Worried about DD's weight

honeybee111 · February 2013

I have had eating issues in the past, so I always try to be extra careful about setting a good example about eating. DD was average at birth - right at 7 lbs. She was BF'd, and was in the 90th percentile for height/weight until about 9 months. Then, her weight dropped to 60's and height to 80's. We just went to the pedi for DD's 3 year appt., and now I'm all stressed out about it again. She came in the 80th percentile for height and weight and the Dr. seemed concerned. She questioned me about DD's eating habits - we're not 100% perfect, but we do make sure DD eats a balanced diet. She has a protein, fruit, and whole grain for breakfast. She has protein, fruit/veggie, and carb for lunch. And protein, veggie, and carb for dinner. She will have fruit for a morning snack, and some cheese for afternoon snack. We don't give her juice, rarely have dessert, she drinks 2% milk. We do go out to eat once a week, but I try to make sure she eats something healthy off the menu. We're lucky in that DD is not picky at all, so we've never had issues where she won't eat her veggies or anything like that. She is super active - runs around at preschool every day, and gets about 30 min. of TV a day while I'm cooking dinner. Sometimes, she can eat more than me, but other times she barely eats. DH was wondering if we need to limit the amount of food she eats. I really don't know what to think. From my own history, I was a big kid up until I was 10, and then I just got taller. I was done growing by the time I was 12, and even though I always heard comments about what I big girl I was, as an adult, I'm 5'5" and 120 lbs(when I'm not pregnant). DH is not big either, so maybe DD will have the same growing pattern as I did? I just don't want to give her a complex about food or eating the way I did when I was younger. I realize I also may be reading into the dr's comments, because I'm sensitive about food/eating in general. I guess I'm just wondering and second guessing myself if we need to change DD's eating habits.

AmericanInOz · February 2013

I wouldn't worry - for goodness sake she's only 80th percentile and the doctor is worried?

I definitely wouldn't limit how much she eats - that's not setting up healthy eating habits. better to fill her up with healthy stuff

sounds like she's already a good eater - I think maybe you should just look into a breakdown of what she's eating in a day with a nutritionist (or google toddler food pyramids)

like I only do 2 portions of protein a day, and 2 portions of fruit (as there's a lot of natural sugar in fruit - it's good for them yes, but too much isn't a good thing either), unlimited veg & quite a few servings of healthy carbs

otherwise I think you need to tell your pedi to chill out - if she's active and eating healthy then I really don't think there's need for concern!!!

XCrissCrossX · February 2013

Sounds like she eats fine. And maybe at her previous appointment she was going through a growth spurt. Or maybe now she's packing on pounds to get ready for a growth spurt. I wouldn't worry about it at this point.

My only suggest is to a) not let her drink more than 16-24 oz of milk a day and b) maybe switch her to 1%

Angela814 · February 2013

fredalina:
She's 80 percent height AND weight? She's perfect. I think you may have read too much into the doctor's comments. Can you email them or call and ask? It would be different if she were 80 percent weight and 40 percent height, but she's totally proportionate at this point. I really don't think you need to worry AT ALL based on what you posted.

I agree. DD2 is 90th for both height and weight and looks perfectly normal to me. DD1 is 99th for height and 75th for weight and a super skinny thing.

TiffanyBerry · February 2013

I'm not sure why the doctor (or you) would be worried about this. She's stayed on the high side of the charts (with the exception of one dip) for a very long time. She sounds like she's doing great.

kcisthebombdotcom · February 2013

I would find a new pedi since yours is clearly an idiot. Your child is height/weight proportionate. How is that a problem?

You absolutely should not limit food to a child. That wouldnt be the strategy even if she were technically overweight.

ASmallWonder · February 2013

fredalina:
She's 80 percent height AND weight? She's perfect. I think you may have read too much into the doctor's comments. Can you email them or call and ask? It would be different if she were 80 percent weight and 40 percent height, but she's totally proportionate at this point. I really don't think you need to worry AT ALL based on what you posted.

This. 80/80 means she taller and taller means weighing more than a short kid (usually!) She's not short so that also means she's not overweight. It's when there's a big difference in the height/weight percentages that you might get a little concerned.

nitsa11 · February 2013

I wouldn't worry... I have twin girls (3yo) and one is about 80/80 and the other is about 60/60... they're very proportionate. It's just that they're tall so of course they weight more. My girls are highly active, we limit sweets, try to feed balanced meals as well. Some kids are just bigger than others. My one daughter was off the charts for a little while on both height and weight. the dr wasn't concerned since was was proportionate.

SaranJonathan · February 2013

What percentile is she BMI for age. Thats what your doctor should be looking at. From what your saying I would suggest the following change:

Allow 12 ounces of skim milk daily. That is 3 servings (what she needs) for a toddler. If she eats a piece of cheese then decrease by 4 ounces. That could help. The rest of her drinks should be water.

Not sure what her serving sizes are? Toddlers serving size is 1/2 of ours.

I would watch overall processed foods (crackers, granola bars, etc) and give her fruit for snacks. She should fill up pretty quickly on an apple or handful of grapes.

Good luck!

SaranJonathan · February 2013

I should have also mentioned see if you can get a referal for a PEDIATRIC dietitian. Please don't see an adult dietitian they do not have the same training. One that is best carries CSP (certified specialist in pediatric nutrition) in her title.

ncbelle · February 2013

I think you are reading too much into it. Some kid has to be on the high end of the chart just like someone has to be on the low end. Her percentiles for height and weight are the same -meaning she's proportionate. Worry not

And if you are, just make sure you offer healthy choices and allow plenty of physical activity.