Is my baby THAT under-weight?

Lon - posted on 08/13/2010

A friend of mine has a little girl who is 20 months old and only weights 20 lbs. She eats a ton and is all over the place. There is nothing wrong with her, she is just petite.

Heather - posted on 08/11/2010

I wouldn't sweat it. Liam has been in the low percentiles every visit. Furthermore- unless the baby has any visible health concerns (symptoms) other than weight- I wouldn't allow any tests if it were my baby- but if it would make everyone feel better..... just wouldn't want them poking and prodding my babes for not a good reason. They get that enough.

Angie - posted on 08/10/2010

my daughter was born 9/1/09 and weighed 5 lbs 6 oz when she was born and was 16 inches long...i was 4 lbs 11 oz and 17 inches when i was born...like i mention in my post above, smaller people usually have smaller children

Angie - posted on 08/10/2010

my daughter is 11 1/2 months, 16 lbs and 11 oz and only 24.5 inches long....if your a small person, it may be the reason your child is small. thats the case with my daughter

Jennie - posted on 08/10/2010

All children are different!!! I have 6 and they couldn't be more different. My 27 month old daughter is 21lb and in 9-12 month clothing....and perfectly healthy. One of my twin boys, who are 11 months, is 22lb and in 12-18 month clothing...the other twin is 20lb and in 9-12 month...my 11 yr old daughter is a size 10(UK ladies) and my 5 yr old son is smaller than his 4 yr old sister!!! Try not to worry hun, as long as they are healthy it doesnt matter what size they are!!!! xxx

Kendra - posted on 08/09/2010

My 10 month old only weighs 17 lbs & her doc didn't say a word a/b her being under weight. I would seek another opinion b/c your little one sounds fine to me.

Anisa - posted on 08/08/2010

16 pounds is not that bad at 9 months. he should be fine as long as he is eating. my daughter is 10 months now and she is only 15 pounds she doesnt eat very much though i always have to shove food in her mouth otherwise she wont eat at all. every baby is different but the important thing is as long as they are healthy you shouldnt worry =)

Megan - posted on 08/08/2010

my little one is the same size...born 9/16 and weighing 17lbs but likt alot of the other mommies hes active and buning tons of calories im sure....he eats a LOT of solids and nurses mostly in the evening i was worried at first but my mother said i was just a peanut myself...were u a small baby?? or your partner because it could just run in the family...

Jeanne - posted on 08/07/2010

Debbie,

My little man was born on 09/08/09 at 6lbs7oz and at 11 mos. he weighs 15lbs5oz and 26 inches. Granted, he was born with a PDA and and ASD ( holes in the heart), but he is hitting all of his milestones. If your docs are worried, let them run tests...it will ease their minds, and YOURS! It can be scary, but just take it one day at a time!

LEAH - posted on 08/07/2010

I have the opposite problem. My baby is overweight. He was 27 pounds at his 9 month check up. I wouldnt worry too much but I would just suggest trying to feed him a 5th bottle sometime during the day or substitute a meal for it. It will help him to gain more weight. My doctor suggests that babies eat 32 oz a day until they are a year old.

Stephanie - posted on 08/06/2010

My daughter was born 9.25.2009 at 8 lb 2 oz and 21 1/2 inches long. At her 9 month she was just under 16 lbs. Our pediatrician is not concerned about her weight. She eats well, crawls, and all the other great things. More older daughter was similar in weight and height for each check up we've had for my younger daughter and we have never been told by any of the pediatricians in our clinic that they are too small. They will be petite girls but they are healthy. Have you ever had another pediatrician check your son? maybe a second professional opinion would put your mind at ease.

Lisa - posted on 08/05/2010

Yes, with me it has been similar - My baby was born about 38 1/2 weeks and was 6 lbs 6 oz. At his 9 mo check up, he was only a little over 17 lbs, only gained about 1 lb fm his 6 mo checkup. My pediatrician recommended giving my baby 1/2 TB butter (not spread or margarine) a day. I didn't want to do that, plus we didn't have any real butter (but that's a different story:P), so I've been feeding him avacados, breast milk more often, putting the powdered formula in his meals (for extra calories and vitamins), and I haven't weighed him, but he feels heavier to me when I pick him up. I understand your pain - I feel like my baby eats all the time and LOVES to eat - typical boy - so I didn't understand why he wasn't gaining weight either, but our boys must be very active and just be burning off what we feed them.

