under weight at 2months, What do I do?

Michelle - posted on 08/16/2012

If you are looking for reassurance for a baby that appears fine, but is gaining slowly, then my answer is probably geared more for you! If your baby is showing signs in addition to slow weight gain – check with your Dr. Also, if you really feel in your gut that something is not right – you are probably RIGHT! Remember the saying, “Mother Knows Best” that is still true today! No Dr. should to criticize you for checking and being concerned. Also in our area there is a store called “The Pump Station” and they have a baby weight scale. I can stop in and weigh my baby any time without visiting my Dr.’s office. They also have a huge selection of baby and mommy items as well as a lactation consultant (if you are BF and supplementing with formula).

First off, how is your baby taking to the change in formula? Spitting up more or keeping it down? What was the reason for the switch? Are you doing some BF and some formula? Not all formulas are created equal – some are much easier on baby’s tummy. Some of the more expensive ones might be covered with your health insurance if there is a reason for your baby to need the ultra gentle ones (I think they are around 3X the cost of regular formula). How often are you feeding your baby? Does your baby go too long between meals? (Reason for asking: with my first he was such a good sleeper in the early months we had to wake him to feed him during the night to aid him in gaining weight.) Perhaps that can shed some light on what is occurring – ask your Dr. to help you with those questions.

I had a friend who went through most formula’s on the market and she ended up needing a goat based formula for her middle child who was very particular as to which formula he would drink (unfortunately for her it was the last one she tried). Also, is this your first child? Reason for asking is Dr.’s are more concerned when a first baby drops off their “line” in growth than a second child (because then there is a family growth pattern). What are your family growth patterns? By that I am asking you to talk to your mom and MIL to ask how you and your baby’s father grew in their first year. It could be a simple growth pattern in your family that your baby is following. Is your baby meeting typical milestone markers? Does your baby have frequent wet diapers? What color and smell is the urine? It should be clear or very light and not have a strong odor – if it is yellow, dark, or smells strong your baby probably needs more liquids. Additionally, is your baby happy?

As to the weight – I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Especially if your baby is meeting the typical milestone markers and is happy! My first was almost 8 pounds at birth and by 6 months was below 0% in weight and around 90% for height (daddy is tall and thin). My second was a few ounces less than my first and is 16M and currently more than 30% BELOW the chart for weight. My Dr. isn’t worried because my first is completely healthy and normal and my second is following the same growth line. My babies also met standard milestones and showed progress at all well baby checks since birth. My Dr. had me come in every month for weight checks to monitor my first child’s growth for an entire year (due to being below 0%). I actually had my husband join me after a while and he took one look at him and stated, “He’ll probably be growing just like daddy, but I want to see him to be sure I am not missing anything since he’s so low. Better to check and find nothing, than to not check and miss something.” Some months he literally gained 0-2 ounces (yes I know, that is very low for the first year) and others he gained better. When my second was born and followed the same growth pattern my Dr. didn’t have me come in monthly because he realized that is how our children grow and he had a pattern of healthy outcome to follow for our second child! And yes, they are both healthy and happy children !

FYI -- Today Americans are heavier on average than they were we were growing up. The chart is created based on national averages. Additionally, there is a breastfeeding chart and a formula chart (yes, it does matter which chart you look at). Most offices use a chart based on formula fed, caucasians, so if you are a different ethnicity that could also play a factor. I have a friend who’s children are extremely low and she wasn’t worried because of the ethnicity factor and because she BF exclusively. Ironically when I found a weight chart (online) from the 1970’s my children were on the weight chart (not sure if it was BF or formula or what ethnicity). Is being on the low side of the chart really so bad? Side Note: I BF and use formula supplement. I would BF and when I finished BF I would offer formula. Sometimes they took it, other times they were content. So I have no idea which chart would be more accurate for me to really look at since I did a mixture of both.

