If you're a mom and you want to make sure your kids maintain a heathy weight, you may want to keep a closer eye on your eating habits.

The number of kids considered obese in this country has tripled over the last generation and in some cases, mom may be to blame. But a team of scientists are hoping to change that.

Because mothers can be a powerful driver behind family health changes, researchers are focusing on their eating habits. The study that followed 300 kids during their first year and found that moms who have healthy eating habits have healthier kids. And it all starts with those first few visits to the doctor's office.

"Parents are bringing their babies to you and asking for some guidance about nutrition. Be clear about what that guidance is. Be specific about what it is," Dr. Robert Murray of Nationwide Children's Hospital said.

"And hoping that, down the road, the children would start to eat more organized meals, plan snacks and have less of this constant grazing all the time that can lead to obesity," Dr. Judy Groner of Nationwide Children's Hospital said.

Researchers say they'd like to do the study again, but next time include even more families and follow their children until they're two-years-old to see if those good habits last even longer.