I am dealing with a underweight of a 20 month old

Moonerah - posted on 10/10/2012

I have no idea. My son is 22 months old and weighs 20 lbs. We have seen a nutritionist, got blood labs to test for everything under the sun and the only thing which came back abnormal is his iron test, so we take a multi vit that has iron. We still haven't gained any weight in 7 months, which is the same amount of time I've stopped breastfeeding him. Up until about a month ago he hated milk, any and every kind of milk. Then he suddenly started drinking it, but only the kind straight from the farm, so they want me to stop that. His pedi says to lay off on the milk and the nutritionist said to have him drink more milk. Any ideas or thoughts would be great.

Octavia - posted on 10/22/2011

My daughter is three years old and she weighs 25 lbs and is 34 inches tall. But as long as they are eating and healthy that is all that matters. Don't want to force feed the kid!

Jess - posted on 10/13/2011

There is nothing wrong with your daughter being underweight.. she will catch up it might just take a little time. My daughter is 3 and only weighs 26 lbs but she is over 3 feet tall so she looks REALLY slender but she eats like a horse.. dont worry

Julie - posted on 10/09/2011

My son is barely on the chart for his weight. He has been "small" for quite some time and the pediatrician eventually sent us on a few tests. After everything came back fine, we eventually saw the gastroenterologist for a consult. She wrote down everything he ate the fast few days and asked a bunch of questions on development and his emotions. On her recommendation, we now mix a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast with 6-8 oz of milk in his sippy cup three times a day. She said her goal is not to get him at the 50th percentile, just the 20th. Any way, he's gained a pound, so basically so far, so good! I would recommend talking to your pediatrician and discussing what options you have as there always is a small possibility there may be more to the situation. Good luck and I'm sure everything will be fine!

Tirzah - posted on 05/12/2010

is/was your daughter breastfed? the growth charts used at the physicians have usually go by the growth rate of children who were/are formula fed, though breastfed babies grow at a different rate. check out the WHO website for an updated growth chart for breast fed babies if that is the case!

Pink - posted on 05/11/2010

i agree with Amy bates, better a healthy thin child than not healthy but fuller, plus it's because she is active, plus she will love being slim when she is older, let her be =) if she was unhealthy or inactive then you could worry, otherwise, smile!

Amy - posted on 05/11/2010

My son is 21 months and had been underweight since birth. Just like your child, he's tall for his age too. My pedatrician asked how much he eats, and I pretty much told him constantly, which is true. Then he told me not to worry about it, because our entire family is on the thin side. If you and your family are thin, it's because of genetics. For right now, keep doing what you're doing because if you start loading your child up on fatty foods just to make her gain weight, she's most likely going to be over weight by the time she's 3-4. Just keep at it, and be happy you don't have a over weight child..

Deanna - posted on 05/10/2010

WEETBIX IS GREAT FOR WEIGHT GAIN... GIVE HER WHAT SHE LIKES WITHIN REASON oops sorry bouit da capitals

Cynthia - posted on 05/10/2010

My son is a 21 month old and he is barely 25 pounds. He wont really drink milk that is supposed to help him gain weight but he does eat. Its hard for him to gain weight he is a really active kid hes constantly running around and playing. I know this doesn't help you but you are not alone. : )

Megan - posted on 05/10/2010

Who said she was under weight? My daugther is 22 months and 24 lbs. Is this under weight? My doctor doesn't seem to be concerned but everyone else seems to think so. She is extremely active and climbs the wall almost if she doesn't get to spend a majority of the day outside. But she eats three meals and has fruit to snack on between meals. Plus, she fits her size of cloths (18 months are a little snug but 2T are a little big yet).

Christine - posted on 05/10/2010

My daughter, Violet, is in the less than 3% and she can eat as much, if not more than me. She's not tall and she looks like she's about 6 months younger (if not more) than she is but our doctor said that as long as she's growing at the same rate as other children her age, it's fine

Iris - posted on 05/09/2010

Try making her little noodle soups with the frozen veggies. my son loves those! I never had a problem, I started giving him the veggie gerbers when he was 4 months old. My son eats everything and anything I give him. But you shouldnt give up when you're trying to feed her these things.

Esther - posted on 05/09/2010

For my daughter Aline, it seems as if she's the same weight forever but she eat good at times. The only thing I have a problem with is her eating her veggies any suggestions anyone?

Iris - posted on 05/09/2010

I agree with Christee. My son is also thin and tall. But this is mostly because he is an active baby! It's also part of his dad's genes. Just make sure your child is eating properly, and if the pediatrician isnt worried, you shouldn't be worried.

Christee - posted on 05/09/2010

If your prediatrician isn't worried about it you shouldn't be either. My daughter is 22 months old and weighs 20lbs, she's been that same way for over a year, it flucuates a few ounces here and there but it never goes over 21 lbs. She is still wearing all the same clothes she wore last summer and everything. Every kid is different. As long as your child is healthy and eating properly thats what matters.

Dawnetta - posted on 05/09/2010

mine is almost 2 yrs and 0.06% on the growth chart at her last checkup. I think she may be improving, but genetics and MSPI play a major role for us. I have learned to not clear her plate, if I keep real food accessible, she will go back and eat it! I also have a platform in my kichen so she can stand at the counter, where I am doing things and eat sometimes, it helps so much!