When you start solids (and I’m not suggesting now – please wait!): What you feed your child will affect their growth. We were extremely particular about what food we gave our child to eat. We did not choose for our children to eat finger foods that were processed (cheerios, puffs, cracker, etc) and instead chose to prepare small cubes of fruits and veggies. Due to this our children gained more slowly than the average child. While I don’t think those foods are “bad” I think that fresh foods closer to nature are better and I really wanted my children to eat their veggies easily without complaints, so I focused on those very early on. Today my oldest asks for veggies for snacks (age 5). The average child (and adult) eats quite a bit of processed foods. This affects how they grow and they will grow differently.

Finally, best wishes and I hope your road with your new bundle of joy is going better soon!!!

Melisa - posted on 08/16/2012

hello , baby could have trouble with the formula.it could be as simple as he doesn't like the taste of that brand. worked with a mom of twins one baby wasn't eating as much and not gaining weight she bought a diffrent brand and baby liked it and drank lots. if you have to stop breastfeeding to go back to work it may help if you can pump so baby will still get all that he need. hope you find what works and keep us posted.

Amanda - posted on 08/16/2012

You've gotten a lot of responses that are very good. All I have to say is I have four children of my own, three boys and a little girl. My oldest one is 13 years old and my youngest is 11 months. None of my kids have ever gone over the 10th percentile wic was always telling me there was something wrong. Our doctor we've had since my first one and he's not worried about it, but we did have to witch doctors once and that doctor was worried too. It's all for nothing, My oldest at 13 years old only weights 63 lbs. My third son was 9lbs 5 oz when he was born, now at 4 years old he only weights 28 lbs. My other children weighted in at the 7lbs and something when they were born and none of them are above the 10th percentile. My yougest is my daughter and at 11 months she weights only 16lbs and 9 oz. So anyways my point being that I wouldn't worry one bit about it even thought he doctors want to worry you. They just got by most babies and not all babies are the same.

Lee - posted on 08/15/2012

Is your baby alert and on track for developmental milestones? Does she/he have wet diapers and daily bowel movements? Did you switch to formula because your baby wasn't gaining weight? Babies are different. Being in a lower percentile is significant only if baby isn't developing normally. Are you and baby's dad small framed? Lots of things can be factors here! I wouldn't be too concerned at this point but if you notice your baby is listless, not wetting diapers, or pooing, get back to doctor ASAP!

Pamela - posted on 08/14/2012

Did you breast feed? What is going on with this society that more Mothers are not breast feeding their babies? Are doctors suggesting that it is not good? I don't get it!

Jessica - posted on 08/14/2012

As long as your child looks healthy, I wouldn't worry about it. At 15 mo. my son was the 1.5%ile and the doctor said he was concerned, as he was slowly dropping in percentiles. But he looked healthy, so I didn't worry about it. Now, at 2.5 years, our doctor said he was no longer concerned as he realizes that he is just going to be a small child.

some babies are just smaller than others! At that age, too, babies will eat when they are hungry, and as long as you are feeding on cue, and until they are satiated, you shouldn't worry.

Jeanie - posted on 08/14/2012

My daughter was born full term 4 11Oz she has never been on the charts. She is almost 7 now and 29lBS not even in the 3rd percentile. She had a feeding tube placed at two years old and has since had it removed. I wouldn't worry, unless there is agastrointestinal issue your baby will eat

Dawn - posted on 08/14/2012

Were you breastfeeding before? I would look into either starting back up yourself or finding breast milk from another nursing mom. My nephew had that problem and it turned out that his little body couldn't digest formula. Talk to your dr and see if he can perscribe breast milk (your insurance will pay for it then) and in the meantime try feeding him a little more frequently. Like before he cries because he is hungry, when he starts to stir or smack his lips. Praying for you! Keep us updated!

Kate - posted on 08/14/2012

I wouldnt suggest adding anything to such a young babies diet, unless there was a medical reason for doing so. I'm quite sure your baby will start to gain weight. My first born was on the. 75th centile at birth and at about 11 weeks started to work his way down to the 4th which is where he stayed, that's just his build. Don't worry, trust your instincts all the time he is happy.

