Ava's a tall skinny bean ! (Diet discussion inside)

DavezWife · September 2009

Ava had her 18 month checkup today, with a new clinic/ped, and is now 25 lbs (with cast) 34 inches, and whatever the head circ was, it made her 75% for head. Which is great, she's always been on the small side for head, and Davez was taking personal offense.

So she's 95% for height, and down (from 75%) to 50% for weight. I had taken her off whole milk a couple months ago b/c Davez whole side of the family has the high cholesterol thing even though they're healthy. Heart attacks, the whole bit. They're all on meds by age 30, despite diet and exercise.

The Ped says Ava is a bit on the thin side, not worried, but to put her BACK on whole milk till age two, for BRAIN DEVELOPEMENT, then switch to skim at age 2.

I realize that for every 100 peds there are 100 opinions. I just met her, so I'm not really vested in what she says. It's just milk, she only drinks about 3-4 cups a day of it... but does anyone have anything to add to this topic?

I'm kinda torn on what to do... whole or 2% ? And SKIM at age two? really?

soccerwife · September 2009

My ped practice has the same "policy." DS, who is nearly 5 years old, only weighs 30 lbs (10th percentile for weight). He doesn't drink much milk, but when he does, it's whole milk. My ped said that if his weight were too high, we should switch, but right now, he needs fattening up ?I should have that problem ?=P

TakYelgif · September 2009

I am more shocked at the skim milk suggestion.

My Pediatrician says whole milk til age five unless the child is obese then 2% never skim.

Honestly since she is still young and needs to gain some weight I would put her back on Whole til 2 then switch to 1% or 2%. At her age I highly doubt she is gonna need any cholesterol medication. Start teaching her good eating habits etc etc.

Oh and I am sure you know this but just because davez family has cholesterol and heart issues doesn't necessarily mean that Ava will.

KellyOsu23 · September 2009

Oh man, shes been doing too many baby Work-out's with Ash

howleyshell · September 2009

I'm 100% with your pedi.

There are a LOT of studies correlating brain development between ages 1-2 with fat intake.

Both our boys got whole milk - and we sprung for organic DHA enriched - specifically due to brain development needs.

We also have a horrid family history of high cholesterol.

And... Dylan was super skinny and tall so I figured he extra fat couldn't hurt. I was hesitant to take him off whole but the pedi did recommend dropping him to 2% at his 3rd yr appt.

Jace is more average and I still didn't hesitate to keep him on whole until age 2.

I'm a believer based on the research I've done. Maybe do some Dr. Googling and see how you feel after you've read a bit?

Mr.&MrsS · September 2009

Our pedi says whole milk until age 2 then 2% after age 2. Though it is a moot point for us since Brady has to drink soy milk.

hannah&ben · September 2009

soccerwife:
My ped practice has the same "policy." DS, who is nearly 5 years old, only weighs 30 lbs (10th percentile for weight). He doesn't drink much milk, but when he does, it's whole milk. My ped said that if his weight were too high, we should switch, but right now, he needs fattening up I should have that problem =P

We have the exact same issue.. a 30 pound (will be in 4 weeks) 5 year old.... on whole milk indefinitely.

I wouldn't worry about Ava's cholesterol at this age unless it's been tested high. Diet isn't as big of a contributor to those numbers as people think... heredity is a much larger factor and her diet now isn't going to make any difference. I would let her have whole milk.

That being said if you just can't make yourself switch... then there are other high calorie food options without the bad cholesterol concern. I have spent a lot of time with the nutritionist for Jack's skinny butt And I'd be happy to share some tips if you'd like

Hannah

madhatter2003 · September 2009

we were told whole until age 2, then 2% until age 5, then skim for the entire family.

DavezWife · September 2009

good lordie, I asked the same thing on the toddler board, and someone wants to turn me into the CPS for child abuse b/c I'm not pouring whole milk down her throat. OK, OK, OK... whole milk. Geesh, she's been getting $6 a gallon organic whole milk since she stopped nursing, she's FINE. flax seed oil, daily vitamin, organic fruits/vegs... this kid eats nice.

I'm glad I"m not only one who thought skim was weird.

Christakim · September 2009

I'm not really sure about the milk thing, but I don't feel like your ped has to be concerned about her weight. Ella dropped from 60%th percentile in weight at her 9 month appointment to 25% and is still in 25th. The ped was very happy with her at her 12 month appointment. I think they base way to much on the curve. I would at this point make a mommy choice and do what's best for you. I was on 1% from age 1 on and I'm fine:)

Mrs.LisaP · September 2009

Mr.&MrsS:
Our pedi says whole milk until age 2 then 2% after age 2. Though it is a moot point for us since Brady has to drink soy milk.

This is what my Pedi said.

irishdo · September 2009

Whole milk til 2. The fat helps with the myelination of the nerve cells in the brain. After 2 most of the myelination has occured so you can drop down in the fat intake. I would not worry too much about the cholesterol unless there is a history of familial hypercholesterolemia (not just high cholesterol as an adult) but diagnosed young with super high...in the 1000s cholesterol. If you are concerned, you can also have them check a cholesterol but she is probably fine.

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Ava's a tall skinny bean ! (Diet discussion inside)

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