Ashlea - posted on 08/05/2010

My son was born on Sept. 16th. He wasn't full term (3 weeks early) When he was born he was 6lbs. 10oz. and I thought that was a good size for being 3 weeks early. He's very small too. At his 9 month appt. he weighed in at 17lbs. 14oz. He's NOT crawling and just now starting to kind of pull himself up onto things. I think he's kind of small but that is ok. He is healthy and that's what matters to me. His doctor has no concerns. My son also has really bad acid reflux and spits up A LOT. He seems to be taking after me because I was little as well. My mom says I never went through a fat stage. My husband on the other hand came out and they called him jobba the hut. If you or your husband are small people he/she could just be taking after your side. From what you say he seems very health. He could just be a little guy and there's nothing wrong with that. Maybe testing him will be good just in case there is something wrong and it will give you peace of mind in why he's so small. Who knows they might not find anything wrong with him either. Good luck and keep us posted on what they say. It's all in God's hands and I'm sure he'll be just fine :)

Gail - posted on 08/05/2010

I had the same thing with my first son ( he is 9 now ) and they told me that he was under weight for his age> the health visiter checked this and told me not to worry as he was the right weight for his hight. I am 5'4 and my husband is 5'3 so we aren't the tallest people so my sons wont be the tallest people ever. As long as the weight is in line with the hight i wouldn't worry. KIeran is doing well and so is the other 2 ( Nathan 6 and Dylan 10 1/2 months ). Hope this helps to put your mind at rest a bit xxx

Melissa - posted on 08/04/2010

My daughter was born 9/22/09 and weighed 5 pounds 18 oz. She now just weighs 15 pounds, but the doctor said as long as she continued to gain and grow at a steady rate she is ok. She just may be a small child and there's nothing to worry about. Sometimes people say she is tiny, but since the dr. said not to worry, so I don't worry. I feed her as much as she wants and I give her a variety. Maybe the difference is your baby is a boy and maybe hes hould weigh a little more than my girl. Maybe get a second opion.

Stacey - posted on 08/04/2010

My baby has the same problem she is 10 mos old and only weighs 16# 9 oz. They are running test on her because she throws up after every feeding. She was only on breastmilk but after she didn't gain enough weight I put her on Enfamil and she has gained some weight but not enough, but other than that she is perfect. She has four teeth and walking with assistance.. So I feel Blessed...

Christina - posted on 08/03/2010

My baby boy was born at 38 weeks and 3 days. 7lbs 7oz. At 11 months he's 28" long (12th %) and weighs 19lbs (8th %)! He's breastfed and eats table food.... I woudn't honestly put your on through all the testing if everything else is fine! He is just small. There's nothing wrong with that. With my first child, she was in the 1-3 % for weight. I just have small kiddos. If you is developing perfectly fine, don't put him through a bunch of testing. Just because our kids aren't as argeas others doesn't mean they're not healthy!! My daughter is 3 1/2 years now and is increadibly smart!! Will be starting Kindergarten at age 4... Her weight didn't effect her at all!!

Jenn - posted on 08/03/2010

My son is also a peanut.. at his 9 month check up he was slightly over 15lbs. so his pedi sent him to see a nutrition specialist an hour away. ..My lil man was 16.3 at the nutrition office one week ago today. he is a VERY active guy eats like a pig! ...crawling, babbling, all the normal stuff.....the nutrisonist said that if he doesn't gain enough weight between now an his sept 22 doc appt. he will have to have MORE blood work done :( ...i hate blood work he has had it 3 times now an he is just shy of being 11 months old!

