underweight. What Can I do?

Bonnie - posted on 09/18/2012

My daughter weighed 18 pounds at one and 22.5 pounds at 2. Our pediatrician wanted us to see a specialist and a nutritionist, but we knew she was just a "skinny child". I think doctors freak out a little because every kid is so overweight these days and that is considered normal now.



Our daughter has always been strong, quick, and agile. Not sluggish or lethargic. She eats very healthy, organic, and mostly homemade. We are Asian so she eats low fat naturally. I just wanted to say that she really started to gain weight this past year (age 2-3) when I stopped hovering with food every second of the day. I realized that because I was a human buffet, always offering food 24/7, she was often "snacking" and never really eating full big meals. So I realized I was part of the problem. If she was full off of toddler formula, she was less likely to eat a full meal. Also, because she ate little amounts, there was a burden on me to always feed her more often. Also, I learned she only like to eat delicious foods so just because she doesn't eat something doesn't always mean she's not hungry. I just need to step up my game, offer her better yummy foods, and not let her "snack" all day instead of really eating 3 meals, plus 2 snacks/day.



We finally changed pediatricians and our new doctor says Olivia is just naturally skinny and there are plenty of overweight kids out there that aren't healthy. He doesn't stress us out at all like our last doctor and I know he is honest when he says she's growing beautifully.

Natosha - posted on 09/14/2012

My son will soon be 2 yr he is 25 lbs nOt too far from your son he drinks pediasure and takes vitamins as well they seem to help However due to his father's and my stature he will not be in the higher percentile like ever. take into consideration your sons dad and your stature even as children that often that chart is for everyone to go by as long as he hits developmental milestone

You should not havero worry

Rachel - posted on 09/09/2012

My second daughter has failure to thrive since she was one. She is 3&1/2 now. We give her full portions of food not toddler portions. (I.e. a whole PB&J sandwich, 3 chicken tenders, no juice or soda.) She was diagnosed because she went from following the curve on growth chart to going way off the curve and hitting a plateau. She gained less than 1lb from 2-3 years. She is 23lbs and 36 inches. You can also put heavy cream in everything. 75% pediasure and 25% cream. Butter on all veggies. My daughter likes to eat the butter packs at restaurants. The doctor told us fat will make her gain more than calories. Peanut butter on a spoon whenever it can be given. Dr also has her drinking pediasure at night, 4 a day. Keep an eye on bowl movements. At least 200 calorie meals, 100 calories snacks and pediasure. God bless.

Sharlene - posted on 07/25/2012

I have the same my daughter is 2 yrs old and 5 months and she weights in at 9.6 kgs don't ask what's in pounds lol. she has being that weight for 10 months now and also her head is not developing either course of it. You mention pediasure that's not helping , My daughter will only have that with a feeding tube, Were part of a feeding clinic has your doctor suggested a feeding clinic to you maybe .

Amy - posted on 07/25/2012

My daughter will be 4 in October and she is only 26-27 lbs. She has always been a peanut and they don't seem worried anymore but I just feel like "why is she so small"? My 11 month old boy is already 21 lbs! almost as much as my almost 4 year old. Wierd???

Ashley - posted on 04/09/2012

My daughter is going to be 2 in a few weeks and is only 18 pounds. the pediatrition said to let her eat when she wants, and i found that she would rather snack througout the day then eat a meal, so that is what I let her do. She eats more this way and is happy, healthy, and growing taller just not putting on the pounds fast. But she does get propper nutrition each day and eats enough servings to keep me happy. I wouldn't be too worried, they all grow at there own rates.

Tonya - posted on 04/09/2012

I would continue to watch your son for signs he might have an underlying reason why he's not gaining weight. But otherwise wouldn't worry too much, especially if the rest of the family is small in size. My 3 1/2 year old only weights 28 pounds but her 2 1/2 year old sister weighs 26. If the pediatrician isn't being supportive and helpful I would consider finding another one. Good luck!

