Everyone keeps saying my daughter is small. She has an appointment coming up, but I am just wondering how much other babies around her age weigh and how tall they are. As far as I know, my daughter is really tall for her age. She's always been above the 95%. Her weight has consistently been 85%-95% (getting less as she grows). Last time, her doctor said she was just fine. She said she's just getting to the age where she's doing a lot more, and playing/exploring is a lot more fun than eating. She said "remember your daughter was a very fat baby, and that's not necessarily a good thing". She said that people try to make their babies fat, and think babies need to be fat, but they really don't. But it's been a couple of months since that appointment, and lately it seems like EVERYONE is commenting on how small she is...or how petite she is....It's making me wonder if she is. She has a small head, she always has. Big body, small head, which has given the illusion that she looks smaller than she really is. I don't know. She weighs 22 pounds. I am constantly feeding her, she just isn't a big eater. Also, she's been sick so much pretty much from the start bc of her kidney problem. It's just bothering me, and I have a HIGHLY critical family, so I just ignored it. But now other people are starting to comment. So, I was just wondering what you all think...and if you do think she sounds small, do you know any tricks for getting her to eat more?
Unless you Dr is worried... let it be.
My daughter is 5 y/o, 42" and 35lbs. Height is average but her weight is very below... which is fine for her body type.
Children are not supposed to be fat or chubby, they should look 'healthy'. Don't force foods on her because you think she should be more chubby... child obesity and diabetes is a major epidemic in America.
The rule of thumb I always heard weight wise is they roughly double their birth weight by 5 months and triple their birth weight by 1st birthday. My son was just over 9 lbs at birth, 18 lbs at month 5 and 25 lbs at 1st yr.
As long as she's hitting her milestones and her Dr is happy, just tell the family she's perfectly fine right where she is.
22 pounds at 10 months sounds just right. She isn't small. I have a son who will be 3 in about 8 weeks from now and he weighs 27.
They might say she looks small, but the reality is they have no idea what they're talking about. Unless you have a child under one, it is increadible difficult to remember much about that first year. It's a blur. My youngest is 21 months, and I can't remember how big most 10 month olds "look."
Another thing to keep in mind. Too many people have this idea that the goal is to have your child in the 95th percentile. It's night like school where that means one of the best. It's just a way for doctors to check that their growth pattern is consistant. If your child started out in the 15th or 20th, you'd want them to stay there. Otherwise their weight gain (or lack there of) is unhealthy.
Seriously, if your daughter is happy and the doctor says she looks good, trust that.
Well, I will tell you that my daughter was always on the low end of the growth curve (i.e. 10th percentile) consistently. Since that was just where she always fell, her doc never worried about it. She didn't weigh over 20 lbs until she was at least 15-16 months old, so if your 10 month old is 22 lbs, then I wouldn't worry! Both of my kids are and always have been small, so unless your daughter is not hitting her development milestones, then let others say what they want and just ignore them. Kids are all different, that's why there is a growth curve. SOMEONE has to be on the high/low ends or all kids would be the same (and how boring would that be)! I wouldn't force her to eat more unless her doctor feels like her diet is an issue. My son is a horrible eater, but he hits all of his milestones and has tons of energy, so his doctor just says to make sure he gets a vitamin and that he'll start eating more eventually. If your doctor feels like she needs more calories, then maybe some Pediasure is in order. Try some smoothies with yogurt in them if she likes those. Honestly, it doesn't sound like you have anything to worry about, but I would discuss it at her upcoming appointment and let her doctor give you the scoop! Good luck! I know it's hard now to worry since they are our babies, but you really can't live your life worrying about other people's off-handed comments when they know nothing about your kid (and as for your highly critical family....you REALLY have to let that go!).
By the way, my son started walking at 9 months old and he was the size of a 7 month old at the time (I told you...small kids!). Imagine the comments I got!!
22lbs is not small. She may appear small if she's long and lean with a small head like you mentioned, but I wouldn't really worry. I would make sure she's hitting her milestones like crawling, feeding herself, etc. If she can do all that then I really wouldn't worry about her size. I also think it's kind of bitchy of your doctor to say that too you. I wouldn't get her to eat more or to eat less. Just feed her and let her eat what she wants. Sometimes she might eat a ton, others she might pick like a bird, it's normal. If she's hungry, she'll eat, don't force it and don't restrict it...that's my opinion! If the doctor is checking on her kidney issue and it's in check then I'm sure she's fine! Hang in there!