Kate - posted on 08/14/2012

I wouldnt suggest adding anything to such a young babies diet, unless there was a medical reason for doing so. I'm quite sure your baby will start to gain weight. My first born was on the. 75th centile at birth and at about 11 weeks started to work his way down to the 4th which is where he stayed, that's just his build. Don't worry, trust your instincts all the time he is happy.

Joni - posted on 08/14/2012

Please don't listen to all the ladies that said don't worry that is something to worry about the baby is showing signs of failer to thrive. Sorry ladies I'm not trying to be rude but these aren't good signs dropping on the grownth charts is ok but not going 4 weeks without any grownth at all. Babies should at least gain 1/2 ounce a week I think. If I was you I would take the baby to the dr about every 3 days for a weight check to see if he is gaining any weight at all. I would take all the advice from the dr and if their answe doesn't satisisfy you don't give up. This is a very serious sitiuation. I'm a mom to 3 boys myself ages 5,2 and 9 months yes the all gain weight a diffrant rate but your baby shouldn't go no 4 weeks without weight gain. Don't let anyone tell you any diffrant you baby is only 9.5 wks old this is not normal and you know yourself its not that why you were asking what to do. You seem like a very conserned mother don't blame yourself your appearently a good one or you wouldn't be worried in the first place. Good luck and best wishes sweetie. Mothers usually know best trust your instinics.

Joni - posted on 08/14/2012

Please don't listen to all the ladies that said don't worry that is something to worry about the baby is showing signs of failer to thrive. Sorry ladies I'm not trying to be rude but these aren't good signs dropping on the grownth charts is ok but not going 4 weeks without any grownth at all. Babies should at least gain 1/2 ounce a week I think. If I was you I would take the baby to the dr about every 3 days for a weight check to see if he is gaining any weight at all. I would take all the advice from the dr and if their answe doesn't satisisfy you don't give up. This is a very serious sitiuation. I'm a mom to 3 boys myself ages 5,2 and 9 months yes the all gain weight a diffrant rate but your baby shouldn't go no 4 weeks without weight gain. Don't let anyone tell you any diffrant you baby is only 9.5 wks old this is not normal and you know yourself its not that why you were asking what to do. You seem like a very conserned mother don't blame yourself your appearently a good one or you wouldn't be worried in the first place. Good luck and best wishes sweetie. Mothers usually know best trust your instinics.

Holly - posted on 08/14/2012

My son was always underweight. I think just now at the age of 4 he might barely be on the charts. Did you ask your doctor if you could talk to a nutritionist? When my son was a baby they had me add stuff to his formula to add calories and help him gain more weight. I don't remember what it was called but it did help a little bit. Also they had me mix his formula so it was a bit more potent I guess you would say. For example instead of 4 scoops for 8 ounces it was 5 scoops for 8 ounces to make the same size bottle but it was higher concentrated. I hope this helps!! Also, keep your head up, changing a baby's diet from Breast Milk to Formula or switching formulas can take some time for them to get used to.

:-)

Rebecca - posted on 08/14/2012

is your baby happy, energetic, and satisfied after a meal? if he is and seams healthy then dont stress about it. my babies have both dropped suddenly from the 50% to 5% when they started on solids and have been just fine my 6 year still hasnt reached 40lb

Ellyn - posted on 08/14/2012

I had a cousin who had a problem with her son soon after he was born. Her doctor had her put her son on both preemie infant formula, some special prescription kind, and breast milk. She was to offer him food every two hours except at night. He never did gain much weight, was always a skinny baby, but he grew like a weed in height. And now that kid can eat ALL the time. He's almost two and a half now and a tall bean pole.

Here's the deal, is your doctor concerned? If they're not and your baby isn't acting sick, isn't acting like he's always hungry or is really lethargic, I wouldn't be too concerned. Just keep offering as often as possible.