Gypsy - posted on 04/08/2012

dont worry... my daughter was 22 lbs on her second birthday. she is now 34 years old and is usually round a 100 lbs. she is just small framed. relaxing will help your child relax. I would consider another ped....

Michelle - posted on 04/06/2012

I know and understand what battle you're fighting...my 4 yr old daughter weighs 24lbs. The best thing i've found to work is high protein, high carbs and having your baby eat 6-8 small healthy meals a day. Don't fret to much because our little ones know how we feel no matter how good we think we're hiding it so if you worry they worry which could possibly decrease their appetite, other than that just stay positive mama. You're little one will catch up before you know it!!!

Monica - posted on 04/02/2012

My daughter is 2 and she is almost 22 lbs, but no even. The doctor said she fine, because I had the same problem with my son. He was underweight for few years, but now he is 4 1/2 and 36 lbs, doing very good! So,my doctor it's not worried. We are not big as well, so it's probably just that! The doctor said she rather have a baby like this than overweight, because the chances that they gonna be just fine, it's much bigger.

Julie - posted on 03/30/2012

Everyone says dont worry but it is in your nature to worry! Especially when you feel so helpless! Dont just ignore it... there is a chance it could be something and if you find out you can make some progress! My son doesnt put on any weight if he ingests any dairy products. Remove them from his diet and he does. If you havent had a skin prick test done it may be well worth it. Let me know how things go. :)

Shannon - posted on 03/30/2012

I have had 4 children - all 4 started in the 75th percentile and then dropped off the charts - KinderVital liquid vitamins seemed to stimulate their appetites so they would eat more. I recommended it to an anorexic OCD preteen boy and in 1 month he was almost a normal weight for a boy his age. Another thing I would check into is pinworms or other kind of worms that is very easy to catch and would effect weight gain and appetite. Lastly - my fourth child had kidney reflux which was difficult to diagnose ( and actually quite common - causes a lot of unexplainable fevers) and before figuring it out, the doctor called it failure to thrive. It caused him to be a picky eater and irritable. Good luck!

Natosha - posted on 03/30/2012

YOur Childs weight depends on the parents weight as well I don't feel you have to worry too much unless he shows signs of malnutrition

Some children are not very fluffy and it will depend on his actvities children burn calories also maybe add some snacks in between meals once you find out what he likes

Kallie - posted on 03/29/2012

My 3 1/2 yr old son is 29 lbs and is considered small. My husband and I are not small. Our doctor was worried at first but he has stayed around the same percential on the growth chart, so she is not continuting to worry about his weight. Trust your gut, If you are concerned about his weight continue to find doctors till you get the answer you need. I personally do not like giving my child Pedisure as there are too many things in the stuff, but I do not judge what everyone else does. I do perfer whole milk and full fat greek yogurt for my son, but sometimes he has the no fat and 2%. I like to feed him more natural items and less stuff out of a box! Good Luck and keep searching for the answers you need!!

Bonnie - posted on 03/28/2012

I would be a little worried if I were you. My daughter weighed 18 pounds at one years old and 22 pounds at two. However, she gained weight steadily, even if it was only 0.5 or 1 pound, but it was a steady gradual gain. Your child weighing the same since he was one and a 1/2 may indicate a "failure to thrive". Because my daughter was in the 0-3% range for weight, but 75% for height our pediatrician was also concerned and sweated us too. I fed her like it was a buffet. I always had food out and because my daughter is picky and only eats foods she considers delicious, I always made different dishes and tried new ones all the time. I always had food available. Also, I tried to incorporate good fats whenever possible like flax seed oil in her smoothies and full fat yogurt and avocados.

