Overweight toddler

[WorriedToddler]

I’m really worried about my 2.5 year olds weight and I’m at a bit of a loss at what to do. I’d appreciate any advice or help. I’m sorry this is so long but I didn’t want to leave anything out.

He was born very small at 37 weeks. He was just shy of the 9th centile for weight. He was a breastfeeding fanatic and I had an oversupply, so by 6 months he was up on the 99th centile for weight. And he’s basically stayed there ever since (on the 95th now). We’ve just measured his height tonight and I’m gobsmacked to see he’s between the 50th and 75th for height, so there is a huge discrepancy. Interestingly, he has a massive head, which is off the top of the centile chart.

He is a great eater, loves food and will eat everything you give him, including fruit and vegetables. He gravitates towards salty, savoury food like crisps and crackers, but they are high days and holidays only. Weirdly, he has no sweet tooth and mostly refuses cake/ice cream/biscuits/chocolate. DH is a great cook and we generally have a pretty healthy diet. Im pretty certain his portions are roughly normal…when I see him with his cousins or my kids friends they are eating about the same, although DS eats a much bigger variety. He tends to have 3 proper meals at the table, he’s never been that interested in snacking.

He was a very late mover - basically didn’t move until 17 months when he just got up and walked one day (never crawled). He would generally rather sit and play with toys or read books now, but we make sure he has a good run around twice a day and some days he wants to move a lot - we can be at the park or soft play for 3 hours. He’s not one of those kids who’s always on the go though. Still happy to sit in his pram to get anywhere.

I’m a BMI 21 and DH actually sits underweight as he’s so tall, so genetically this doesn’t really fit.

DH thinks I’m being ridiculous and it will all even out, but I’m seeing lots of stuff online saying that being overweight at 2 has a strong link to being overweight as an adult. I was going to chat to his nursery and the GP (health visitor hasn’t been great in the past). Is this appropriate?

Is he developmentally ok? A head massively off the charts should have been investigated, has it?

Thanks for your reply. Yes, as far as I know he is developing fine. He obviously was very late on the motor side but socially/emotionally/communication wise he is pretty advanced. He could be mistaken for his 4 year old cousins from his speech and his understanding of people and the wider world. Nursery have risen no concerns, quite the opposite. His head is big but I suppose it looks in proportion given his size, if you see what I mean. Makes me feel less stupid for raising it though, so thank you.

DS was a very chunky toddler, he has slimmed out (now age 6).

It's useful if they get ill. If he gets norovirus or hand foot and mouth he could be unable to eat for a week or more. It's good to have a bit of safety margin when they are so small.

This could have been me 9 months ago! DD not as slow as physically but noticeably advanced verbally and high on the centiles for head circumference and weight (though not from birth).
In our experience time really did help. Also encouraged more activity when happy to sit and play and swapped music class for sports class etc but to be honest I think just time and getting taller helped the most.
I did mention my concern to HV at (late) 2 year development check but they weren’t worried at all which made me feel a bit better. DD is not skinny but I don’t worry anymore. I’d say if you’re fairly confident in healthy food provision, portion sizes and activity then just keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy your son.

Yeah protective chub is good for sickness, DD 3 was a bit overweight for a while (I think at one point veering towards obese). But it’s evening out now and she’s just top end of normal. I think as long as he’s got a pretty healthy diet and is getting some exercise it will probably even out especially given he was a late walker.

Honestly I spent way too much time fretting about this when Dd was 2 and wish I hadn’t. We just gave Dd as many opportunities to move or find things she enjoys doing as possible. So trampolines, swimming, bike etc.

I eventually took the view that given that I wasn’t going to withhold food and she is getting a decent amount of movement in then to trust in her body to find it’s own equilibrium. It’s different if he’s snacking on a pack of Pringles or something but he’s not.