Arriving at an ideal weight for a child can be complicated sometimes. Adults use the Body Mass Index to measure their ideal weight. But for children, this is not the case. Their ideal weight are calculated on length for age and weight for age percentile charts.
If your child weighs more than children in the 95th percentile, he or she is considered overweight. Above the 85th percentile and your child is considered to be at risk of becoming overweight.
Growth Charts for comparison for those kids aged 2 to 20 months can be viewed at www.cdc.gov/growthcharts
One have to note that charts are for comparisons purposes only. Do not be engrossed as to whether Your child can fit into the right weight category. His or her health should be your primary concern instead.
Our lifestyle has a great influence on our children weight as well. Unhealthy eating habits will definitely result in your child falling into the 85th percentile weight range. But to be sure , consult your pediatrician first before you determine that he or she is overweight.
Parents often become over duly concerned if their children do not fall within the ideal weight range. Thus they tend to get obsessed with constant weighing of their child. Such actions can be detrimental to a child health instead.
Use your common sense to monitor your child’s weight. Help your child to have a healthy lifestyle by providing her with a nutritious diet and plenty of opportunities to exercise. It’s also critical for you to be a good role model.
You can’t expect for your child to change her lifestyle while you keep the same unhealthy one. When you work to keep the whole family healthy, your child will be more likely to have a healthy weight.
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