Joni - posted on 08/14/2012

What kind of formula is he one? Enfamile caused loose stoolls with mine.don't give soy formula. Make sure he is staying warm so he isn't using the calories as fast but yet not too warm. Don't do the every 4 hr feed scheldule try every 2. He probley won't eat as much at a time but if you add up the ounces he will end up consuming more in a 24 hr period. Wake him every 2 *ours during the day and don't let him sleep any longer than 4 hours at night. You could try the formula with rice starch in it. If you are using powder formula make sure that you are not using too much water a little less is better a little more. I have heard of moms that have added a little less water to help their baby gain weight but be careful not too dehiderate. If you follow the feed schedule every 2 hour and make sure he is staying warm enough he should start too gain weight. I would not start giving him solids it will just lead to tummy trouble, and he won't drink as much milk which has a lot more calories than any cereals. If he is throwing uo a lot and you are burping him often it could be acid reflux in that case my son ped recamended that he was switched to similac sensitive and that we put a teaspoon of rice for every ounce of formula. That added tummy troubles so we changed to the formula withrice starch A.R. I think. Sorry to ramble but but just trying to answer you question with every possiabe problem. It is normal for some babies to spit up as long as they aren't throwing up. Good luck to the both of you keep us posted of the outcome.

Joni - posted on 08/14/2012

What kind of formula is he one? Enfamile caused loose stoolls with mine.don't give soy formula. Make sure he is staying warm so he isn't using the calories as fast but yet not too warm. Don't do the every 4 hr feed scheldule try every 2. He probley won't eat as much at a time but if you add up the ounces he will end up consuming more in a 24 hr period. Wake him every 2 *ours during the day and don't let him sleep any longer than 4 hours at night. You could try the formula with rice starch in it. If you are using powder formula make sure that you are not using too much water a little less is better a little more. I have heard of moms that have added a little less water to help their baby gain weight but be careful not too dehiderate. If you follow the feed schedule every 2 hour and make sure he is staying warm enough he should start too gain weight. I would not start giving him solids it will just lead to tummy trouble, and he won't drink as much milk which has a lot more calories than any cereals. If he is throwing uo a lot and you are burping him often it could be acid reflux in that case my son ped recamended that he was switched to similac sensitive and that we put a teaspoon of rice for every ounce of formula. That added tummy troubles so we changed to the formula withrice starch A.R. I think. Sorry to ramble but but just trying to answer you question with every possiabe problem. It is normal for some babies to spit up as long as they aren't throwing up. Good luck to the both of you keep us posted of the outcome.

Joni - posted on 08/14/2012

What kind of formula is he one? Enfamile caused loose stoolls with mine.don't give soy formula. Make sure he is staying warm so he isn't using the calories as fast but yet not too warm. Don't do the every 4 hr feed scheldule try every 2. He probley won't eat as much at a time but if you add up the ounces he will end up consuming more in a 24 hr period. Wake him every 2 *ours during the day and don't let him sleep any longer than 4 hours at night. You could try the formula with rice starch in it. If you are using powder formula make sure that you are not using too much water a little less is better a little more. I have heard of moms that have added a little less water to help their baby gain weight but be careful not too dehiderate. If you follow the feed schedule every 2 hour and make sure he is staying warm enough he should start too gain weight. I would not start giving him solids it will just lead to tummy trouble, and he won't drink as much milk which has a lot more calories than any cereals. If he is throwing uo a lot and you are burping him often it could be acid reflux in that case my son ped recamended that he was switched to similac sensitive and that we put a teaspoon of rice for every ounce of formula. That added tummy troubles so we changed to the formula withrice starch A.R. I think. Sorry to ramble but but just trying to answer you question with every possiabe problem. It is normal for some babies to spit up as long as they aren't throwing up. Good luck to the both of you keep us posted of the outcome.

Sandra - posted on 08/14/2012

A baby should be drinking 28-32 ounces of formula a day. If you are breastfeeding, Feed on demand, The later milk is what contains the fats, the foremilk is what cures thirst, so feed longer if possible. I would not introduce any cereal at this age, as all it does is keep them fuller longer, so they will consume less of the needed nutrients from formula. Foods early can also cause the baby to develop allergies. When the baby starts drinking more than 35 ounces of formula, that is an indicator that they may be ready for cereals. Rice is a good one to start with as the others are higher for the allergy concern.
Also the charts the doctors throw at you are an average. Each baby is different, if the baby just grew length and thinned out, he should now put on some weight to grow again. Its a cycle they follow.

