My co-worker/friend told me her daughter called her from the pediatrician's office this morning to say her 15 month old daughter didn't gain any weight since her 12 month old visit. The pedi took blood and is going to test it for kidney problems. As an aside, my pediatrician only has us come in every 6 months when that young and 1 time a year when older. 3 months just doesn't seem like enough time to worry especially since babies gain weight/grow at different rates especially after 12 months. Of course, I'm not a pedi so what do I know.
I looked it up and I did read that the first 12 months are when a baby grows the most and the quickest.
I just wanted to get other opinions/experiences.
BTW, this little baby shows no signs of being ill.
TIA! K.
Tell her not to worry! My 2.5 year old is healthy, but just doesn't gain weight. That's who he is. Is she super active? That could explain it. from year 1 to year 2 my son only gained 2 lbs and at 2.5 is currently the weight of most 1 year olds. I would say as long as she is eating well, is active, and growing even a little (height, weight), she should be good to go!
is the baby tall? mine is and she does not gain fast...but man is she tall...in 95% for height.
Yes, babies grow quickest early on, and then slow down. And each baby will have his/her own growth curve - some steeper than others (meaning some babies gain fast, others slower). But it is a red flag if she didn't gain any weight AT ALL for 3 months. I don't know that there is any reason to panic, but the ped is doing the right thing by making sure there is nothing else going on.
Some kids just gain weight VERY slowly. My kids are both that way. My 7 yr old typically gains 4-5 lbs per YEAR, my 3 yr old gains about the same.
The most important thing, in my opinion, is if the child is healthy & meeting developmental goals more/less on target. A healthy child will never let themselves starve. They'll eat & they'll grow at their own pace.
Yes, slow weight gain *CAN* be a red flag, but it almost always has several other red flags that accomodate it & constantly being sick, lethargic & lagging developmentally will pretty much always accompany it.
Hope that helps!
