Is My Baby Eating Too Much?
I’m writing a lot these days, because at the pace my daughter is growing, and learning, she just gives me so much food for thought. And speaking of food, I truly am wondering whether my baby is eating too much.
She is 10 mos. old. Here’s our feeding schedule:
Breakfast is usually oatmeal cereal with bananas or pureed apples mixed in. She usually eats half a cup of this.
Lunch: Is another serving of fruit or veggies, usually a quarter cup. She also usually has steamed rice with homemade soup, about a quarter cup. She will also usually have shredded chicken from what we’ve cooked for the family.
Dinner: She eats everything…kidding, that’s what her uncle chimed in while watching me type this. It’s the impression everyone has. But seriously, she’ll have steamed rice with homemade soup again (1/4cup), a few spoons of cottage cheese, and about 1/2 oz. of shredded chicken.
I feed her until she’s no longer interested in eating, but as soon as she sees something new on the table, she will screech and demand to have some. Bread, cheese, spicy entrees that we don’t let her have, more rice, rice rice and rice.
I’m a little worried that she doesn’t seem to have a stop-signal from her body that it’s time to stop eating. I also nurse throughout the day before I feed her a meal so you would think once I get the first signal from her that she’s full (less enthusiastic opening of the mouth and sometimes outright spitting of the food), she won’t want anymore.
She’s always been in the 95th percentile in weight and around average for height. I guess I’m worried that this is a precursor to a lifelong habit of non-stop eating, which I know is ridiculous at this age. Okay, okay, you’re probably saying why don’t I consult her pedia on her height and weight. I will and I’ll let you all know what she says. However, I always find other parents’ input invaluable.
What has been your experience in feeding your baby?
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Diana says...
I have a very similar situation with my daughter. She is also in 95% in weght and average in height. She always ready to eat and demand it.
I am looking forward for other comments and suggestions.
When you see a pedeatrition, please post here what she/he says.
Thanks!
Bilge says...
My daughter is 7.5 months now; she has always been at average height and 97% in weight. She also eats many solids after I breasfeed her (egg yolk, cereal, fruits, yogurt, avacado and veggies thruout the day). Our ped office has 5 doctors and I consulted 3 of them about her weight and her eating habbits. I was told not to worry much until she is 1 year old. Then, they move much much more and eventually loose most of it. Many of my friend’s kids were in the same situation; all changed after they are 1 year old. If your baby still eats a lot after 1 year old and keep gaining more weight; then pediatricians advise to cut the portions.
MrsH says...
Thanks Bilge, got the same advice from her pedia too.
Mrs C says...
I also have experienced this same thing with my son. From the day he was born he wanted to eat constantly! He now is 15 months old and when it comes to eating time he points at all the food on the table and wants it. He has eaten 8 perogies at supper before along with veggies and milk. He shovels food into his mouth with both hands when eating like he hasn’t ate in days, but we feed him all the time! He is not over weight but is quite tall for his age (over 100th percentile) . Most of my friends who have children around his age have trouble getting their children to eat. I have never had this problem usualy I have to have ‘backup’ food in case he is still hungry after his meal. He is also not a picky eater he likes everything. I had mentioned his eating to his Dr. and he wasn’t concerned with it. I am glad I found this site to hear about others experiences.
Kelly says...
Hi, my daughter is 13mnths…… should I be feeding her until untill she expresses to me that she wants no more. ???it is the only baby sign we taught her
I am overweight and am VERY protective of what she eats… she eats very very good food, so does that mean its ok to let her keep eating until she is done????? my ped isnt any help… at all!!
i hope the moms out there can help
MrsH says...
HI Kelly, that is a great first step. From everything i have read, letting your daughter set the pace of what she eats is important. Also, offer a variety of nutritious foods and snacks. Avoid junk and soda.
Consult with your pediatrician for a food guide they can give you. I have found my What to Expect the first year book to be helpful too! Good luck!