Crystal - posted on 08/14/2012

At 9 weeks I would be trying everything I could to help your baby gain weight. The more weight they have on them, the more they have to fight off infection, colds/flus etc.

My daughter was at the 50th% for most of her appts, it was not until her 24 month (2 yr) that there was a significant drop in her rate. She's not gained more than a pound in 6 months. She's extremely active though, very tall (97th%) and has both her father and my high metabolism.

If you're unable to breastfeed, I would try to increase the amount of formula you're giving your baby. Not more at a time because his/her belly is only so big but perhaps try to get in an extra feeding or two.

If the baby does not seem hungry and doesn't eat as much as he/she should be, you need to let your doctor know. It could be an important message the doctor is missing.

As far as the charts are concerned. They're just looking to see how well your child is doing compared to national averages, which is not an issue and at least gives them some idea. It's also based on years of pediatric mapping. So as much as children differ greatly, I would be somewhat concerned if my child was so low on the scale.

Much like our own body weight vs height. There are healthy weights appropriate for our height/age etc. Because we're talking a newborn, in my opinion, it's that much more important they stay (as much as possible) close to the average for their length/age.

But ultimately, as long as your baby is eating without throwing all her/his food up, sleeping well and generally happy, there wouldn't seem to be too much to worry about.

There are some awesome suggestions given in this thread, give them a try. Let us know how it goes, and good luck!

Rita - posted on 08/14/2012

Every child is different in the way that they gain weight. My problem was just the opposite. My daughter's pediatrician always told me my daughter was over what she should have weighed. they sent us o a nutrisionist, we got her eating on track, and she's a beautiful, vibrant, almost 200yr olf woman now.

Selina - posted on 08/14/2012

My eldest whos know 3 from birth was neva a big gainer in weight and still isnt shes just very thin tall and energetic if shes eating not screaming her head off and not loosing i wouldnt worry to much

Joy - posted on 08/12/2012

Both my kids are smaller kids. As long as they are continuing to grow some at every check up then they are fine. I won't worry to much unless the dr. tells you otherwise.

Laurie - posted on 08/12/2012

Wow , you got a lot of Suggestions.
Do not Feed that baby anything but Breast milk or formula. Do not Feed your baby till they are over 6 months old .
If you introduce cereals or baby food too early, their little stomachs are not able to properly digest the cereal or baby food. Call your hospital and set up an apt with a Lactation specialist.
good Luck.

Laurie - posted on 08/12/2012

Were you Breast Feeding ? Even if you were or not, go get a Medela double breast pump.
Pump every 2 hrs, for 20 minutes, from beginning to end.
Like at 7:00 am, then at 9:00am.,11:00am then 1:00pm , ..To Get your milk supply up.
Eat & drink quality Fats ! Real ice Cream, Whole milk. Lots of fruits & vegies.
Is someone there to cook for you ?? Drink Keifer, have a snack between Pumping or feeding the baby, cheese & crackers, an apple..... a good diet for you to boost the quality of your breast milk is very important right now. Do not worry about your weight.
Once your milk is coming in good again, should only take 1 to 2 days.
Start Breast feeding your Baby. Have someone help you with the C hold, lay a pillow on your lap,Lay your baby on his /her side facing you, cup your hand in a C around your Breast and latch that baby on !
Relax and let your baby latch on. Then 20 mins on the Right Breast, then Burp your baby.
Then 20 mins on the Left Breast. THEN, put your baby down to sleep. AND you pump for about 15 minutes. This will show you the Fat in your breast milk. So if someone else has to feed your baby, they have your Rich ,Creamy Breast Milk to do so.
YOU take a short nap ! It's 2 hours again,
Get that baby up, change his diaper, record or weigh the diaper for the Dr. to see. Start Breast feeding again, this time start on the Left breast. where ever you stopped, start there the next session. Weigh a clean diaper, write it down, Every time you change a diaper, weigh it.
This will show you & your Dr. How much the baby is getting. Write down the color and size of the Poop. Nickel amount, very green. A blowout ! would be great ! Keep. all about baby in one spiral note book.NAPS,
You can do this. Get someone over to cook & clean for you. Have them make meals ahead. Have them do your laundry.
Your FOCUS is your BABY. In a weeks time, if you adhere to breast feeding every 2 hours, your baby should be gaining weight.
If not, change Pediatricians and get that baby to the ER at a Children's Hospital. Not to scare you, but weight gain is important,
So, Eat Better, Take your pre-natal vitamins, 1 with breakfast , 1 with Dinner. Drink alot of Whole milk ,100o/o juices, Water....
FEED that BABY every 2 Hrs, formula until your BREAST milk comes in.
ARE you mixing the Formula correct ?
BREAST MILK will work faster and better, you may have to supplement with Formula, But 1st is Mom's Milk.
I used to be a Breast Feeding Consultant and I rented out the medela Pumps. Now you can buy them for a descent amount. This will work, I have seen it work. I have stayed with a Mom till a Blowout happened ! Only took 1 1/2 days. Mom ate more, She made sure her baby was latched on correctly, AND SHE FEED her BABY every 2 hrs ! Good Luck and God Bless you, I hope someone is there to cook & clean for you. Ask someone who will support you in this endeavor.

