My toddler isn't gaining weight

[sarahli]

He's been at 50th percentile for a while, and at 1 year he dropped to 35th or so, now at 18mos. he's at 15th!!! He had a little virus this weekend, so maybe he just lost a little... But still, I feel really bad. I couldn't tell he wasn't gaining enough.
He is very very active, and runs all day long. He also is a grazer and eats a lot of fruit (like me :)) he doesn't talk much, but uses signs to tell me what he wants, usually banana, raisins, cheese, etc. He also drinks 18-20 oz. of whole milk a day.
I feel like my only option is Pediasure, but was wondering if anyone else has btdt and has other ideas.

thanks!

[mom26]

we did the Pediasure when he was a little guy ($$$$!!!!) and a dietitian suggested using whole milk with Carnantion Instant b-fast...I often find coupons for it and get the big box at BJ's. He is slowly gaining and this is much more affordable!
Blessings,
Kathi

[abbeyej]

... He had a little virus this weekend, so maybe he just lost a little...

I think that's extremely possible. I've been shocked at how much my kids could lose from a minor virus -- relative to their overall weight anyway. I would try to feed him normally, assuming he has fully recovered from the virus, for a couple of weeks, then weigh him again to compare.

Also, where does he fit on the charts height-wise? 15th percentile for weight could be quite solid, if he's also a short guy -- but if he's in the 90th percentile for height, it might be a problem.

Another thing... Many kids slim down quite a bit when they start walking. Not *all* kids do this, but it's not unusual at all for a rounder baby to drop down on the charts for weight and slim up when they become more active toddlers. My ds was one of those round babies who slimmed up through toddlerhood and is now just a skinny kid. He's about 50th percentile for height, but 10-15th for weight. He's not unhealthy, it's just the way he is (and it comes from my dh's family, lol).

If you're concerned, talk to your pediatrician. It's probably *not* a problem (other than helping him recover from the recent virus). If he has a variety of healthy, nutritious food available to him, he'll get what he needs. Personally, I'd avoid processed, refined food substitutes like Pediasure. I'd try to offer more frequent, small meals and plenty of fats... Some good additions to his diet would be avocado (give him slices to pick up and eat, or mash it to make a dip) or hummus (garbanzo beans, ground sesame seeds, olive oil -- very nutritious and calorically dense)... Full fat yogurt is another good one...

[sarahli]

I think that's extremely possible. I've been shocked at how much my kids could lose from a minor virus -- relative to their overall weight anyway. I would try to feed him normally, assuming he has fully recovered from the virus, for a couple of weeks, then weigh him again to compare.

Also, where does he fit on the charts height-wise? 15th percentile for weight could be quite solid, if he's also a short guy -- but if he's in the 90th percentile for height, it might be a problem.

Another thing... Many kids slim down quite a bit when they start walking. Not *all* kids do this, but it's not unusual at all for a rounder baby to drop down on the charts for weight and slim up when they become more active toddlers. My ds was one of those round babies who slimmed up through toddlerhood and is now just a skinny kid. He's about 50th percentile for height, but 10-15th for weight. He's not unhealthy, it's just the way he is (and it comes from my dh's family, lol).

If you're concerned, talk to your pediatrician. It's probably *not* a problem (other than helping him recover from the recent virus). If he has a variety of healthy, nutritious food available to him, he'll get what he needs. Personally, I'd avoid processed, refined food substitutes like Pediasure. I'd try to offer more frequent, small meals and plenty of fats... Some good additions to his diet would be avocado (give him slices to pick up and eat, or mash it to make a dip) or hummus (garbanzo beans, ground sesame seeds, olive oil -- very nutritious and calorically dense)... Full fat yogurt is another good one...

He is 90% height wise. The pediasure was the advice from the pediatrician, which is why I'm asking for more options. (we'll try some that you recommended, thanks)
Both my husband and I were kinda chunky babies but VERY scrawny as kids, so maybe he'll just take after us. Oh... he started walking at 8 months; like I said, he's ACTIVE!

[Amy in Orlando]

I think that's extremely possible. I've been shocked at how much my kids could lose from a minor virus -- relative to their overall weight anyway. I would try to feed him normally, assuming he has fully recovered from the virus, for a couple of weeks, then weigh him again to compare.

Also, where does he fit on the charts height-wise? 15th percentile for weight could be quite solid, if he's also a short guy -- but if he's in the 90th percentile for height, it might be a problem.

