New 1 Year Old Under-weight?

A.,

You've gotten some great responses, and I agree that the weight is nothing to worry about. Our pediatrician has been so worried about my oldest daughter's height (she's very short for her age - so is Mom and Dad, so go figure!), she wanted to send us to an endocrinologist for growth hormone! Sheesh! Can't we all just be ourselves and a little different, if that's the way we're made? (However, we did have a bone scan and blood work done to make sure everything was normal, and it was). And if she was abnormally small or short, we would consider growth hormone, after lots of research.

Anyway, I want to say very strongly that I hope you will consider finding another pediatrician. I have had that experience with a couple of them, and it is inexcusable to treat moms that way! They want us to think they know everything and we know nothing. Do not let this doctor treat you so disrespectfully! You are a good mom and you're doing the right thing. Trust YOUR instincts and not THEIR misguided advice! (and Google everything to get more information!!)

It is hard to find the right fit with a pediatrician, and it's worth continuing to switch until you find one that will treat you with dignity and respect. I had a very difficult time finding one who respected my judgment on immunizations - and truthfully, she doesn't RESPECT it, she just tolerates it. So, I encourage you to stand up for your right to be treated as an educated, loving, good parent, and find that doctor out there who will treat you as such. And be willing to consider a regular GP or DO - you don't have to take your child to a pediatrician, just because he's young. Other doctors are well qualified to treat him, too. Good luck!

Hey my son is 16 months and just 22 pounds and I think he was only about 19 pounds at his 1 year. I have been worried the he small because my oldest son was so on the opposite end the first pedi I went to was ugly to me and told me that he was obese and that he would be as he got older. He is 8 now and is a big boy and I thought my new pedi was going to get mad at me about his weight but his bmi checked out and he told me that he was just naturally a bigger child. I use Dr. Sonnen in Mesquite and he is very good. He is blunt and likes alot of details but he gets down to the problem and solves it. I trust him with my children's health. He is located at the Mesquite Baylor Family Medical Center.

My son also weighed 18 pounds at a year old. His pediatrician was less worried about him being at 5% on the growth chart than I was. She said as long as he's gaining at each visit and doesn't look emaciated; that there was nothing to worry about. I would definitely try to find a new pediatrician.

A.,
I wouldn't worry. Yes your son is under the 5th% on growth charts, BUT from his birthweight he was only in the 5-10th% then! The Pedi's I work with focus much more on IF they are growing at a steady rate, not how much. Genetics also plays a big part. Mom and Dad's that are long and lean tend to have kiddos that are long and lean (or in my case Mom's that USED to be long and lean...). !2-36 month old kids are notoriously bad eaters who burn more calories than they consume. Also, many kids at this age slow way down on the huge growing they did in the first 12 months of life.
Find a new Pedi :-)

D.

My son was only 19 pounds at 1 years old. He is long and thin. My daughter was also only 20 pounds at 1. I would not be worried and maybe it is time to find a new doctor. As long as your son is gaining consistently then that is what should be looked at.

A.,

My son was around 17-18 pounds at a year old. He is now 8 years old and only 45 pounds. He is a scrawny, scrappy little guy, but healthy as could be. His doctor has no concerns about his size. You sound like a good, loving responsible mother, so try not to let the doctor get to you. I know its tough! There are still people who accuse me of not feeding my son. He eats plenty, he just burns it off. He has always been on the low end of the growth scales, but his doctor says as long as the curve is consistent, he is fine. Good luck! /J.

Thank you for disperse my worries. Just came from the doctor today and had the same scenario you had. My baby is 1 yrs old and 18 lbs. The doctor gave me "the look" but he doesn't have children and all he does is probably read medical literature and listen the the American Pediatrics Association who are a bunch of confused people .
There is a trend in this country to became obese and no pediatrician is going to show that on the growth curve. Shame, shame on all of them who would rather see children sick and obese than fit and healthy!!!
Your son is not underweight... don't believe in the so called "percentile", they are just defining statistics not who our children are. Don't worry, keep on doing the great job you are doing with your child !!!

Hi A.,
L. the lactation consultant here.
The simple answer is that most babies double their birth weight by 4 - 6 months and triple it by one year of age.
Since your son weighed 6#8oz at birth and weighs 18 pounds at almost one year, the numbers line up.
If your son gained weight at a steady rate the first few months but has not gained any weight for the past few months, your doctor might want to rule out a medical problem like thyroid disease, etc.
In my experience, it never hurts to get a second medical opinion. If nothing else, it may reassure you than you simply have a "Long Tall Texan".
Happy Mothering!