22lbs is small?? My DD has always been tall/average weight and she was 22lbs at 12 months. Your DD sounds on target to me!
People are retarded:( My sons were both over a year before they were 20 pounds! lol As long as she's on the chart, there's nothing to worry about. Check her weight against a growth chart, I'm sure she's just fine. Whenever anyone says something just tell them "She's consistently on the growth chart and her pediatrician is happy with her size."
My daughter wasn't 22 pounds until she was 15 or 16 months. Your daughter sounds just fine. Maybe because she's tall she just seems thin. Plus people tend to compare babies which they really shouldn't. All children grow differently. Just ignore the comments.
my oldest was a twig till he turned 8 and then he became thick. my baby started out thick and now is pushing the twig phase. relax mom they grow at thier own rate. my baby was very hefty he is still in the upper 95% on weight and thin figure that one out. :)
Every baby is different and if your doc says she's fine, and you feel she's fine, then I wouldn't worry. My first two were chubs (all were nursed). They were 20 pounds by 6 months and in the 95%. They leveled out by the time they were two, daughter remained in the 50%, and son in 10%! Go figure. My little one is in the 75%; she is 6 months and 15 pounds. My friends 12 month old weighs 19 pounds and is just fine!
Is she hitting all her milestones?
As long as she is consistant on her growth chart, she is fine. My oldest only weighed 15lbs. at one year, but was consistant with her personal growth chart. She has always been in the 5th or 10th percentile for weight and height, but she is happy and healthy. She's nine now, and is 47 1/2 inches tall and 47lbs. She is small and petite, but that is just how she is supposed to be. I would not be concerned unless your doctor is worried that she is going backwards on her chart.
This reminds me of when I was pregnant with my first. In one day I would hear "are you sure you are that far along, you dont' look that big" to " you must have twins, or a big baby because you look huge!"
Everyone has a different reference in mind. Don't pay them any mind. 22 pounds is not petite for weight, hard to say for height. As someone said, it matters if she is following her own growth curve. The growth charts are for the average baby. So don't worry as long as your doctor isn't worried and she is growing.
As for her kidney issues, you didn't really tell us what they were. I saw a post that had all kinds of scary info on it. Most important is to talk to her pediatrician and ask them your questions. Without knowing her history or story, we are just guessing. That is pretty scary to have strangers guessing who haven't seen your daughter or know her. Her doctor is the best one to give you any advice! It is also important for your daughter to learn to eat when she is hungry, and stop when she isn't. If you are trying to force her to eat, it just becomes a battle that both will lose. Is she on WIC? If so, they have a dietician who can help you with any concerns. Use them, that is what they are for.
Good luck and enjoy your beautiful daughter!
R.
So - stop worrying!! (easier said than done - I know) She is tall, which gives the appereance that she is too thin....but that's not the case, she is just very tall, so mention that next time someone says something. I just took my 18 month old in and she is 20lbs....in the 3% for weight...she is super petite!! She averages 15% for height and is in perfect health - so I stopped worrying. Everyone thinks babies should be round so when their height grows a little faster than their weight, people make comments when they have no clue what they are talking about. Maybe you could start commenting on others weight =)..... a topic no one likes to talk about....or...maybe mention that she is tall for her age, but the perfect weight....you're thinking about putting her into basketball camp (LOL) hopefully they will get the picture. You daughter sounds PERFECT - just the way she is!! Ignore the comments!
My 11mo is 14.5 pounds, so your baby sound just perfect to me! We've struggled with several different health issues since birth also, right now being that she's not gaining weight. Doctors aren't particularly concerned because overall she's healthy, just very tiny. She's completely off the charts (on the bottom of course) for her weight and only 50% for her height. I would not worry at all about your little one, she sounds like she is perfect just as she is!
Stop worrying. If there was something to be concerned about your pediatrician would have said so.
Pay no attention to the percentiles on the growth chart. The MAIN THING is that she is growing on her own curve. That is what doctors are really looking at.... is she growing.