Another thing... Many kids slim down quite a bit when they start walking. Not *all* kids do this, but it's not unusual at all for a rounder baby to drop down on the charts for weight and slim up when they become more active toddlers. My ds was one of those round babies who slimmed up through toddlerhood and is now just a skinny kid. He's about 50th percentile for height, but 10-15th for weight. He's not unhealthy, it's just the way he is (and it comes from my dh's family, lol).

If you're concerned, talk to your pediatrician. It's probably *not* a problem (other than helping him recover from the recent virus). If he has a variety of healthy, nutritious food available to him, he'll get what he needs. Personally, I'd avoid processed, refined food substitutes like Pediasure. I'd try to offer more frequent, small meals and plenty of fats... Some good additions to his diet would be avocado (give him slices to pick up and eat, or mash it to make a dip) or hummus (garbanzo beans, ground sesame seeds, olive oil -- very nutritious and calorically dense)... Full fat yogurt is another good one...

:iagree: My kids have always been on the low end for weight and tall for their ages. We went through (still do) spurts where they would start walking or growing and their height would far exceed their weight. Definitely talk to your doctor if you're worried. I remember one of my sons was about 6 and we all got the flu. He'd been hovering around 40 lbs for over a year and quickly lost nearly 5 lbs. It was very scary. He came through it, just fine. Skinny, but fine. He's now 5'10" about 135 and growing everyday if his clothes are any indication! Still thin and tall - just like his dad, my dad and my brother.

[abbeyej]

He is 90% height wise. The pediasure was the advice from the pediatrician, which is why I'm asking for more options. (we'll try some that you recommended, thanks)
Both my husband and I were kinda chunky babies but VERY scrawny as kids, so maybe he'll just take after us. Oh... he started walking at 8 months; like I said, he's ACTIVE!

But you're basing the 15th percentile on his weight immediately following a virus? I would definitely weigh him again in a couple of weeks -- at his age, a couple of pounds will make a tremendous difference on the charts.

Also, if you and your husband were both skinny kids, it's definitely to be expected that your kids will follow the same pattern.

[Philothea]

Personally, I don't like the price or the idea of Pediasure. It just seems so artificial, though I am sure that it has it's place for people who need it.

I'm wondering if he has no other medical problems, maybe you could consider contacting a dietician/naturopath to help you plan a healthy diet.

I have a niece who is 4 and has been on Pediasure for quite a long time, with no weight gain. So it doesn't always fix the problem.

I'm hoping you will just find out that your little sweetie is just going to be a slender guy :)

[lighthouseacademy]

Sometimes if a child is allergic to dairy or gluten they will start sliming dramatically. That said, my kids have all slimmed down as toddlers once they get really active. I never had a rolly polly until my littlest, and I know she has gone from 75th down. She is also tall but that growth has slowed. I have also noticed that some kids seem to stop growing at about 18 months, wait 6 months and then literally shoot up overnight. I would just make sure that my child was getting plenty of variety, good fats (avocadoes), beans, and whole grains, and fresh fruits and veggies.

[lovelearnandlive]

I agree that between the virus and more activity, it's not too out of the ordinary to see his weight drop. Maybe you can give it a couple months and go back in for a weight check?

My dd2 has always been at the bottom of the charts for weight. Our pediatrician says that as long as she is otherwise healthy - eating and sleeping well, generally happy, meeting her developmental milestones, etc. - that there's usually nothing to worry about.

If he does need to gain weight and you don't want to use the pediasure, maybe up his fat intake - put a little olive oil in his food, or even butter or cream. Other ideas.....give him whole milk cheese. Muffins. Banana bread. Pancakes. Any foods with wholesome ingredients that an adult would avoid because they are high calorie. :001_smile: One thing I did for my dd2 was give her whole yogurt smoothies - I would mix 6 oz plain whole milk yogurt, one jar of pureed baby food (fruit or carrots or sweet potatoes) and top it off with some apple juice until it was the right consistency. She loved them and I think it did help her gain a bit a few times.

Also, I know some kids will fill up on milk and then not eat enough at meals. Is he drinking his milk too close to meal time?

I hope you find something that works! And don't worry, you aren't the only mom trying to put some meat on their active toddler's bones. :001_smile:

[melissel]

ITA with everyone else. Personally, especially with toddlers, I never worry about gain or loss unless they're showing some physical sign of illness or sensitivity. It sounds like you have an active, healthy, naturally skinny kid! And, as my own ped would say, the percentiles represent normal kids, from 1% to 100%. Someone has to be on the top and someone has to be on the bottom, but they're still normal. Don't sweat it!

[Joanne]

I'd take the focus off *weight* as the barometer of health. Does he eat a variety of healthy foods? Sleep ok? Energy level? How do his eyes look? Skin?