Marcia - posted on 08/03/2010

my son was born sept 19/09 and he has had acid reflux since the day he was born and at 4 months the dr became concerned about his weight so we went to a peditrician and our dr is companring all aspects and at his last check up at 10.5 months he weighed 19.14 lbs and the dr was very happy, and that gain was from 18.4lbs, our dr also said that between 7-9 months babies tend to lose weight as they become more active, my son has been very active since about 5 months and has been eating what we eat since about 7 months as he became uninterested in baby food he doesn't eat as much as some babies here but he is eating and gets snacks throughout the day, our dr seems happy with his food consumption, drs and nurses like to scare people, who cares that ur baby isn't at the appropriate weight that a dr says because who knows what that weight is, every childs metabolisim is different and works differently with each, some work faster then others and i think that most of the sept/09 babies r all in that boat, keep up what u r doing and im sure he will be just fine

Christie - posted on 08/03/2010

I find it surprising that your son's doctor is worried, like many of the other Mom's... My Daughter was born on 9-10-09 weighed 6lbs 1oz, and at her 9 mth check up only weighed 16lbs. She is in the 25th percent.

My Doctor said that she is doing fine, and is just a smaller baby! I nurse exlclusivly so not CERTAIN how much milk she drinks but she gets in the neighborhood of 8oz at all 3 or 4 of her feedings. She eats pretty much anything we will let her have for table/baby food.

Like many of the other Mom's said... he sounds perfectly happy and healthy. If your doctor only reccommends these tests, maybe you should hold off and see what happens at his 12 month check up. He is your son not the doctors, and usually we Mom's know when something isn't right with our little ones. I wonder sometimes if the Dr's say and do some of these things to get more $ from us and the Insurance Companies.
I would ask her if she REALLY thinks these test are necessary or just a "lets see if we find anything" approach.

I think you and your little man are doing great! If you don't feel there is anything to worry about, then there probably isn't. Both of my kids were little when they were born and off and on throughout their 1st year!
Good Luck
God Bless

Brittani - posted on 08/03/2010

my 11 month at his 9 month check up was 28 3/4 inches long and was only 16 6 and the doc said that he was right on track as long as he/she eats and is healthy that is all that matters if he/she is mobile he/she is burning a lot off so i wouldn't worry to much

Alison - posted on 08/02/2010

My daughter was born on the 22 september, 10 days overdue. She was 7lb 14oz. She is 10 months now & weighs 17lb 10oz. She was born on the 50th centile & is now on the 9th centil & has been since she was 3 months old. originally the health visitor was a little concerned as she had dropped down in centiles but she has always gained weighed (gains on average 1lb a month) she has 3 bottles of 5oz formula a day & eats 3 meals plus snacks. She is a healthy happy baby in every way & looks in proportion (not too thin), she is still in 3-6 month outfits. Like others have said I am small 5'2" & my partner is 5'8" so she is never likely to be big.

I have never been worried by her weight gain/size as she is happy & healthy & reaching milestones so therefore she is fine & perfect.

Marilyn - posted on 08/02/2010

My little one has also been on the small side from the start though she was born at 36 weeks. Her doctor is not at all concerned with how much she ways as long as there is increases at every visit. He firmly believes every child will grow at their own pace and that as long as she stays within the same range on her percentile (25th) and doesn't have a sudden drop she is doing perfect. Which for me is a huge relief because I have two older boys who have always been on the taller and just bigger side of things. So as long as he is growing and hasn't stalled out and doesn't seem to be hungry all the time you can be confident he is doing just fine, especially since developmentally he is just where he should be. I had a cousin who doctor put her little one through all sorts of tests and in the end the diagnosis was....she is just small, perfectly healthy but small.

Rainbow - posted on 08/02/2010

My baby was born 9/21 6 lbs 5 oz and 19 3/4 inch at her 9 month she was 16 lbs 7 oz 27 1/2 inch. My physician wasnt concerned at all. That put her in the 24th percentile for weight. The doc said as long as she is growing and proportionate that she is fine. Also she said that their is a big difference between breast fed and formula fed babies. No worries...You know your baby and if you think and feel that he is healthy, he most likely is.

Loretta - posted on 08/02/2010

I am infuriated by the medical community. Your KEY sentence is "he seems fine". You are his mother. If he is healthy, thriving, developing, etc. then there is NO cause for concern.



