Baby Fat Facts

Don't overlook the importance of a nutritious breakfast. According to the ADA, when children are consistent about eating breakfast each day, they tend to consume more calories than those that don't, but they are less likely to be overweight. Furthermore, not eating breakfast may predispose them to diets that fall short of providing enough calcium and fiber.

Being overweight can cause a host of problems, creating difficulties in every area, from finding clothing that fits well to avoiding the school playground. For young children, it's especially troubling because they don't yet have the ability to prepare their own foods or be much of an active participant in deciding what they will eat and how active their family will be. Parents shouldn't make their child's weight a constant worry, but they should take it into consideration and check up on it with their family doctor.

Snacks can be a nutritious part of your toddler's diet. Consider these options the next time your little one has a snack attack!

• Fruit or cereal bars
• Fruit shakes
• Yogurt
• Fruit
• Trail mix
• Cottage cheese
• Applesauce
• Hard-boiled egg
• Whole-wheat toast
• High-fiber dry cereal
• Crackers with cheese or peanut butter
• Salsa or hummus with crackers or vegetable sticks
• Rice cakes