Fortunately, instead of waiting until the problem is unavoidably apparent, more and more pediatricians are encouraging “baby steps” to prevent infant obesity to begin with. Note some of the most common recommendations for preventing infant obesity:

• Don't glut your little one; overfeeding teaches a child to overeat. Instead, from day one, let your baby learn to stop eating before he or she is too full to take any more.
  
  
• If possible, breast-feed. While the color and texture of breast milk seem pale and watery compared to cow's milk or formula, it nevertheless provides all the nutrients for the health and growth of the newborn, and is tuned to the baby's energy and needs. Studies have shown that breast-fed babies are less likely to be overweight in later life.
  
  
• If you are bottle-feeding, take it slowly – don't do anything to hurry your baby's own pace of eating. (For instance, enlarging the bottle's nipple causes the formula to come out too fast.)  It can take 15 to 20 minutes for the baby to feel full, so be patient.
  
  
• Don't make your baby finish every bottle – he or she can sense when enough is enough.
  
  
• Don't automatically feed your baby every time he or she cries; some cuddling and attention may be all that's wanted, or maybe something as simple as a little water. Personal attention, too, teaches the child that human contact (instead of food) brings comfort.
  
  
• Avoid letting your baby keep the feeding bottle as a constant crib companion as it enforces the feeling of food as a primary comfort source.
  
  
• A sucking baby is not necessarily a hungry baby! Your young one may just want a pacifier (or needs help finding a thumb). When teething time comes, opt for a teething ring instead of biscuits.
  
  
• Avoid giving solid food until the baby is at least 6 months old. Breast-feeding is recommended for as long as possible.
  
  
• Postpone any sweets until the 12-month point, at least.
  
  
• Don't make your baby finish the jar of baby food or clean the plate. When he or she signals being well-fed and doesn't want to eat any more, don't encourage continuing. Babies vary how much they eat daily, especially during growth spurts.
  
  
• Avoid using food as something to keep your infant occupied. Your personal attention is of course the preferred fascination, but a toy to play with can suffice. Neither should food be used as a reward for good behavior or learning something new. Instead let them appreciate your physical affection and praise. They may not understand the words, but they'll certainly get the idea!