Nurture: Early Child Care and Risk of Obesity

The purpose of this study is to examine risk factors associated with infant growth and the development of obesity in the first year of life. The investigators plan to establish a racially and ethnically diverse southern cohort of 800 mother/infant dyads, followed regularly from birth to 12 months of age. The cohort will be residents of Durham, North Carolina (NC) and the immediate surrounding area. The proposed longitudinal study will examine factors contributing to the development of obesity, including dietary behaviors, physical activity and inactivity, stress, and sleep duration and quality. Frequent in-home assessments throughout infancy and contact with other care providers will help pinpoint exactly when children begin to gain weight excessively and will identify risk factors related to energy intake, energy expenditure, stress, and sleep associated with obesity.