Amy - posted on 03/28/2012

Oh Jessica I am in the same situation you are in. I have a 2 and a 1/2 year old little girl who weighs approximately 22lbs also and is on Pediasure (and has been for over a year) four times a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and before bedtime) with no help. We have also been referred to a Feeding Clinic which just confirmed for us that nothing medically is wrong with her and she can chew and swallow just fine. To make matters worse, my daughter is a horribly picky eater. I would also be interested in finding out if there is anything else I can try to get some weight on her.

Jackie - posted on 03/27/2012

just keep introducing new yummy foods some kids are just small my youngest girl was wearing 2t til she was almost 5 nothing... if medically nothing is wrong stop worrying he will grow when his body is ready to

LouAnn - posted on 03/27/2012

yes I think there is - would you like to contact me?

Kate CP - posted on 03/27/2012

Fat doesn't make you fat. Fat is good for brain development for children (so it's good to feed them full fat foods) but it won't fatten a kid up. Sugar and carbs will fatten a kid up. You want them to gain weight? Feed them pasta and bread and cereal. They'll chunk up.

Debi - posted on 03/27/2012

I have a 6 yr old granddaughter that is barely over 30 lbs. Some kids are just like this. If he is active and eats pretty good and acts like nothing is wrong then don't panic. If they have done all the tests on him and found nothing then it is just how he is built rite now. He will catch up.

Candice - posted on 03/27/2012

MMy daughter is 5 and weighs 29lbs. Her doctor used to have such an issue with it. She had her drinking pediasures, eating fatty foods. Eventually they accepted the fact that she is just a petite girl and probably always will be. They will grow at their own pace and as long as nothing is medically wrong to cause the lack of weight gain, tell the doc to back off.

Julie - posted on 03/27/2012

I understand your frustration! My son just turned 3 on 3/24. He is 28 pounds. His ped has me bring him in often for weight checks and he's been drinking PediaSure for a year. At his last weight check, his ped actually got kind of rude and told me if I want to raise a mentally retarded child, to keep doing what I'm doing!! I was so pissed! We have his well-child tomorrow and if that's the same attitude I'm gonna get again, we're switching docs! He told me to stop the PediaSure since my son wants to drink it and not eat. He rarely takes naps and sleeps about 5-6 hours a night. He is constantly in motion. I strap him into his booster seat at meal times, but if he's not gonna eat, he just has a horrible tantrum and throws his food. He even kicked off the table and fell over backwards and hit his head! I've tried force-feeding him....ever try that with a 2 y/o?!?! Doesn't work so well!!! I put whipping cream in his full-fat milk, make scrambled eggs with extra yolks and whipping cream. I put as much mayo on his sandwiches as I can without it dripping off! He hates meat except for ham and hot dogs and will only occasionally eat a chicken nugget or two. He doesn't like ice cream either because it's too cold. I've been also feeding him FULL FAT greek yogurt. Can be hard to find, but it's full of protein too!! Good stuff! ;) I also get him a few protein drinks when we go to the store, like Muscle Milk or the store brand is cheaper. If you're little guy likes chocolate milkshakes, get some full-fat ice cream, blend with a little whipping cream and add some avocado - very high in good fat and has a bland flavor the ice cream will cover up. French toast made with whipping cream and an extra egg yolk. Make a monte crisco sandwich, too. Soak the bread in whipping cream and eggs (like french toast) and put meat and cheese in the middle and grill it. All of this maintains my kiddo's weight but he's not gaining because he's so active and hates eating! Good luck!! Let me know if you find anything that works wonders!! LOL =)

Autumn - posted on 03/27/2012

He's a kid and he will grow.. Next time you go to the doctor ask him if he would rather your son be obese.. I had to change peds because of that problem. My son is 5 now and he is 38lbs.. He was 6lbs 4oz at birth and from 9 months till he was about 3 1/2 he weighed 20lbs nothing made him gain weight no matter what. It's the metabolism in them that makes them the way they are. There is nothing wrong with it and when his body decides that it needs to gain weight it will. I wouldnt give him those weight gaining drinks or goodies or extra food or anything like that. All you need to worry about is him eating healthy, that's all that matters!! Good luck sweety hope it all works out for you! And sorry to be so blunt but doctors really get me goin. First they want us too thin then they try and make us fat and then they get mad bc people are fat and unhealthy. Ughgg

