My DH took our 2 years and 3 day old daughter to the MHCN this morning for her 2yr checkup. She's 93cm and 15 and a half kilos so right up there on the percentile chart! I wouldnt say she is fat, she has a delicious tummy and 1 georgeous extra layer in her legs but she doenst look fat - solid maybe. On average I have to buy her size 4 clothes cause her back is so long, the length of things are too small otherwise.

We try to feed her healthy options, limit treats like biscuits, more fruit although she seems to like nothing but noodles and peaches and yoghurt, but thats another story.

Anyway the MHCN told me DH this morning not to put her on a diet but to start giving her low fat options like skim milk etc. I thought it was important for children to have full milk and not those half fat options as she needs it for growing bones etc.

What do you think? Is low fat ok for a 2yr old?
JB

TTC No 1 27 months<BR>5 m/c's,<BR>3 PGD Stim IVF's
Analeise Christine born 23/11/02

TTC No 2 since April 03
IVF PGD Stims 4 & 5
IVF STIM #6, Aug 04
IVF FET # 7, Dec 04
Transferring the 2 Lone Rangers

I would perhaps get a second opinion from your GP. My dd at 2 yrs was chubby but now at 3 1/2 yrs my MCHN described her as slight.

My ds is 92cm tall and 15kg and I would not say he is fat, heavy maybe, but not fat.

Sammy

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My daughter is on the 10th percentile for height and weight, and could probably do with some more heathy fats in her diet cause she's just all muscle from all the jumping and dancing she does all day!

However my friends' daughter is on the upper end of both scales and the CHN told her too to move to hi-lo milk instead of full fat. After the age of 2, their fat needs decrease as a source of energy - they obtain more energy through other food sources - and lower fat milk (I wouldn't do skim milk though)has a higher percentage of calcium and protein which is important for bones and muscles.

Look at the fat content of the noodles as well - you'd be shocked at what percentage fat they are if they are the dried Maggi type! There are lower fat options in these as well that she should still like.

So, I think what your CHN said was mostly right - I just wouldn't go as far as skim milk - perhaps to hi-low or low fat.

Wendy

I would definitely get a 2nd opinion from a dietitian who would have a far better idea of what is appropriate for your little one. Don't forget that these growth charts are only a guide.

Danielle

i think it's fine to give low fat milk but I would be wary of low fat yoghurt as most low fat yoghurts contain artificial sweeteners.

I think a low GI diet is a much healthier option.