Whitney - posted on 08/12/2012

My daughter was on formula from birth. She ended up on soy and after that she was always in the 90% tile for weight. Her father's side is thick. But she was also in the 90% tile for height. Try soy or there is a formula that has cereal in it for underweight babies.

Amy DuMont - posted on 08/11/2012

Forget about my comment about the teeth. I was thinking you said 9 months until I looked at it again after I made my post. Then I realized you said 9 WEEKS! I am bad! He should be old enough to start on baby cereal, though.

Amy DuMont - posted on 08/11/2012

I do not think I would worry about it unless he is spitting up a lot. My oldest daughter's two youngest had problems with spitting up. They both had reflux problems and were put on medication for it, or fed a different way. One she started on cereal early to see if that would help. Her oldest son has always been very slender, just like his parents. She was on WIC with him and they kept telling her to feed him more protein. She let him eat pretty much whatever he wanted, but he is still very slender at the age of 10!
My youngest daughter was allergic to milk based formula and had to be put on soy based formula. When they can start drinking regular milk at a year old, she could not. I think she was almost 18 months before she could start drinking milk. Now she is 25 and does not have any problems with milk.
A friend of ours has a daughter that will be five later this month. She did not double her birth weight until after she turned a year old.
As long as he is eating good, and the doctor has not voiced any concerns, I would not worry about it. Are you feeding him any type of baby food or any other solids? That may help also. He is old enough to be eating soft foods if he has no teeth; if he does have teeth, he can eat some other foods.

Tina - posted on 08/10/2012

My first question is why did you switch his formula? How does he respond to feedings? Does he seem to be fighting his feedings or is he having reflux or any other gastric problems? What does the doctor have to say about the fact that the tiny one has not gained any weight in 4 weeks? Has he eaten the same amount during the previous 4 weeks? There are medical situations that would cause your baby to stop gaining weight, mainly I am speaking of failure to thrive. Some babies simply are on different spots on the growth chart and next visit he may be back up to the 50th percentile on the chart. I pray that you and your baby have peace and that this issue is resolved quickly.

Sarah - posted on 08/10/2012

Im assuming you switched to formula b/c you went back to work? Are you able to pump or breastfeed at all? if not then I'd suggest offering your babe more formula- most moms don't realise how much milk they produce - switching to formula you may have just not offered enough. However you could be faced with an allergy or intolerance issue. Oue youngest can't have any corn products - and almost all formulas are made with corn.

9.5 weeks is very young to have a drop in weight percentile. Your LO should still be gaining a lbs every 2 weeks or so. That doesn't slow down until they're older.

Do not use cream or straight dairy (milk) babies guts are not mature enough to handle the proteins and this often results in major issues down the road. Same for rice cereal. The cereal doens't add calories at all, can damage the intestines, and can cause choking at this age.

