A Chubby Baby Isn't Necessarily a Healthy Baby — What Really Matters

Dr. Sandip Gupta

The idea that only a chubby baby is a healthy baby has settled into all our minds. Grandparents say things like the child's cheeks aren't full, and ask the mother and father whether they are even feeding the child properly. The doctor's message: A chubby baby is not necessarily a healthy baby — this idea has to be taken out of our minds. If the child's weight is right for their age, and your doctor is telling you it's fine or you can see on the growth chart that it is fine, then as a mother you should not feel guilty, should not be sad, and should not be distressed that someone else's child is chubby while your child is thin. What a healthy child actually means: A child whose weight is right, who is active, and who is growing well. That is enough. Relevant for: mothers who feel guilty or are criticised because their child looks thin; parents being told by relatives that their child is not chubby enough; parents asking whether being chubby means being healthy; parents wanting to know how to actually judge if their child's growth is fine; and parents using growth charts or their doctor's assessment to check their child's weight. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician to assess your child's growth and weight for their age.