The present disclosure provides methods for preventing and/or reducing early childhood obesity that are based upon early inception (e.g., third trimester of pregnancy), anticipatory guidance (e.g., prior to an infant reaching a specific developmental stage), sequential guidance, and nutritionally and developmentally appropriate dietary and parental feeding behaviors guidance, all specifically targeting factors that have been associated with childhood obesity. The present methods may help instill early healthy eating habits and nutritious food preferences for infants and young children, promote an appropriate early growth trajectory, and a long term weight status that is consistent with public policy recommendations and associated with long term health.