Instead, a way to increase calories is to either increase the amount babe is drinking (formula or breatmilk), if you can't increase the amount, then increase the calories by adding a bit of extra powdered formula to the mixed formula prior to feeding - your Dr or a dietician will be able to give the correct amount based on your LOs weight.

Mom - posted on 08/10/2012

If the formula you switched to is powder, you might need to switch to the condensed or regular version of the formula. The powdered can be too thin for some babies. It was for my youngest.

Jenina - posted on 08/10/2012

My husbands family has an extremely high metabolism--and when my daughter was born it was clear she was born with those genes (not my body type). She was born at almost 8 lbs, and barely gained any weight even though I exclusively and continually breastfed her for the first eight months. After that she started to eat some solid foods and still never gained much weight. She was growing tall and developing mentally at a very fast pace, yet at 1 year old she weighed 16lbs. She was always in the 1 percentile in the weight chart--yet completely healthy. She is seven years old now, extremely tall and in the 30th percentile in weight. It would be helpful to know and to examine into your son's father's family and if they also have high metabolisms (being extremely thin without trying) or if you and your family are like that. His slow weight gain can be just that--he is burning through his food quickly. Not all babies are rolly polly little ones. Mine certainly weren't!

Erin - posted on 08/10/2012

Hello, My daughter was small also but has always been small. Did your baby losse weight after he was born?They use the chart to just make sure they are growing at a rate . I get told all the time that my 19month old is "so small" i hate it but have just learned to just say nothing:) and walk away she is in the 15- 20%. Good luck and if you can i would nurse again. I nused till she was 13months old and gave a little formula at the end.

Markita - posted on 08/10/2012

I say relax, take a deep breath and just let your baby develop however he's going to develop. Maybe he's just going to be a teeny baby, that is fine. The charts are there to make doctors jobs easier, but I think they put too much emphasis on all babies fitting a certain profile. Listen to your heart, follow your gut, and maybe go back to nursing if you feel like the formula is to blame. Hugs, parenting is hard.

Tina - posted on 08/10/2012

according to that both my children are slightly under average for size. Not surprising because I'm tiny. They're still have my size already though at 1 and 2 years of age. Yet apparently their heads are too big. The lady that measured my son thought she'd measure wrong because apparently his head isn't proportioned with his body. But apparently his dad's wasn't as a child either. I had my own measuring tape and also measure him. She'd measured right. She seemed a bit confused. I just laughed and said that just means he has a big brain. lol I wouldn't worry too much about the growth charts as long as your baby is eating and looks healthy that's what matters not just how they measure up. Anything growth is good.

Dearne - posted on 08/09/2012

Well full cream milk and envita drops are what i had to use as my daughter was illergic formulas and she ended up a chubby bugger so dont know if you wanna go there but its an idea.. Xx Dee

Kelley - posted on 08/09/2012

Try adding some cereal to his formula & feed him when he is hungry. I think a schedule is great if it works, but it doesn't always work for every baby. I've had 3 babies & I never had a schedule w/ any of them. My oldest had to be woke up to be fed & the other two got fed when they were hungry. The 3rd one just happened to eat every 2 - 3 hrs. But I had to put cereal in most of their bottles. I breast fed & breast fed babies eat more often & digest it faster than bottle fed. They didn't & still don't gain very fast. They are 14,12, & 7 now. My 7 yr old is about to catch up with my 12 yr old. The drs. swere worried about my 12 yr old & did a couple of bone scans that showed his bone age was equal to his actual age. He is just going to be small. As long as your baby seems healthy I wouldn't worry about him. :)

Fiona - posted on 08/09/2012

if the doctor was really worried they might run test to see the baby isnt allergic to something in the formula he mkeep an eye on the weight as changing feeding methods could of caused the slight weight drop try not to worry too much

Kelly - posted on 08/09/2012

My last child was in the 5% in both height and weight until she was 10 years old. The doctors ran so many test to find out why she was so small but could find any thing wrong. I switched doctors and the new one said she will grow when she grows and she did. If the doctor hasn't said anything about it then I wouldn't worry to much about it.