My kids ARE petite. My first daughter didn't hit 20lbs until she was over a year old! Even at 3.5 she's only 31lbs. My 7 month old twins are following suit. They are each about 15lbs now. But...they all are consistently growing on their own curve.
Interestingly, I read an article the other day about "fat babies" and how it can lead to weight issues later in life. The bottom line of the article was that, in general, we over feed our kids.
Stop worrying about what anyone else says. I get the "ooohh... your daughter is so tiny" all the time. And... compared to their same age cohorts... they DO look like miniature babies because the rest of them are so huge! Being in the 90% for weight is not necessarily a good thing... as your doctor pointed out.
Relax. She's growing. She's healthy. She's fine. Kids go through phases where they eat more and less. One of my twins, as we can see from her growth chart, grows very steadily. While the other goes through big spurts. The one who goes through big spurts will eat eat eat all the time ... and then suddenly just stop and seemingly hardly eat anything for a bit.
In addition, I can tell you from my experience with my first that when they become mobile a few things happen.... 1) they may eat less. moving around and playing are just WAY more fun! So they will often just eat when they are like WHOA! I'M HUNGRY!!!! And not just a "oh... I could eat... ok" and 2) they are burning more calories. Sitting around banging a rattle takes less energy then crawling and rolling and trying to pull up. So... baby may very well slim down a little. But it all evens out in the end.
Relax. Mama.. everything is fine. :-) She will eat when she's hungry.
Here's one thing you can do .... when my daughter was more mobile, I would have a little tray with snacks out where she could reach. Then, when she was hungry she could take one and just graze. It worked well. I knew something was available for her when she needed it and I didn't feel like I needed to force her to eat. Kids are smarter then we often give them credit for. They aren't going to let themselves starve. Really.
Edit... I missed that she has kidney issues. I do agree with the other poster... you may need to look into things further. No harm is asking for a referal or some blood work to be done.
oh she is not that small! my son is 16mnths and weighs about the same as ur 10mnth old.
You received a lot of responses already but I must say that your daughters weight sounds fine to me. My son just turned 19 months and is not even 20 pounds! None of my kids were even 20 pounds by their first birthday. I had trouble with all three of my kids gaining weight. A couple of them even LOST weight before they were a year old. All three were breastfed for as long as possible but it may have been something to do with me breastfeeding as to why they had trouble gaining. Of course you have the issue with her kidneys so you should keep an eye on that but otherwise if she is eating and drinking and is generally happy then she is fine.
She sounds fine to me. Some kids are big some are small, just like adults. As long as her growth curve has stayed consistent that is what is most important. Their weight also depends on their height. 22 lbs does not seem small to me. My daughter is 10 months and she is 20 lbs. If your doctor said she is fine, then I wouldn't worry.
I have one daughter who was consistently in the 95th percentile for weight and height, and the other consistently in the 5%. As long as they are consistent in their own chart they are fine. The doctor became concerned when my youngest went down to the 1% in weight at 18 moths, and when my oldest recently is increasing in weight faster than height (she is 13 and puberty and lack of gym class this half year is adding a few pounds). So they use these growth curves to plot changes over time. It does not sound like those percentiles you mentioned are low weight or height at all, so ignore those comments.
Try not to worry too much what other people are saying. Your daughter sounds like she is fine. My daughter is almost 10 months old and only weighted just under 18lbs at her 9 month check up appointment (40%). She is also very tall...was off the charts for height and last visit was in the 90%.
Hi -
I would say that if your pediatrician isn't concerned, you shouldn't be either. My son was about the 60th percentile for everything when he was born, but has consistently been much higher in the height category than he was in weight (and this boy can EAT). At nine months he was in the 71st percentile for height and 26th for weight, at 18 months he was 62nd percentile for height and 11th for weight (and about 22lbs, so I'd say that if your daughter is 22lbs at 10 months, she doesn't have anything to worry about!) The doctor never gave us any indication that he had any issues whatsoever.
Feel free to tell your family that your doctor thinks your daughter is doing fine.
Hope this makes you feel better.
