Babies barely on the growth chart

meghans30

My 16 month old is in the less than 5% for weight - he weighs 19lbs 2oz. The Dr. says he is not concerned because he has always been on the small side, but did the blood work anyway. What type of things do they look for? He says that everything looks fine except for a slight nutrient deficency. We have to make an appt. with a nutritionist. Do any of you ladies have any tips on how to get extra calories into him? He eats a balenced diet, but is not crazy about meat. We were also told to add half a pediasure per day to his diet. I just want to see my little guy grow and not have to worry.

CleoKitty

Neither of my kids are even on the growth chart at all- my 12 month old just had her 1 yr. well-baby visit and was just under 15 lbs. My ds was/is the same way- very scrawny.?

Our doctor has never been concerned at all with either kid. She knows that I feed them well and chalks it up to them just being small kids. If your doctor isn't concerned, why the visit with the nutritionist, the pediasure, etc?

That being said, a previous doctor did do blood work on ds when he was about your son's age. I can't remember exactly, but I think that they tested for some basic metabolic things and thyroid. It was all fine, of course.

As for food, focus on healthy, whole nutrient-dense foods with good fats. Think avocados, olive oil, salmon, etc. They both get full-fat milk products (cheese, milk, butter, yogurt, etc.) Try eggs and tofu in place of meat. Beans are another great source of protein and if you make refried beans you can use some good fats, plus top them with cheese, avocado, etc.?

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cornichon

DD completely fell off the charts at 9 months. ?She will be 4 in May and is finally 30 lbs! ?She has always been little. ?We were referred to a pedi when she was 9 months. ?One of the things they looked for was celiac disease. ?She did not have any of the symptoms and she does not have the disease. She is just small.

In terms of adding calories, you can add butter to almost anything veggies included. ?Make sure that you give him full fat everything ( milk, cheese, yogurt etc).

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Good luck:)?

meghans30

Thanks. I thought the same thing about the Dr, not being concerned, but doing bloodwork anyway. My husband took him to the appt., so I didn't get to ask questions. The comments from strangers about his size are tough to take at times also, but I know he getting a proper diet.

lsufan

Bennett has been right at 5th % since 9 months, and his Dr. isn't worried. ?He's almost 15 months and I think he's finally hit 20 pounds, so just a bit bigger than your ds. ?As long as he continues to grow, I wouldn't worry. ?Have you tried other sources of protein and fat? ?Bennett loves soy butter on a piece of bread, so he gets that for lunch a few times a week.