feedings are baby-controlled. A nursing infant will stop suckling when he's full. Although breastfed babies look chubbier in the first 6 months, they usually slim down by the first birthday. Actually, breastfeeding is one of the best preventative measures for obesity as a child!
Look for your son's birth weight to double by six months and a triple by the end of the first year. That means your son should weigh about 24 pounds on his birthday. The first year marks the fastest growth in a human lifespan.
Susan M. Leisner RD, IBCLC, RLC Nutritionist & Lactation Consultant
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.