LouAnn - posted on 03/27/2012

Development is also important - food that we eat can't provide what we need - and don't let docs tell you that it is in our food - it isn't - truly -

There is a great supplement that we have taken for years that works - let me know if you want more info! LouAnn

Kim - posted on 03/27/2012

Have they checked for food allergies? Wheat/gluten sensitivities can cause the digestive system to not work properly and can lead to not absorbing calories and vitamins sufficiently!

Shannon - posted on 03/27/2012

Have you tried KinderVital Vitamins - they increase the appetite!

Amanda - posted on 03/27/2012

my daughter is very little too she is almost two and is about 22 lbs... the docs always say shes under weight and i used to worrie about it but she acts life and is growing taller... i am very thin myself (even though i gained 60lbs while prego) and when i was little my doc put me through all these blood tests and other ridiculos test just to find out i was fine and just had a very high motabolisim. i wouldnt worrie too much just make sure he is getting all that he needs, enought calories fruits veggies carbs and what not1

Kate CP - posted on 03/27/2012

If you want to gain weight eat more carbs. Fat doesn't make you fat. Sugar makes you fat.

Amanda - posted on 03/27/2012

My son is going through the same thing! He's actually still on formula bcuz of it our doctor recommended pedisure

Andrea - posted on 03/27/2012

my 3yr old is underweight and she has been perscribed fortini, they r nutrician drinks and she has put on half a kg in a month which is really good, they r 300 calories per 200 ml drink, she has 2 a day. ask to see a dietician

Cynthia - posted on 03/27/2012

My granddaughter is going to 5 years old in May and wasn't gaining any weight. They recently did some tests her and found that she has dairy allergies. She has a good appetite and we are hoping that she will gain weight. Her bowel movements have always been like pebbles or large up to this point so we are hoping this helps with that also.

Silviane - posted on 03/27/2012

Dear Jessica, sorry for my English, first of all. I am not American but I have been living in this country for 12 years and I have a 8 years old boy. I know what you are talking about. When Leo was at your child's age, he stayed for over than one year at 19 lbs! I got crazy and like you, I did everything I could to help him gain some weight. Relax, he will naturally as my son did as well. The important thing to do is check regularly how healthy he is, if he is eating good meal and good portions, if he is hydrated and having vitamins in a daily basis. My son is still underweight, but absolutely healthy, energetic and doing very well at school. I wish you good luck and, again, don't think too much about it. It is much better than being over weight! Take care! Silviane

Sara - posted on 03/27/2012

All kids are different my son is 8 yrs 8 months and weighs 42 lbs I have to buy him slim jeans size 6 and still have to adjust the waist so they dont fall off him

He is happy and healthy! sometimes I add carnation instant breakfast to his milk just to give him a bet extra but other than that I dont worry too much

Judy - posted on 03/26/2012

Find a new pediatrician!! If he is happy and active, that's what counts.

Laurie - posted on 03/26/2012

Hi, don't worry! use your motherly instinct! If your son is eating all of the food groups, even in small amounts he is getting what he needs. One of my children was very tiny too. She was 9# at birth and weighed 18 pounds when she was 32 months old. She was my healthiest child and was never ill. She is grown today with children of her own and now her second son is very tiny. She worries but as long as he is healthy I say don't worry, but rejoice in the joy he brings to you! Save your money, you don't need medical bills.

Crystal - posted on 03/26/2012

I have twin girls and one of then is 19lbs at 2 1/2.I'm not worried she doesn't like to eat kids foods.She likes veggies, streak, grilled fish, ect.She is also is allergic to milk.As long as she is active and eating I'm not concerned.

