underweight..

Stephanie - posted on 04/03/2009

My daughter was that way. She started small & gained very slowly. My doctor told me that all kids are different & as long as she isn't losing & she's eating good we had nothing to worry about. I would get a few more opinions before putting her through all those tests. I also added a lot of healthy snacks between meal. She loves veggies now & it helped her eat better.

Leslie - posted on 04/03/2009

Go to the endocrinologist!  There could be something wrong with her growth hormone levels.  I am a nurse, and trust me it is worth checking out.  Even if it turns out to be nothing, better safe than sorry, right??

Christine - posted on 04/02/2009

my daughter was born 10 days late and was a good weight but she was in special care 4 12 days since then here weight gain has been very slow shes 2 nd only weighs 21lb 5oz she has ever test they can think of nd n othing comes back she has physio on her feet as they go out nd lots of other people help her out.im glad the doctors wanted to do all these test at least i no she 1 healthy little girl lol.so my advice would be let the doctors do there test i no its not nice 4 the child but at least u will no if anything wrong or not hope everything works out.

Dana - posted on 04/02/2009

My youngest son struggles with weight issues too, ever since he was 4 months old.  My doctor mentioned an endocrinologist could help figure out if there were metabolic or autoimmune issues.  Fortunately, we haven't had to go that route but it could be good to rule those things out.  She could be just small, but if there's a chance that something else is causing her to be small you might be able to fix it.  I know doctor's appointments can be frustrating and traumatizing, but knowing there's nothing wrong could be worth it in the end.

I know how hard it is to be constantly told your kid is underweight.  I felt like I was doing something wrong (and one nurse even half accused me of starving my kid!).  My heart goes out to you, I hope everything turns out okay for your daughter.  Good Luck!

Alison - posted on 04/02/2009

If it were me, I would ask what the endocrinologist might tell you, what the results of the test might lead to with treatment. Then make the decision if you would do the treatment or interventions. If you wouldn't, then don't subject your angel to the tests. If you would, then go ahead. I have a petite 3 year old who has always been 30 percentile or less on the growth chart most of her first 18 months at 5%ile or below. I wouldn't subject her to any tests. She is small. So am I.

Meghan - posted on 04/02/2009

My daughter is 2 1/2 and she is small for her age, height and weight wise. In time it will all work out. My youngest who is 2 months, is even or a little more with the chart. She is 23 inches and only 2 months. Her weight as well is 12 pounds 13 ounces. My husband is 6'2 and I'm 5'6. I think my oldest will be short like me, and my youngest tall like her dad. Their grandparents are 5'7 and 5'11.

Lakisha - posted on 04/02/2009

well my son was a 24weeker, he is now 10months and only weigh 11lbs! the doctor is boosting how much calories he gets in his formula, so instead of regular 20 calories hes getting 27, so i have concerns too.

Austin - posted on 04/02/2009

My daughter is the same way... She was a preemie and stopped gaining weight at about 8 months old... she's finally started to gain some weight again, and we've still got lots of tests the Dr's want to run.. But I hear it's normal for some kids to be small...  At 1 yr my daughter was only 15 lbs. She's about 20 lbs now, and 17 months old...

Dawn - posted on 04/02/2009

It took my daughter forever to grow. She will be 7 in June and she looks like she is 4 years old. She was wearing size 2t 9 (clothing) for a long time. You might want to look into your husband and family history. I am sure a long the way, there were other family members that was like your daughter. Don't worry though, because she will catch up with the rest of her peers.  and I am still waiting for her to grow. p.s. my daughter was 4 years old until she out grew her 2t clothing sizes.

Kim - posted on 04/02/2009

the doctors are just doing their job, if there does turn out to be something wrong with your daughter wouldn't you want to know???  hang in there and i really hope that she turns out to be ok  : )

Amelia - posted on 04/02/2009

I cant say I know what you are going through personally but I have a friend whose daughter has the same problem. She was in a rear-facing carseat until she was over 2 years old. I wouldn't be too worried. Just some kids grow at different time than others. My friends little girl is still very tiny and weighs only a few pounds more than my 11 month old even though she is twice his age.

Serena - posted on 04/02/2009

My niece was like that. At one year she only weighed 15 pounds. She was the same way.....propotional in height and weight but not even on the chart. She (and her mother) are both very petite. She is four now and is still smaller than the other kids, but not by much. The doctor's did some testing on her also. but nothing was wrong. She just took awhile to hit her growth spurt. Hope this helps!