Toddlers Weight Gain?

Claudia - posted on 03/09/2010

yes she is on Pediasure she was supposed to drink 2 cans a day (perscribed by the doctor) But when she drank 2 cans a day she would not eat ANYTHING. So we changed it to 1 a day possibly 2 if I can get her to eat something else. So I started giving her the Pediasure at nap time instead of Milk. She hasn't been weighed by the doctor yet (not until the 25th) but I weigh her on the scale at home and she is progressing. The only problem is that she was progressing on our scale last month but the doctors scale is different. I don't know I am going to have to take it one day at a time.

Heather - posted on 03/02/2010

If the doctor gave u pediasure. Then use it. My son had same problem. He has always been behind in weight and height. we used pediasure and the doctors told us to have him eat peanutbutter. which both helped. But as long as he is making a stead climb then no worry. but if regresses then u need to take him back to be checked and a referal to a Health aid.Dietican. and if need be to a gastro doctor that specalizes in intestines and bowle.belive it or not sometimes that is the problem..Good luck

Iridescent - posted on 03/02/2010

My daughter has a feeding tube. The hope is to eventually wean her off, but it's not likely to happen for us because of other health conditions. Most kids can be weaned. An NG tube can cause oral aversions though, and make them need both OT and a g-tube placed in order to wean successfully. We give formula 9 hours per night and during the day she eats orally.

Claudia - posted on 03/02/2010

Ok here is an update. We went to the Dr. and she only gained an ounce. She wants her to gain about 1/2 a pound to 1 pound, and I was told that if she doesn't gain any weight in a month then she is going to be admitted to the Hospital with a feeding tube. And then I was told not to worry about it (from the Dr.) that if she doesn't gain any weight then they will refer her to a nutritonist. So I don't know what is going to happen at her next appointment. I don't want her to have to be admitted to the hospital with a feeding tube. I don't know if hospital is worse case scenerio or what but I am scared. Has anyone gone through anything like this? I could use some advice

Shanda - posted on 02/23/2010

If she isn't losing weight, and she is active and meeting her milestones, I wouldn't worry too much. By that age there is such a range of sizes for little ones. If it helps any, I know my LO gained only about 1 1/2 lbs in the last 6 months but I am positive he is healthy-- just active, so he burns off all the calories!

Claudia - posted on 02/23/2010

Thank you everyone. She has been picky about what she eats recently. But for the most part she is eatting healthy. I think that she should be eatting more, But I don't know what to do to make her eat. She has regular BMs but sometimes she has a hard time pooping. But her pediatrition isn't worried about it. I guess we will just have to see when we go to the doctor in a couple days. I just have been worried because I don't know if she is going to be happy with her weight or if she is going to try to figure something else out for her. Right now she is in the 5th percentile for her weight.

Becky - posted on 02/23/2010

Weight gain does slow down a lot when they pass a year, partly because they are so much more active. I don't think it's unusual for them to go a month or more without gaining anything. Like others said, if she is eating healthy foods and she seems active, healthy and happy otherwise, it is probably nothing to worry about.

Iridescent - posted on 02/23/2010

They gain much slower. Sometimes they need supplements (like Pediasure). How often is she having bowel movements? With 2 of ours that weren't gaining weight, we learned the cause was a milk allergy making them poop an average of 6x per day. No way to gain weight when you simply can't digest properly! We put them on rice milk and they've gained 8 ounces (one of the twins) and 1 pound (the other twin) within a week. Also their energy level is through the roof!

Marlene - posted on 02/23/2010

If what she eats is good nutritious food, she will be fine. If you are just trying to "fill her up" with starchy foods, this is very unhealthy. Its not how much she gains, but what she gains it on. Childhood obesity and diabetes are on the rise, so don't be so quick to compare her weight with others. She is probably healthier than the chubby ones!

Julian - posted on 02/23/2010

Toddlers weight gain is much slower than an infants...frankly it might be better in your situation to ask the pediatrician how much he/she is hoping your child will gain per month.

Problem with this situation, not to create more worry for you, is that if she cant gain weight, no matter what you are doing, there is potentially a physical problem causing this (which may or may not be something to worry about).

At this point if she is eating properly, from healthy foods like Canada Food Guide, as well as the pediasure, I wouldnt be too worried, yet anyway.

Michelle - posted on 02/23/2010

Hi my boy is 26 months and only weighs 21lb. I wouldnt worry too much as long as you know she is eating well and running around. My HV advised that as long as they are active and content then they are fine. Hope this helps x