Adriana - posted on 03/26/2012

My son now 7 yrs old weighs 46 pounds when he was 3 he weighed 38 pounds and for three years only gained 2lbs. He is tall and active and probably the healthiest one in our household.its only been over these past six months that he gained 4 pounds. Our diet has changed in my household. We no longer eat fast food or processed foods. We eat very little red meat and meat altogether is minimal. We now eat whole grains,whole foods that nourish and don't deplete the body. As. Result everyone seems to be coming into there ideal weight for their bodies. My youngest has gained weight but my 3 other children,ages 13-22 have lost weight. Hope this helps :)

Ashley - posted on 03/26/2012

If your Momma sense is saying something is wrong then something may be wrong. However, I have seen many kids who are extremely tiny and they are just fine.

If your kiddo has an allergy to a food that you are constantly feeding him then that could be it. Both my kids are allergic/sensitive to lactose/dairy. We all went gluten and dairy free and my kids sleep better and are just generally happy.

If your kid is hitting all the milestones then I would suggest just enjoying him. Try hard to not make food an issue to avoid creating some long-term eating issues.

Maybe a homeopathic doc or something else may be a good way to look.

Robin - posted on 03/26/2012

my daughter at 2 1/2 weighed 23 pounds - she was in the 4th percentile then in 1 year she gained 8 pounds! We weren't concerned nor was her doctor she was thriving. We changed nothing- now she is 5 and weighs 37lbs. Her brother is almost 9 and soaking wet with his clothes on he's maybe 50lbs (and he started life in the 95th percentile!) Both my kids are in the less than 10% but the key which quite a few have mentioned here is is your son "thriving" if he is active and seems healthy then no worries, if however he's lethargic then I would suggest further tests.

Victoria F - posted on 03/26/2012

Don't worry keep on cooking food for him as normal start to worry when He is not eating at all. if He don't gain weight he will pick up weight good luck try him food with other kids maybe he get bored to eat it with adults if he has siblings give them food same time or in the same plate and see he will start eating it worked for my friend kids she would bring her son over or i would go to her house to help within three two months aah now he gained weight we are happy hope this works for you.

Carrie - posted on 03/26/2012

I have a 4 year old what weighs just 23 lbs. My daughter's doctor has told me not to worry, as long as she is eating, drinking, and mentally progressing its not a huge deal. Some children are just smaller then others.

Erin - posted on 03/26/2012

My daughter just turn 2 on the 18 n shes weighs 23 pounds n her doc said shes fine since she's always moving. Feels like she never stops lol. Maybe its the doc u go to cuz i had to switch docs when she was lil they tryed telling me all sorts of things n once i got this doc everything haves been good

Diana - posted on 03/26/2012

As long as he is still growing taller & eating for you I wouldn't worry about it unless your instincts tell you that something is wrong. If he is very active, it could just be that he is burning it off as fast as he is eating it.



Keep offering him healthy foods and snacks. If he likes the Pediasure continue with that. Around that age my kids barely ate. I just made sure that they had plenty of things available like cheese, veggies, yogurt, PB&J (on bread & cracker), etc. My kids loved the yogurt tubes. Sometimes I would freeze them so they could eat them like ice cream pops.



My older daughter was just, plain tiny. She was 18lbs. from the time she was 18 mos. old until she was 20 mos. old. (The dr. wanted to see her sooner because she was so small in comparison to the charts.) She was 20 lbs. when she turned 2 yrs. We used to joke that if we went by weight alone she should have still been in a rear-facing carseat. Between 2 1/2 & 3 yrs. old she hit a growth spurt & completely skipped the 3T clothing. She went from 2T's to 4T's because the 3T shirts started looking like belly shirts! Don't get me wrong, she was still smaller than the rest of the kids in her preschool class, but to us it was a huge leap. LOL. She is 11 now & still short compared to many of the kids in school, but she almost as tall as me now. :) Sometimes I think that because kids seem to be growing so much taller & faster now, it seems odd when one is still a peanut.