My son was born 20.5" long and 8lbs 5oz on September 1st. At his 9 month check up he was 28" long and 17lbs 9oz. Right now, at 11 months and 1 day he's 19lbs 10oz. He grows about a pound a month, give or take. The Doctor was so concerned... until I mentioned that he was in between the 10th & 25th percentile (consistent with what he'd been since he was one month old), that I'm 5'2" and that his Dad is 5'5" tall.



I don't think the (PERFECT) size of your son is a cause for concern. If he were to be dropping weight, or if he was unhealthy that would be different... but just being small is not a negative. It takes all kinds. In order for there to be a 50th percentile there has to be someone in the 1st and someone in the 100th.



ps. My son starting walking at 8.5 months and talking around 9 months.

Vivian - posted on 08/02/2010

My son was born 09/04/09 at 5lbs 7oz 36weeks, so he was considered late pre-term we have always struggled with weight as well. At 10months he was 15lbs 0.5oz and 26in his doctor recommend 3 meals and 3 snacks a day he eats pretty much all day and still not gaining much weight. He has 4 teeth, crawls, stand, and is almost walking. So now he is on a vitamin drop to maybe help gain some weight

Ally - posted on 08/01/2010

My daughter was 6lbs 8oz on 9-12 and at her 9 month appt she only weighed 15lbs 1oz....and she is fine. They said since she has always been in the 5 percentile and is steadily staying there she is developing fine!!

Amanda - posted on 08/01/2010

yeah my man was 8 lbs 10 oz when he was born on 9/26. At five months he weighed 18 lbs. He is now 10 months and weighs...wait for it...18.5 lbs. He has gained half a pound in 5 months. I just think he is super active. I breastfeed him and he eats ALOT. I don't do well check ups though, I do not want the doctors negative comments. I just take him to the doctor when he gets sick and WIC check ups.

HEMAXI - posted on 08/01/2010

My 10 month is 16lb 6oz (3-5%). He was born 9/26/09 and weighed 6lbs 14oz. He gained weight real fast his first month and was 10lbs 4oz but after that he is been gaining slowly. He was breastfed exclusively for 8 months. I tried supplementing with formula after he was 3 months but wouldn't take it. Right now he takes 5 bottles of 4-5 oz of formula and 3 servings of meals(all made fresh at home). He pulls to stand and also started talking couple independent steps since few days. His pediatrician is not really concerned as he is development is good. I guess every kid is different!!!!!!

Carrie - posted on 07/31/2010

Wow, hearing a bunch of stories almost identical to mine. My son was born 9/11 and has had recurring episodes of "dropping percentile and underweight" issues. However, at the next visit his weight gain was fine. The doctor eventually chalked it up to activity and teething making him more or less interested in food at a spurt. He's healthy otherwise and hitting every developmental marker, so I stopped worrying about it.

Alecia - posted on 07/31/2010

ur doctor seems too concerned to me. my daughter was born 9/19 and was 5lbs 14oz and 19in. at 9 mnths she was 17lbs 1oz and 26 1/4 in. my doctor wasnt concerned one bit. actually she said that my daughter seemed to be doing well, especially considering that she had trouble gaining weight in the beginning. she crawls and stands on her own, babbles, and all that good stuff (except for clap for some reason, though she knows what it is). try getting a second opinion if u feel u need it. but as a mother u prbly know if ur child is healthy or not.

Emma - posted on 07/31/2010

babies weight seems to be a big issue in the US here it doesnt really matter i was told never to worry about my babies weight as long as he is healthy and happy it doesnt matter, i was looking in his red book the other day he started out in the 25th percentile then went to 50th then came down from that and is now on the 9th they said is doesnt matter as long as it didnt change drasticaly like from the 5th to the 99.6th where i live they dont even get weighed unless u take them yourself, the only times i think are birth 1 week old 12 weeks old then 1 year old i just dont get the big deal. My son was 5lb 7oz at birth he now weighs 17lb 11 and is 11 months in the space of 2 months he gained 6oz due to starting to crawl in that period but he is healthy and happy so what does it matter

Jennifer - posted on 07/30/2010

my son will be 11 months on the 3rd he is 17 03 oz still in 3-6 months clothing but he does have alot of medical problems hang in there it will get better u aren't alone

Cynthia - posted on 07/30/2010

your baby's still bigger than mine!! i asked the doctor, he said to not worry since he's hitting or surpassing all his developmental targets :)

Robin - posted on 07/30/2010

Hi, my son is also on the small side. He was born Sept 27, 09 and I just weighed him the other day at 10 months old, and he was 17lbs 8oz and 27.5 in. I asked my doctor about it and he said he is fine, that he is happy healthy and very active, and that people put to much pressure to have fat babies, which he says isn't actually best for the baby in the long run. Seems to me that you need to get a second opinion from another doctor cause your baby seems to be doing great. Very happy, healthy and well loved!

