Chubby babies certainly look adorable. Their plump cheeks and well-rounded bodies are often associated with optimal growth.

Often, chubby babies are seen as healthy and thriving. However, are chubby babies truly always healthy?

Are chubby babies really healthy?

During the first few months of life, babies experience rapid growth. Quick weight gain is usually considered normal. Between 6 months and 1 year, many babies appear chubby and cute because their bodies store fat reserves to support both brain and physical development.

In general, larger babies seem stronger and more resistant to illness. However, this does not necessarily mean that babies who do not look chubby are unhealthy.

While weight gain is a normal part of a baby’s development, excessive weight gain should also be monitored. Babies who are overly chubby may face health issues later in life, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart problems.

The key is to ensure that a baby’s weight aligns with growth charts. If a baby’s weight falls within the healthy range outlined in the KMS (Healthy Growth Card), it indicates that they are healthy and receiving adequate nutrition.

Factors influencing baby weight

Several factors can impact a baby’s weight, including:

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in a baby’s growth and weight gain. If parents are predisposed to being overweight, their baby is likely to follow a similar growth pattern.

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy

What a mother eats during pregnancy greatly affects the baby's weight. Consuming nutrient-rich foods, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals, is essential for healthy development before and after birth.

Inadequate calorie intake can lead to low birth weight, while excessive calorie intake may increase the risk of the baby being born larger than average.

Dietary intake

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months can help reduce the risk of obesity. Breast milk provides essential nutrients, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates needed for the growing baby.

On the other hand, formula milk often contains more calories than breast milk. If a baby consumes more formula than needed, it can lead to excessive weight gain.

Physical activity

Babies who start to learn to move and become more active, such as crawling or walking, tend to burn more calories and develop a more proportional body as they grow.

When should you worry about a baby's weight?

While chubby babies are often considered normal, it is important to monitor their weight to ensure it remains within a healthy range. This can be done using growth curves based on WHO standards, which help track a baby’s development.

If your baby is growing too quickly or exceeds the normal weight range, it is important to consult a pediatrician for guidance. You can also make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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