Tena - posted on 03/25/2012

As long as he is eating balanced meals and is healthy you shouldn't force him to gain weight. Has he always been small.



My oldest son was "under weight" for most of his life. His 2 year well check exam he was 16 pounds. He remained tiny until he was 14 then he started picking up weight. He is now 150 pounds and 5' 9'" at 19 years.



I hate those weight charts. They have my middle son as being morbidly obese because he is 7 and weighs 70 pounds. Of course he is 4' 4 1/2" and is as big as most 10 year olds with NO body fat he is tall and skinny and has been off of the charts his whole life pretty much. (he is actually bigger than his brother was when he was born) Their sister is the same way and people mistake her for 3 1/2 - 4 years old and she is 2. They are just going to be tall like their father, and the kicker - those 2 were both preemies



If you start putting to much emphasis on gaining weight and eating you could be setting yourself up for a power struggle or food issues later in life. Just offer healthy foods and snacks and everything will be fine unless there is an underlying medical issue.

Malinda - posted on 03/25/2012

My son is now 3 1/2 yrs and he is only 28 lbs and our pedi. Has me mix a packet of Carnation breakfast essientals, in a yellow and blue box into his milk witch helps him gain weight. It works wonders, he went from 23 lbs to 27 in a matter if about 2-3 months. I Used it twice a day. Comes in chocolate and vanilla. I also had to drink the stuff with my last preg Bec I hadent gained enough weight and was starting to loose weight. I started gaining about a pound a week after I started, it is good tasting also like a milk shake. :-) I hope this helps him/ you.

Shamekia - posted on 03/25/2012

I hate the whole "under/overweight" thing. It's a scale comparing children. They really CANNOT be compared. *sigh* You are much better off just watching his development rather than his weight. This takes up a lot of your time & energy getting your child to the doctor every week. I would choose another doctor if I could.

Katherine - posted on 03/25/2012

Seriously, who suggests giving sausage as a good fat?!? How is that "good" fat?? My daughter is below the 10th percentile for weight and has been since 12 months old. She is now 4 years old: small, but very healthy, very active, and super intelligent (all signs that she's NOT malnourished). Our pediatrician praises us at every well-check appt for raising a healthy child who eats healthy and is not obese. He has repeatedly told my husband and me that we should be spokespersons for teaching other parents how to get toddlers to eat healthy. Kids eat what their parents eat. So do them a favor and eat healthy. Lots of fresh green veggies with a small amount of lean protein on the side. Eat lots of seafood and cut out processed foods. Keep the junk food and sugar out of the house and your kids won't ever get in the habit of eating it. My daughter eats any and all veggies but won't touch a hotdog, she'll eat goat cheese but not processed, chemical and preservative-laden American cheese. She LOVES sushi and not McDonald's! My 1 year old is the same way, so it's not just that my daughter was born this way. Teach your kids a lifelong lesson of how to love healthy foods from early on, BY EXAMPLE, and getting your kids to eat healthy becomes easy!



Bottom line is: the term underweight is based on a comparison of all other American children of that age --- the weights are skewed by the obese kids! Get a second opinion and be happy that your child will most likely never have to worry about being obese later in life.

Corie - posted on 03/25/2012

are both parents thin to begin with?

Waunita - posted on 03/25/2012

My daughter (21 months) Pediatriction says the same stuff. She is not emancipated, she eats and is developing normally. I personally am not gonna let a few pounds make me crazy. If all she is going on is a chart and a number to tell me my daughter isn't healthy when u can clearly look at her and tell she is them I may shop for another Dr.

Kare - posted on 03/25/2012

My daughter will be 2 in May she weighs 19lbs.Your son is fine I would give him whole milk and call it good. My daughter is just active. she is in the 0% for weight and 50% for height, but she eats fine she just loves to play.