Let's face the math; some kids have to be at the 15th percentile. In and of itself, it's a meaningless statistic. Evaluate his total health in context of the big picture.

It's common for children to slow down as the pass the year mark in terms of gaining weight.

[Spy Car]

Personally, I don't like the price or the idea of Pediasure. It just seems so artificial, though I am sure that it has it's place for people who need it.

I'm wondering if he has no other medical problems, maybe you could consider contacting a dietician/naturopath to help you plan a healthy diet.


I'd second that advice. I'd want to make sure nothing was "wrong" with my child. And if there wasn't anything an MD could find, the last thing I'd give him is something as un-healthful as Pediasure.

Medical doctors, I'm afraid, tend not to be experts in nutrition, but Naturopaths are. If you can't find an answer yourself (or with the aid of the hive-mind) that is the direction I'd turn for help.

Bill

[Spy Car]

I'd take the focus off *weight* as the barometer of health. Does he eat a variety of healthy foods? Sleep ok? Energy level? How do his eyes look? Skin?

Let's face the math; some kids have to be at the 15th percentile. In and of itself, it's a meaningless statistic. Evaluate his total health in context of the big picture.

It's common for children to slow down as the pass the year mark in terms of gaining weight.


:iagree: More good advice!

Bill

[Philothea]

I just wanted to add to what Bill said...

I was told that most MD's recieve minimal amount of training in nutrition and the use of vitamins and herbs. The most they might study is maybe a half year class on either topic. I don't think they easily admit that though.

[sarahli]

I'd take the focus off *weight* as the barometer of health. Does he eat a variety of healthy foods? Sleep ok? Energy level? How do his eyes look? Skin?

Let's face the math; some kids have to be at the 15th percentile. In and of itself, it's a meaningless statistic. Evaluate his total health in context of the big picture.

It's common for children to slow down as the pass the year mark in terms of gaining weight.

I wouldn't mind if his weight was always in the low percentiles, but his growth "curve" is looking more like a growth "arc" right now, getting lower and lower.
Well, he's not sleeping well, at least what I would like. He only sleeps 9 1/2 hours at night. Last night he went to bed early but was wide awake from 3:30-6. :tongue_smilie: He's fussy a lot too. Energy level is high.

[sarahli]

UPDATE
Well I double checked the growth chart on line, and it looks like the Dr messed up. :glare: He's around 35%, not 10-15%. Sigh.
He's 24.5 lbs and technically he would be at 26 lbs. following his curve, but I guess that's not as big of a deal as I thought (the Dr. made me feel like it was pretty bad).

... The virus he had didn't include vomiting or diarrhea, although he didn't feel like eating much for a couple days, so I wasn't sure if it had affected his weight much.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll check his weight again in a couple weeks.

[Karen sn]

UPDATE
Well I double checked the growth chart on line, and it looks like the Dr messed up. :glare: He's around 35%, not 10-15%. Sigh.
He's 24.5 lbs and technically he would be at 26 lbs. following his curve, but I guess that's not as big of a deal as I thought (the Dr. made me feel like it was pretty bad).

... The virus he had didn't include vomiting or diarrhea, although he didn't feel like eating much for a couple days, so I wasn't sure if it had affected his weight much.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll check his weight again in a couple weeks.

18 months and 24 pounds does not sound underweight to me.
I couldn't tell you EVER in my life at what percentile dd was. I don't believe in them. It's just another useless way to compare all our kids.

My dd had some cute little rolls of fat - and then she started crawling and that was the end of that. "She's so skinny" was a common comment. But my kid ate like a horse, all day long - healthy foods.

If a kid has good color, face not guant, eyes clear and not sunken, if they eat balanced foods throughout the day, sleep well for the most part (let's face it - teething prevents good sleep).....well, why worry?

Pediasure and ensure and carnation instant breakfast - it's all crap. Sugar and synthetic vitamins. How good can that be?

Don't worry so much about percentiles. Look at the overall energy and mood of your kid. And take into consideration that at certain intervals of life we don't sleep well or eat a ton of food. Ebb and flow.

I would not try to make a child gain weight unless they were literally starved in appearance, and then I would check for a tape worm! My dd was always a bit on the thin side - she was VERY active, very early. She finally got a little chunky on her own, grew a little, thinned out again. It's a cycle.

Some kids are thin, some are not. I don't think we should compare them or worry too much....unless you had a kid who wouldn't eat at all, or one who was 3yo and weighed 95 pounds because ya let them have soda for breakfast.

Percentiles, shmercentiles.