My DS is the same age, and 19lbs. So 22lbs doesn't sound small at all to me. I, oddly enough, hear about how big he is! LOL He does have a huge head and chubby cheeks, maybe that's why. lol People just look at baby's heads I suppose! : ) I think she is fine, and you are doing a great job mamma. Just let her eat when she wants to eat, and she will be perfect size. : )
my oldest daughter was in the 10% for weight at around 2 but everyone used to say what a big girl she was. She had really full cheeks which I think deceived people into thinking she was big all over. Perhaps the opposite is happening with your daughter. I wouldn't think twice about these comments since they are not being made by your daughter's pediatrician.
Hi J.,
I have been doing medical research for 11 years.
The fact that you have a baby who already has kidney issues means that there is probably some kind of HPA axis (Hippo/ pituitary/ adrenal)malfunction. Bladder and Kidney problems are typically seen in people with adrenal disease.
The adrenal gland controls the hormones: cortisol , aldosterone, and many more (upwards of 30-50 hormones). These hormones regulate major organs like the heart, lung, KIDNEY, central nervous system, liver, etc..
You should have her checked for a growth hormone deficiency- common in children with small head and kidney disease together.
Chromosome 20 ring has symptoms of small head and kidney disease together, as do some other chromosome issues. I would ask for a referral to an endocrinologist and start with the growth hormone check.
It is not normal to have Kidney malfunction at any age. So you are already starting off with some medical issues here. In refrence to some other posts on here who are telling you not to worry about it because your pediatrician isnt worried- that is not good advice. Most general practice doctors don't have a lick of training in endocrinology and will NOT see typical warning signs of endocrine disease, even blaring ones.
In regards to that- I look at how many parents have had children who should have been categorized in "failure to thrive" mode and been sent to an endocrinologist for workup, but the moms are on here basically telling others that their grossly underweight children "got a pass" from their general MD. I am not putting down the parent, who should be able to trust a doctor, but showing an example of how doctors aren't recognizing these symptoms for what they are. Adrenal disease is at epidemic proportions. In fact, when you see these diseases, you can bet adrenal disease is the root cause:
hypoglycemia
diabetes
kidney stones/kidney disease
bladder urinary problems
heart failure and other issues
low blood pressure
high blood pressure
central obesity (high hormone output)
severe underweight/fail to thrive/doesnt like to eat (low hormone output)
vasovagal syncope/dizzy/fainting
RSD/CPS
Some arthritis, MS and RA
asthma, COPD, Sudden infant death syndrome,
Reynauds syndrome
Sarcoidosis
and so many more...
It is best if parents get involved by doing medical research. We have to become our family's medical advocate. We cannot trust that everything our doctors say is absolute. Indeed it is not. The endocrine system supports LIFE, and without the right AMOUNT of these certain hormones , problems will continue to arise over the course of years. Slow usually at first, but as the person progresses, worse and worse symptoms appear as the gland shrinks or puts out less and less hormone. A child can go through childhood with aches and pains and some blood sugar deregulation and not be that "unwell", but when puberty hits, it puts a HUGE burden on the gland to suddenly pump out more hormones, and the gland simply cant keep up. Addisons disease symptoms many times become prominent at puberty. (often misdiagnosed as LYME disease, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and other illnesses. )
Please ask for a referral to an endocrinologist. Lookup these items on wikipedia and become more familiar with them:
Cortisol
Aldosterone
Adrenaline
Growth hormone
HPA axis
Addisons disease
hypoaldosteronism
Cushings disease
conns disease
Gail
They say the same with my daughter which is 15 months and weights 22 pound also! I just don't pay attention to what people say, only what the doctor says, and she says she is fine. She is on the short side though, maybe because my husband and I are both short, so no biggie.
There's always going to be comments about our kids, they are too short, too tall, etc, etc. As long as she is getting better with her kidney problem and developing well I see no problem there.
Maybe she'll be short, or maybe she is just fine and it's just someone's perspective. Some people want their kids to be really heavy because it gives the illusion that they are healthier, but that is totally not true at all.
You could also make an appointment and ask your doc to give you maybe vitamins and add it to her bottle just to make sure she gets all the vitamins she needs to develop, that's what I did with my daughter because all the comments were making me worry a lot too.
