Helping My 16 Month Old Gain Weight

Zoey sounds like AJ, my almost 4 yr old. My twins were born at 31 weeks...Ash is growing like a weed and weighs about 35 lbs now. AJ is still on the small side and weighs about 25 lbs maybe a little bit more. They were 3 lbs 12 oz and 2 lbs 13 oz respectively.

AJ gets very well, but he just doesn't gain the weight like Ash...so I help him a bit, giving him Carnation Breakfast drinks w/ whole milk, extra proteins, and anything that is supposed to help him gain weight, but he hasn't moved up the scale much. He is however FINALLY on the plus percentage for his age...in height! He was in the negative percentage for the longest time in height, so that is encouraging.

My ped isn't worried too much about his weight at this point. He said he will do a complete evaluation of height & weight if needed at 5-6 yrs old. But at this point he isn't worried about it.

Ash is wearing 4T-5T clothes, were AJ is just fitting into 2T-3T for shirts and can still wear some 24 months in pants, depending on how they are cut. He can wear 2T but I have to get adjustable waistbands to keep them from falling down. LOL

Don't worry too much about her weight, as long as she is staying or gaining something, most peds don't freak out. If she was loosing then they probably would wonder what is going on. Giving her pedisure bars and drinks are a good source of protein, so you are doing everything you can. Just give her high protein and fats....I don't know if you give her peanut butter, but that is a great source. AJ loves it. I give him a peanut butter and "chocolate" (Nutella) sandwhichs and HE LOVES it...plus he is getting the extra protein and fat.

I don't know if you get WIC or not, but we do and their nutriounist is always after me about his weight. I just agree and tell them what they want to hear...as well as let them know that their ped doesn't have a problem with either height or weight and that since they were preemies, they are doing just fine for their age. :)

Take care,
God Bless,
J. D

Proud, Blessed Momma to Ash & AJ ~ 3 1/2 yrs old

kids b0dy's go thru phases just like ours do! like when your'e trying to lose weight at some point you stop losing weight and then later you lose some more .she is just at a stand still and when her body is ready she will start eating agin.

Was Zoey born early as well? I am only asking because I have two little ones that were born very early. My daughter at 26 weeks and my son at 28 weeks. They both are on the low end of the growth chart when it comes to weight. My daughter is starting to catch up but she is almost 4. My son is 25 months and still in 12 months clothing because anything bigger just falls off his waist. I don't think you need to do anything as long as her doctor is okay with it.

If your doctor's not concerned then you probably shouldn't be either. Some kids are slow growers. I was and my daughter (2 1/2) is also. As long as she is eating well and eating healthy, full of energy, she is probably fine.