[Laura Corin]

Is he growing well? I'd make available high calorie but healthy snacks (banana smoothies, nuts) but not worry too much. My eldest is 75th percentile for height and around 15th for weight. He doesn't even register on the BMI charts. He's healthy though, so I just keep giving him good food... One of my elder brothers is that shape, so I'm not surprised.

Laura

[Jugglin'5]

With the exception of one, all of my children have been larger than average babies, who stopped gaining once they started walking. They stayed between 20 and 24 lbs from the commencement of walking until they were 2 1/2 or so, and just kept growing taller. It made for some strange growth charts, but they were all happy and healthy. I don't think that is all that unusual.

[Marie in Oh]

started in the 90th % and is now in the 20th. She weighs 22lbs. DOctor was not concerned at all. If you are concerned, just keep buttering his bread, giving im whole milk, etc. He'll gain it back. Pediasure should be reserved for severly not on the chart children in my opinion. When my #5 was finally diagnosed with Celiac at 18 months, she was 16 lbs. She was severly underweight- we did pediasure for about 3 months. She gained 9 lbs in 6 months and finally was in the 3rd percentile. That is a severe case though. I'd say your little guy will bounce back soon.

[Jennifer in MI]

Echoing what everyone else is saying! Sounds like you have a very healthy (active) child.

My dd is 2 1/2 and she weighs in at a whopping 23 pounds. My doctor just wants to make sure she continues to gain or remain steady and NOT lose (unless she's sick).

You may want to think about finding another doctor! The Pediasure recommendation is just BAD. And, to have a doctor be that concerned to panic you is just irresponsible!

[tess in the burbs]

my son and daughter are both little. my son isn't on the charts. He's - 5%. My daughter may be 5% now...but she too wasn't on the charts until recently.

but their growth curve is moving. just not as normal as some larger kids.

it's ok. :grouphug:

they will grow. my son did the Presidential Fitness test this year and he only needed 6 push ups but could do 22! so while he's small, he's strong and thriving. don't let the 'charts' bother you.

[Stacey in MA]

I have a low-weight kiddo myself. He started at the 65th, went down within weeks to the 50th, and then on down to the 5th%. He has hung out at the 5th percentile for a long time (sometimes dipping to the 3rd), and followed that curve. He's 18months (today!) and weighs about 21-22 lbs. The ped. Dr. was honest with me in her ability to follow this. She can run a few blood tests, but beyond that she wanted someone else to see him. She had us go to a pediatric neurologist to eliminate all the "biggie" problems that can result in not gaining (all worked out fine). FWIW, my DS had other accompanying issues - hypotonia (low muscle tone) and digestive issues (frequent constipation), along with the low weight. (In combination, these sometimes indicate certain serious disorders. Fortuneately none applied to my DS).

From here, our regular ped. follows him unless he falls OFF the curve, in which case she'll send us back to the specialist. It was really important to me to eliminate the larger problems as possibilities, so now I feel like we've done all we can for now. I don't worry as much that something is wrong, and accept the 5% marker. The hypotonia is still an issue, but the digestive things went away as he learned to walk and became more active.

FWIW, I DID worry about the low chart percentage initially since it was a change for my DS - a dip from his 65% birth weight. This is how many kids are diagnosed with disorders early enough for treatment. For many, if caught early, they can treat problems and prevent permanent damage. For instance, I have a great-uncle who was born without a functioning thyroid gland. A person can live without one for a good while, but much damage is done over time, and eventually he incurred brain damage and died as a child before they knew what was wrong with him. This was 2 generations ago, but just an example of the fact that nowdays, with weird dietary or weight symptoms, they can run a quick blood test right in the ped. office and know right away if a thyroid gland is working. If it's not, meds quickly fix the problem without any permanent damange. It's not the sentence that it once was. Anyway, my point is, I don't think it's something to ignore, especially if there's something that can be done with the knowledge of the problem.

Long story short, my advice is that you can always go to a specialist and have your DC evaluated so that you can rest better knowing that someone who deals with these issues daily as their profession gets a look at your DC. A regular pediatric Dr. can sometimes spot symptoms that are not the norm, but from there they are not always trained to figure it out further.

(FWIW, I do agree that being sick and losing 10% of body weight can be considered "normal", as long as the DC gain it back quickly after the illness p)asses.

Hope that helps.... - Stacey n MA

[Jen3boys]

I agree with Stacey in MA. Sometimes going off the growth curve can signal a problem, and the child can be healthier in the long run if diagnosed earlier. Things like Pediasure and Carnation can be very helpful for some children. Just speaking from the perspective of a mom of 3 skinny kids, but one w/a chronic health problem affecting his weight. Hopefully your low-weight dc is just fine.:)