Punzelina - posted on 05/08/2010

My boy is 21 months and is still 22 pounds. His doctor says he is fine and is probably just built smaller (like his mommy)! He says that he will probably be good at things like biking, mountain climbing, soccer and those types of sports. he is also very active and has been from day #1. He is very strong and healthy, just smaller. I let my little one eat as much peanut butter and bread as he wants. If she likes and can eat PB, that is a good protein and good fats. I also give him cheese and soy milk.



Babies also go through trends and stages when it comes to eating and weight. sometimes they eat more than other times and at certain times they will naturally lose weight. Our Ped said that between ages 1-2 they grow a lot and eat less, and their weight tends to slow down. Unless she is malnourished, I wouldn't worry about her. If she suddenly drops several pounds very quickly, then a doctor should be seen, but other than special cases, most weight and appetite fluctuations are normal for our little ones!



Don't worry, she's probably fine.

Stephanie - posted on 05/08/2010

My daughter is 21 moths old and in the 3rd perctentile. She keeps loosing weight or just kind of plateaus at the same weight, shes only 20 pounds right now and extremly active. Her pedeatrition told us that we have to remeber that there are those percentiles for a reason, some kids are just small for their age. Its not much but I hope it helps

Emma-Lee - posted on 05/08/2010

Stop worrying about it. My boy is 21 months and his head is in the 97th percentile, his weight and height are always in the 20th percentiles. At one point, his weight was in the 10th percentile. The doctor just says we are not tall or fat people, and that he's slim and healthy. I can see a small roll of fat on each leg but mostly he is muscley.

Be happy that your baby does not have to deal with obesity set up early in life. Those are the kids who have it the hardest. As long as you are not giving them low fat foods or skim milk stuff, they'll be fine. (Babies brains need fat in their diets to grow). I give mine my little guy cheese, full fat yogurts (3% and higher), etc.

Jennifer - posted on 05/08/2010

My daughter is 22months and only wieghs 17 pounds and is 30 inches tall. She was only 5 lbs. 6 oz. at birth and didn't really gain weight that easily. My pediatrician put her on thickened formula for a few months and that seemed to help her gain, but it was never more than half a pound to about a pound a month. Then when she turned one, she put her on pediasure, at least 12-16 oz a day. This also helped, but then she suddenly stopped drinking that when she turned 18 months. So now we've been to a GI specialist because once she stopped taking the supplement, she actually started to lose weight. They started her on prevacid once a day and ever since she has started gaining weight again. If you are really concerned you should talk to your doctor about it, but if your doctor doesn't think it's an issue, and she's been meeting all of her milestones, then I think she'll be fine!!

Rhonda - posted on 05/06/2010

My daughter started out on high calorie formula because they thought she wouldn't be able to gain weight and she ended up becoming overwieght so really this never became an issue with us until I was informed at her last appointment that she was now down in the underweight range. However her doctor did not seem concerned with it and she was heathly and happy so there was no real reason to be concerned. I wouldn't worry too much unless your doctor raises concerns about it. Every child is different and as long as she is healthy and getting the nutrition she needs she should be okay. My sister (now 5) weighed the same amount for over three years and she grew taller but kept the same weight but she was still healthy. It wasn't until she started school that she finally started gaining weight so that could be the case. I would just make sure she stays healthy and if you are really concerned just ask your pediatrician. They can always tell you if something is wrong or not. : )

Alison - posted on 05/06/2010

Samantha, If your daughter's doctor is not worried about it I would try not to make too much of it. My daughter is also a bit underweight. I asked her Dr about it and he said that she will eat what she needs, just to be sure not to give her more than 16 oz of juice a day. Once she gets a bit older I am sure that she will level out.

Heather - posted on 05/06/2010

My daughter is 22 months and 24 pounds. She isn't chubby, but she looks proportionate. I just make sure she has her pick of healthy snacks at all times. Cheerios, bananas. Also the Dr. said not to do juice at all because it fills them up with empty calories and they are less likely to eat their food when they are already full of juice! We limit any lquid at mealtimes to try and allow her to fill up on food, then offer a drink after she tells us she's done.
Just remember, all kids are different! Your doing a great job, and some kids are just beanpoles :)

Leonna - posted on 05/06/2010

Maybe it's just her. My daughter was 5 lbs. when born, 2 days after her due date. Now, at 21 months she is 17 lbs. and perfectly healthy and smart. I was freaking out for a little bit because she was not gaining weight at all. But my doctor says it's just her, I was small too when I was her age so it's normal for her. For a while I had her on Elecare which is like a formula or medical food for babies or people who need to gain weight, but you should only get it if ok'd by a dr. I know it's hard not to compare her to other babies, I do it with my daughter all the time. Sometimes it's ok to be small.

Brandee - posted on 05/06/2010

My son is 26 1/2 lbs. and 34 inches (he was 6lb 10oz, 21 1/4 inches when born).. He has been 26 lbs since December.. I have started to give him Pediasure at dinner on the days that he does not eat very much.. It's expensive, but he loves it and I like that he gets his vitamins that way.

Janet - posted on 04/28/2010

Mine is 21 month old is under 23 pounds still, and also tall for his age! I know part of my problem is I give him too much milk, but he hardly touches food! Just in the last month he has strarted to eat more things, but seems not to like meat so much. He likes speghetti and he will eat taco salad with meat.He just is the picky eater. I know that doesn't really answear your question, but your not alone in the weight area! Good Luck