University of Iowa Health Science Relations and
Phyllis Stumbo, PhD
Research Dietician
First Published: November 2000
Last Revised: December 2003
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

Mary and Paul, who have a 6-month-old baby, have poor eating habits and should lose weight. They have begun to watch their diet by restricting the amount of fat they eat. Their baby has just begun to eat real food, and they wonder if they should start her on a low-fat diet. After consulting their pediatrician, they decide to wait for a couple of years before imposing a low-fat diet on their daughter.

"Parents should not restrict the amount of fat in the diet of a baby under 2-years-old," says Phyllis Stumbo, research nutritionist at the University of Iowa College of Medicine. "Babies are not fat because they have fat in their diets. They're fat because they are eating too much or too often. Parents--and grandparents--have difficulty drawing a distinction between nurturing and over-feeding."

At the same time, low-fat foods and snacks are as appropriate for a child 2 and older as they are for adults. "For example, switching to low-fat milk is an excellent way to cut the fat in your older child's diet," Stumbo says. Have low fat snacks like vanilla wafers, graham crackers, fresh fruit, and dry cereal on hand for children, she adds. "Raw carrots and celery sticks are good low fat snacks for children, too. But, children under 3 years of age may have trouble chewing the vegetables and need to be watched carefully so they don't choke," she says.

Use the Food Pyramid as a guide for your child's diet, she adds. "Serve your child six to 11 servings of grain, cereals, rice and pasta daily. Add three to five vegetable servings, two to four fruit servings, and two to three servings of dairy, meat, or poultry per day. Serve fats and sweets sparingly, and provide low-fat choices in each food group."

Children and adults must have some fat in their diets, because fat is used as energy for physical activity, she says. "Because children are so naturally active, they're more likely to burn off the fat they eat."

Parents should also encourage their children to exercise and should actively limit the amount of time the children spend in front of the television or playing computer games. "In all but the worst weather, children should be encouraged to play outdoors, where they can run, use in-line skates, play baseball, or climb on playground equipment in a safe place. Parents can help by setting aside time regularly to walk or ride bicycles together," she suggests.

"Children will most likely continue exercising and eating a low-fat diet if the foundation for a healthy lifestyle is set at an early age," Stumbo says.

If you have questions about a low-fat diet for your child, talk to your pediatrician or a nutritionist.