12-18 month feeding chart and weight paranoia

megmassey523

Hi all!  I was recently surprised when I went to my daughter's one year appointment.  I had been using a feeding guide that the pediatrician had given me when she was born.  The guide seemed to be spot on for her, although I did make adjustments, of course, when she seemed more hungry.  However when I went to the doctor this time, they told me I hadn't been giving her enough formula, and told me they "revised" the chart.  I felt horrible!   I guess I'm wondering if any of you out there use a feeding chart with recommended servings per day, or if you could share what your child eats each day.  I'm paranoid now that my daughter is not getting enough.  She seems satisfied, but she's always been a very laid-back baby.  She's always been a bit small, 10th percentile for head circumference and weight, and 50-60% for height.  Every other visit, my regular pediatrician has told me that all looks fine.  But this new doctor at the practice made me feel like my daughter isn't where she should be weight-wise.  She's been consistent throughout her first year, but again...now I'm paranoid!  Thanks in advance for any responses!

Mrs.RockyM

It's way more about how they're growing as opposed to where they are on the chart.  if your LO is consistently in the 50% range, they're fine.  It's not like they're going down on the chart as they get older - that's when it's an issue and I'd be worried you were starving your child!

aylafsu88

I would not worry.  If your LO has consistently been small but is continuing to gain and meet milestones than she is probably just a small baby.  My LO has always been small @ 10% weight.  Our pedi is not concerned because she is gaining just at her own pace. 

ec0983

yeah, i've never heard of a feeding chart either.  i wouldn't worry one little bit.  if she seems full, she's hitting milestones, and she's consistently growing on the same curve, then you're doing everything right.  give yourself a break and put the chart away!  give her healthy, yummy food when she's hungry, be a good example for healthy eating, and she'll be just fine.  and don't listen to hater doctors- follow your momma instinct!

CheezeFace

Charts are really dumb, IMHO.  I suppose they are good to look at for a general idea but each kid is so different day-to-day with intake you can stress yourself out for no reason.  It seems as if you LO is doing fine and you are doing what you need to do so don't worry!  Go with your gut (no pun intended).

OH! My sister (she'd a peds nurse) just said that some doctors hand out charts for ppl that are *over feeding* their kids.  Obviously, not your case:)

g8trkim

I have no idea what a feeding chart is. Every kid is different so one thing doesn't work for everyone. She sounds perfect!

dpraseutsinh

i didn't even know feeding charts existed....... i always feed on demand. can't control when dd's hungry!

emberlee3

DS was BF and DD was FF, but I've never used a chart.  They eat when they're hungry, they follow their own growth curves, it's all good.

megmassey523

Thanks everyone!  We used the feeding chart we had as a guideline, but there were days when Nora ate way more or a little bit less.  I think this new doctor just freaked me out, and I just needed to see that my baby is totally normal, even if she's on the small side, as long as her growth is consistent.  Thanks for the encouragement!