Cheryl - posted on 08/09/2012

What did the doctor say when he told you your baby's weight is at that percentage? Is he concerned? You say you changed formula and since then he hasn't gained any weight. I agree with Melissa, he may be having a reaction to the new formula.

Jennifer - posted on 08/09/2012

I gave formula to BOTH my girls my reasons are my own and no one has the right to judge that! Both my girls are small and have been from the start my oldest turning 10 in 9 days has been in the 5% of height and weight since the day she was born My youngest 7 has been in the 15%. Unless the Doc is worried about it don't stress and don't let others make you feel bad for your decision, breast milk or formula is up to no one but you or the baby if its about a medical problem. And if you read whats in the formula you can get it with out corn syrup its been available for at least 10 years now I know that's what I used!

Diane - posted on 08/09/2012

So just who made up the chart?? I have a friend and their whole family has short small people yet the Dr kept telling her her children didnt fit the charts--she would say yes I have small children look at the family line---sometimes children do not fit into a manmade chart---DONT worry as long as they are eating well--but I agree breast feeding is way better that the cornsyrup filled formula-----

Ashley - posted on 08/08/2012

My daughter who just turned two has been in the 5th percentile for height and weight since her birth at a month premie. Her drs are NOT concerned at all. As long as they are gaining weight n height there shouldnt be a problem. Heck my daughter didnt gain one pound in 6 mnths time but she gained oz which is normal for her. Did your dr have a concern? If not dont worry about it. The baby will gain n lose as it gets more active n stuff.

Piglet - posted on 08/08/2012

Both my babies were small but full term plus. The oldest (5) she was under until she turned four. My three month old is under right now but she is on track for her. My dr said as long as they are having atleast six diapers a day they are fine food wise.

Seija - posted on 08/08/2012

my daughter dropped from the 30th percentile to under the 5th percentile by 6 months. she stoll had wet nappies was happy and active. her doc was slightly concerned because she was really sick when she was born but there was nothing wrong with her. she is 5 now and perfectly healthy bit still small for age. I wouldn't worry unless there is something else that suggests your baby isn't getting enough food.

Melissa - posted on 08/08/2012

Try a different formula, maybe he's reacting to the one you have him on.

Michelle - posted on 08/08/2012

I'm confused by this question...are you saying your baby doesn't eat enough? Did the dr. say he eats enough based on what you told him? Does your baby seem hungry, cry a lot?

Megan - posted on 08/08/2012

Do not worry about it! I have 3 kids, my first was in the 15th percentile for weight and 5th for height...she is 10 and is still in the 5th for height but 20th for weight. She is an amazing athlet, my son is 6 years old and oly wieghs 36lbs. He is average height but thin. He is an amzing athlet too and healthy. My 3rd is in the 95th percentile in height and 50th for weight. It is each child grows differently. As long as your child hits all there mild stones all is good. Just enjoy and love them because time goes way too fast to worry

Emily - posted on 08/08/2012

My first child was born at a weight that fell on the 50th percentile. He did not gain weight very rapidly because he was breastfed. Soon he ended up on the 9th percentile, not because he lost weight but because he did not gain weight as quickly. He was still healthy and fine otherwise. He is now six and a healthy weight. My second child went from the 25th percentile to the 2nd percentile but thrived despite being on the small size. I breastfed both my children exclusively and they are both health now and have no weight issues. If your son is having wet nappies and seems healthy otherwise, I would not worry. If he is not having wet nappies very often and seems out of sorts, I would see your doctor or health visitor. Good luck, I hope he's okay.

Samantha - posted on 08/08/2012

I hope you didn't switch to formula because of what this doctor said. Breastmilk is what's best for babies, and all babies grow and develop at their own rates, they don't adhere to the growth chart (which is for formula-fed babies BTW, most pediatricians don't use the WHO natural growth chart) Formula is harder to digest and is filled with things like corn syrup which makes babies gain more.