Babies born with congenital heart disease (CHD) may have special feeding needs. They may be slow to suck, may tire quickly during feedings or may not be able to take breast milk or formula by mouth for periods of time. They may not gain weight the way they should and may need extra calories. Your doctors and nurses can help you learn about feeding your baby in the hospital and at home. Your baby’s growth chart will guide you and your doctors so that your baby maintains an appropriate weight.
Overweight children or teenagers can have many physical and emotional health problems. For a child with CHD, the impact could be worse. As your baby becomes a toddler and then a young child, set up healthy eating habits early. Children who have repaired CHD sometimes continue to eat in ways that promote weight gain when it is no longer required, such as eating high-calorie snacks.
As children become teenagers, they will become more independent. You may find that you spend less time with your child in family activities. You may have less influence over food choices and physical activities. Remember that your child is still watching what you do and eat and responds more positively when a good example is set. Continue to stock nutritious foods in the refrigerator and pantry, limit screen time, offer encouragement and support for physical activity, and work together as a family to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Proper nutrition means the right amounts and types of foods. If your child is growing normally, you do not need to do anything more than offer a variety of healthy meals and snacks. Urging children to “clean their plates” at mealtimes is not necessary if growth is normal. It may even create harmful eating habits that can be difficult to change as children grow older. Talk with your child’s pediatrician and cardiologist about your child’s weight and about proper nutrition as your child grows.
As the parent of a child with CHD, you will also want to talk with your pediatrician and cardiologist about physical activities where your child can safely participate. Some children with CHD may be restricted from participating in certain sports or activities but can often engage in normal play. Ask many questions so you can understand clearly what your child may not do and why.
Many parents have trouble telling if their child is overweight or underweight. One easy way to screen for healthy weight is a number called BMI, or body mass index. It is calculated from knowing a child’s weight and height, age and gender. Your doctor or nurse will usually measure and weigh your child at office visits and can tell you their BMI. If you want to find out your child’s BMI, see the CDC’s BMI calculator for Children and Teens.
It is important to teach your child to choose healthy foods and avoid unhealthy weight gain. Good nutrition is a family affair. As a parent, you set the example by deciding which foods to have in your home and how meals will be organized. Stocking healthy snacks and serving balanced meals provides children with many options for good nutrition. Access to high calorie, low-nutrient foods, like candy bars, sugary drinks (soda and fruit-flavored juices), potato chips and fried foods, can result in poor nutrition and unhealthy weight gain. Occasional treats can be something to look forward to during family celebrations but shouldn’t be daily fare.
Sometimes, it is tempting to try to comfort or reward your child with high-calorie snacks or treats, especially during particularly stressful times such as visits to the doctor or hospitalizations. Talking with your child, being physically close, and offering support in other ways is not only healthier but also can be more comforting. Non-food rewards can include games, books or stickers and children especially love a trip to the park, a play date with a friend or special time with parents or grandparents.
As with family nutrition, you can also set the example here for your child. And the expectations should be the same for all family members! Pick out activities everyone can do and enjoy to make family exercise a routine part of each day.
Children will enjoy activities more when their parents participate with them. You might consider a family bike ride or a walk through the neighborhood after dinner. A visit to the park or swimming at the local pool on the weekends can also be a great family activity. Look for toys, games and sports equipment that will encourage your child to be active. Explore options for sports, dance and other physical activities in your community or at your child’s school. Speak to your pediatrician or cardiologist to be sure that the activities your child chooses are safe. And remember, children with active parents are more active as children AND adults.
One thing to consider avoiding is too much screen time (time spent in quiet activities like watching TV, using the computer, and playing video games). Screen time can lead to obesity and can have a bad effect on a child’s ability to function. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and We Can, health experts recommend that children spend less than 2 hours each day in “screen time”.
The American Heart Association has made an excellent guide about Your Child’s Special Needs and Nutrition and can help answer many of your questions.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has developed We Can (Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition) to give parents ideas for helping 8-13 year olds maintain a healthy weight. The site provides strategies for preventing obesity by making good food choices and increasing activity.