My DS just turned 3 last month and he is only 35" tall which puts him in the 5th percentile for height. Last year at 2 he was 34" so he's only grown an inch in the last year. The pediatrician said this was within the normal range of 1 - 3". But at 9 months he was in the 75th percentile for height and has steadily gone down since then. Even though we keep voicing our concerns, the pediatrician said this was normal and he's perfectly healthy. Now I'm short, 5'2", and my husband's average, 5'10", so we're not expecting him to be tall, but would you be concerned about this? He does seem very healthy, he has a good appetite and eats a well balanced diet, gets exercise, is a great talker, just wondering if I should be concerned about his height. Thanks Mamas.
Hi Mamas - thanks for your reassurance. Just to clarify - I'm not concerned that he may be short - I'm pretty sure he will be - and I'm sure he'll be just as amazing. I was just wondering if I should be concerned about the severe drop in the growth curve (from 75% to 5%). When he was a baby the pediatrician told us that anywhere on the growth chart is fine that what they look for is a sudden severe drop in the growth curve. This is not so sudden more of a gradual decline over the past 2 years so was just wondering what your thoughts were. Thanks for your input.
If you are short, I wouldn't worry, it might be hereditary. That is an ok height. I worry about my son's weight and head being tiny, so why don't we both just wait and see. I think they will be fine! :-))
So maybe he'll be short! I come from a short family. My father was probably about 5' 6", and my natural son is about 5' 7". The only major problem for him was that he was a very talented ballet dancer and he had to go to Europe for a career because here they have an obsession with tall dancers. But other than that, no problems. The major ballet companies all wanted us to give him growth hormones but we refused. I think that's risky, so I would be very careful about anything like that without a lot of good advice. My son has always been very popular with girls and has no self image problems and is successful, actually more so than his over six foot tall adopted brothers, so it really doesn't influence your life that much.
My daughter's two sons differ. One is tall like the father and one short like our family. Both are very popular teenagers with good self images.
So, the upshot is, just love your son as he is, help him to grow physically, mentally and emotionally, and his height will be perfect for him.
S. Toji
He just hasn't had his growth spurt this year. no worries.
So he hasnt had a growth spurt in awhile. Dont boys grow fast later in life? My 3 almost 4 year old girl is 43" tall already but she comes from tall family. Im average and her dad is average height but the rest of our families tower over us. I dont know whats worse sometimes, a kid who doesnt grow or one that wont stop. I also have a 2 year old that is small. Its like night and day, your kid is fine. Just wait till another spurt happens then you will be on the other end!
When I read your concern I felt like you were writing on my behalf. Your height and husbands height is exactly like me and my hubby. My son was always in the 95% percentile until he was 3 and dropped to 50%. He's 6 now, will be 7in 4 months and still wears size 5. Doctor did have some blood test done just to rule anything out and everything came back normal. I was hoping he's take his dad's height but only time will tell. As long as he's healthy eating right and getting plenty of sleep you shouldn't be too concerned.
My son is 5 and very small for his age, he is only 43" tall and 38 pounds. When he was a baby he was ALWAYS in the 90-95th percentile and now he is below average. He also eats alot and seems healthy, just small! I would not worry, they go throw growth spurts.
I would not be concerned. If he's healthy, happy, eating well, developing normally otherwise, why worry yourself? Trust me, he'll shoot up one day & you'll be amazed at how often you'll have to shop for new clothes.
My 3 yr old is about the same height, but she has always been small. She's only gained about 4 pounds in the last year! They'll have another growth spurt around age 5.
Hight has nothing to do with health he will go as tall as he will crobly as tall as your husband what different dose it make now just love him and keep him healthy good luck raised 4 and 7 grandchildren A. no hiills
Why would you be concerned? Some people are shorter than others. Nothing to worry about if your son is otherwise healthy.
you have nothing to be concerned about. You said you were 5'2. He is not going to be a giant. Listen to your Dr and do not cause yourself more worry. He is FINE!!!
What is wrong with being short?
my son is 10th %tile in height and 3rd %tile in weight. He is now 5 and is steadily staying on his growth curve. I worried and cried for years, and now I have come to terms that the doctor is monitoring his growth every time I take him to the doctor and the doctor will know what to do if he falls off the chart. If you are still concerned, go see a Pediatric Gastroitnterologist (GI doctor).
Good luck