Autumn - posted on 07/30/2010

Breastfed babies are supposed to weight 2.5 times their birth weight at 1 year of age. Bottle-fed babies are supposed to weigh double their birth weight at 6 months, and 3 times their birth weight at 1 year of age. So assuming that he is a formula-fed baby (you mentioned formula in your post), 6 lbs 7oz x 2, he should have been around 12 lbs 14 oz at 6 mo of age and should be (6 lbs 7oz x 3) about 19 lbs 5 oz at age 1. So since he is just between 6 mo and 1 yr, at 9 mo, and his weight is just between 12 lbs 14 oz and 19 lbs 5 oz, I'd say he is progressing just perfectly. P.S. I am a nurse but I can't stand most of these pediatricians - they are bloomin' idiots and I argue with mine and dread every time I have to take one of my kids to see them!

Meaghan - posted on 07/30/2010

Your son sounds absolutely fine. Babies are supposed to double their birth weight by 6 months and triple by 15 months. It sounds like your son has done that and is meeting all his milestones. I wouldn't worry too much. I tend to think that docs can interfere too much. Have you access to a public health nurse? They would probably be much more useful to talk to and get opinions from.

Erika - posted on 07/30/2010

My daughter was born on 09/23/2009 at 7lbs 2oz. She weighed 15lbs 8oz and 29 inches at her 9 month appt. My doc wasn't concerned. I'm pretty small and he said at 9 months the weight is usually genetic. She's happy and healthy. I wouldn't worry, your baby sounds fine.

Nicki - posted on 07/30/2010

I think that you should go with what the doctor says, but you should also look at how you and the father are built. If you both are pretty skinny then I don't think I'd be that concerned. I don't think the doctor would steer you wrong though.

Carla-Jane - posted on 07/30/2010

Hi my lo was 4lb 7oz at birth at 39weeks and we have just been discharged from hospital again cos no concerns at 10months 3weeks he weighs 14lb 12oz, 67cm long, he is under the 0.4% for everything even though his weight goes up and down hospital are not concerend cos he has been crawling since 5months and now taking steps max 3 lol he eats ok for the size of him cos can't eat loads cos small has 3bottles a day between 4-7oz each time he is on SMA high energy milk, Doc said try and cut out afternoon bottle and give more soilds esp by the time he is 1years old. So don't worry had my share of concerns by everyone but he is fine and hospital have discharged him the second time (GP keeps refering us back up there!!)

Kate - posted on 07/30/2010

My little girl was born 9/30. She is also 28" and weighs almost 17 lbs. The Dr. has monitored her weight and says since my husband and I are both average height and on the thinner side, that she genetically will most likely have a tendency to be the same. She has stayed in the same weight and height percentiles since she was born, and the Dr. does not seem to have any concerns as long as she keeps gaining steadily. My daughter eats well and drinks plenty of formula, and I don't see how I can force food down her throat if she is full. That's just as detrimental as her not eating enough. Now, if you ask my MIL, my daughter is too skinny and I'm starving her to death by not having a bottle and/or snacks or some other kind of food attached to her mouth 24/7. But, I think the Dr. might know a little more about babies. ;)

CERI - posted on 07/30/2010

dont worry, my daughter was born on the 23rd september, she is 10 months, on high calorie prescription milk and weighs just 13lb15. she was only 4lb11 born and full term and has only ever put on a few ounces a week. dr's these days think all babys are exactly the same and if they dont comply with their graphs theres something wrong with them! my daughter has been under the bottom line of her weight chart all her life up to the last check she was slightly over! But she is very happy, hardly ever cries, sleeps all night and has done since she was 5 weeks old! even before then only woke up once during the night, she stands up by herself, crawls says more words than are normal for her age, claps, waves everything, just because your son doesnt comply with the graphs doesnt mean theres anything wrong with him. dont listen to him, i went through the first 6 months of my daughters life worrying my head off because of the dr's concerns. dont let them take the most important part of your sons developement away by you worrying all the time. x

Cassandra - posted on 07/30/2010

My daughter was born 9/23/09 also 39 weeks and 4 days at 7 lbs 2 oz. At her 9 month check up she came to be 25 inches and weight 16lbs 10oz and our pedi said she was growing perfectly fine.

