Is it OK to see Someone's Ribs?

from JoeUser Forums
I haven't seen my ribs in years. I'm not fat, but let's just say I ain't underfed either.

I was a little alarmed a while ago when I was babysitting a little boy, 2 years old...I was changing his clothes and I was astonished that his ribs were very apparent. Now don't get me too wrong, this boy is not being starved. He has loving parents who feed him regularly. But when it comes down to it, is he eating enough at his mealtimes?

Perhaps I'm over reacting because it's been so long since I've seen my own ribs. I just associate ribs with anorexia. I'll admit to you that there have been rare occasions over the years when for whatever reason I've noticed my ribs starting to show. I felt momentarily thin and beautiful, but all at the same time I subconsiously gathered that I could use to eat a bit more, so I did.

But I digress...

Should a 2-year-old's ribs show? What do you think?
3,302 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm just some dumbass teacher who doesn't know much...but I'd say it would depend on the kid. Some kids are just built meatier than others, and some are more string-beanish. I think I'd worry more about his behavior. Is he active? Happy? Or does he seem lethargic? I think being healthy and happy is more important than whether you can see ribs or not...

Does that make sense?
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
My Jake's ribs showed when he was a toddler.  So did my daughter's.  I asked the pediatrician about it because I was concerned, and he said it wasn't anything to worry about.  Some kids just don't lay down a lot of body fat and are naturally lean.  As long as he's not showing other symptoms of malnutrition (sunken eyes, dark circles under the eyes, swollen belly, sores at the corners of his mouth, pale mucous membranes (which isn't necessarily a sign of malnutrition but can signify anemia)..) then it's not really much to worry about.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
ribs?/ mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm///// ribs heh heh, like marice and dharma said depends on the child and how he or she is growing, excersising {running playing n stuff}
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
My kids were all lean... can see the ribs if they stretch just right, although not constantly. I was always tiny when younger too... so I never thought much about it. I think you've gotten great advice here
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Yeah, he's a healthy, happy kid. I guess in this otherwise overfed USA, I was a bit surprised to see those little ribs. Thanks for your thoughts.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
'Is it OK to see Someone's Ribs?'
No. At the very least there should be a layer of skin in the way ...
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Tee-hee. Yeah, I'd really worry about someone's livelihood if they had no skin.
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
Totally depends on the kid, my 17 month old and one of my 4 yr olds are "ribby" the other 4 yr old isn't. Matter of fact, the smaller of my twins still has the same waist size at a 24 month old, and she is tall, I hate buying her cloths.. *L*.

My cousin went on an all marshmellow diet when he was 2, he was ribby also, but I'll be darned if anyone could get him to eat anything else! LOL.