Tech Tip: AAP widget engages parents in obesity prevention

Recent literature suggests that behaviors that prevent or promote obesity are established in the first years of life, including eating habits, sleep routines, feeding relationships and food preferences. Creating and maintaining healthy habits in early childhood are critical to a child’s future health patterns.

As part of its Healthy Active Living for Families project, the AAP Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight has created a Quick Tips widget for parents and young children. The widget provides strategies to engage families in healthy active living beyond discussions at well-child visits. Information is offered on topics specific to a child’s age and family’s needs, including:

• breastfeeding,
• bottle feeding,
• starting solid food,
• picky eaters,
• snack time,
• routines and schedules,
• physical activity,
• screen time and
• sleep.

To access the Quick Tips widget, visit www.healthychildren.org/growinghealthy.