Ashley - posted on 07/29/2010

My twin boys at 9 months, one was 13 pounds the other 13 and like 6 oncnes... I am reading all this and everyones are different... They are still small for their age, I think she said like 1% for one of em and 5th % for the other... But they are eating all the time.. And healthy too... She ran all sorts of test on them to make sure, but they are healthy. They are almost a year now

Allison - posted on 07/29/2010

I have twins born they were born on september 23rd 2009. As of last week one is 20 lbs and the other is 17lbs so i wouldn't worry the as long as you baby seems happy and steedily progressing in other areas. remember all babies are different no one is the same

Chasity - posted on 07/29/2010

My lil girl was born sep 29 and was 7lbs 15oz we had prob with her gainging weight since she was lil the ran all kinds of test on her when she a lil over a month old we would go once a week for a weight check and we went to diff hospitals and ay her six month he said was not woried about it cuz she was trying to crawl and everything then and he said she was advanced for her age and at her 9months she was 28 1/2 long and 16pounds 14oz..she has been in the 5th% since she was about 3 weeks old she is now taking like 6 steps alone and is 10months today!

Jenette - posted on 07/29/2010

My doctor told me once that we pay him to be concerned. What if, there was something wrong with one of our children and the doctor didn't say anything because he didn't want to worry us? I would be more angry about that. I'm glad that your doctor is taking a long look at your child's health and being very thorough with him. All he is saying with getting tested is that there is a slight discrepancy over your child's weight verses other children and that he thinks it should be investigated. I'm sure that this is hard to do seeing that all children develop on their own.
I also think that moms in general worry about their children. If it isn't one thing, than it is another. The worrying doesn't go away (for me at least). It's either socialization, too big, too small, not walking yet, not sleeping enough...etc.
I hope all goes well with your child and his health. I'm glad that you and your doctor are paying attention to his health and needs. Hopefully you will find that he is just on his own path and that everything will be fine.

Ashley - posted on 07/29/2010

My little girl was born on Sept 15, weighing 6lbs 3oz. At her 9 month check up she weighted 13lbs 9oz. The doctor said as long as she's gaining he's happy, but he wants to keep an eye on it until she's a year old. She eats all the time.. and with the amount that she eats, you'd think she was a chunky butt baby. She has at least 3 jars of baby food at a time, plus at least 4 8oz bottles a day. Who knows why some babies are so much smaller than others.

Beth - posted on 07/28/2010

I've talked to several Moms that have the same issue and my 10 month old is also considered small for his age (26.5 inches and 17 lbs. 2 oz. at 9 month check up). I am not worried about him, but his doctor also mentioned doing tests. We will go back to the doc in 2 weeks and see how much he's grown in a month, then go from there. But honestly, I don't think I want a bunch of tests done on him either way. I mean whats the point if he is making all the milestones he needs to be and is healthy. So what he's a little small... I'm not too big myself (5'2"), so all of my kids are on the small end of the charts. No biggy!

Bridget - posted on 07/28/2010

My daughter had some weight concerns also. She was born 9/24 at 7lbs 1 oz and 19 inches- at her 9 month check up she was 15lbs 8 oz and 26 1/4 in tall. She has dropped in her growth curve from 80% in weight to 5% and her height went from 50% to 15%. Our doctors were a little concerned, but my family is tiny and so is my husbands. Her size wasnt the concern, it was the drop in %. I do have to say though, getting tested isnt necessarily a bad thing. My cousins babies are all small, and the doctors were especially concerned about one and it turned out he had a problem (though Im drawing a blank on what it is now....) and it was stunting his growth.