Hey Mommies,
My son is 6- will be 7 in July and only weighs 38lbs. He was to the Dr about 4 or 5 months ago and weighed 45 which put him in the 5% the Dr didn't seem concerned- just said he is on the small side. My concern is that now he has lost weight instead of gaining. He is super active- rarely sits still and goes all the time so I know he burns alot of calories. He also hates to sit and eat- he isn't picky just eats really slow and half way through always says "can I be done" but I make him finish what is on his plate. I don't know if I should just feed him more and wait and see or if I should be concerned and take him to the Dr. Any suggestions??
You should get some Pedisure, it's like Ensure but for kids. It tastes good and have vitamins and calories that will help. My grandson is on the small side and had the same problems. He is now outgrowing it hopefully your son will too. Good luck!
I would try the 6 meal a day plan with him. Smaller meals and more often. Also feed him foods higher in protein (sp) and calories. More yogurt, pasta, etc. and see if that helps some. A normal breakfast when he is home and a mid-morning snack of yogurt and a cereal bar or granola bar. A normal lunch and a mid-afternoon snack of fruit and cottage cheese or 1/2 a peanut butter sandwich. A normal dinner and then a bedtime snack of maybe ice cream, or popcorn and another piece of fruit or trail mix.
If this doesn't seem to help in a few weeks I would definitely be talking to my physician again.
I'd definitely take him for a checkup. See if they'll send you to a developmental pediatrician to rule out other issues as well. Pediasure is great for adding calories to the day. My son's been drinking it since he was 14 months, and he's 9 now. Have more high calorie foods around for meals and snacking. I don't really think it's a good idea to force him to clean his plate cause it could make him not want to eat...might just want a bite or two instead of the entire plate. Or it could make him obsessive about how much food he eats. If they find absolutely nothing wrong, don't worry about. My son had tons of tests and in the end the dr. said that if they were going to be off the charts better to have it be on the low end for weight...he also said they seldom get any underweight anymore...so many are overweight. And don't fret over the weight. My son is 9 1/2 and is only 45 pounds right now. Good luck!
well, K.,I believe in listening to our guts. I had a 7 yr old that was only 48lbs and full of energy, but I did not likey that she was so thin and lost weight over a period of 3 months, I demanded some testing. Within a day of blood work we were at Riley and she had been diagnosed with graves Disease (thyroid issue) she is now healthy and doing fine at age 12 and weighing 135 and almost 5'8"
Not saying it could happen to your son, but please listen to your gut,and make sure it isn't anything medical.
Hi K.,
It sounds as though the only thing your boy does slowly is eat! I'll bet that he is a ton of fun.
I agree with Rebecca on this. You need to rule out a thyroid problem before you do anything else. If there is no problem, then you can start with the supplemental calories, so that he has some extra to burn.
Take care,
D.
Pedisure! Carnation instant breakfast w/ honey! Ice Cream with honey added but tell him he has to eat all of his foods then mom - give him smaller portions. It works!
Adjust his diet to include foods that carry higher calories...good calories! Good multi and a C. Ask the Doc. for blood work. Go from there...watch...look at grades and energy level too.
Blessings....
ps. Do not alarm child. Be honest about changes..reassure child that sports, activity and school means that "great" eating is good..."fun Food" for treats and rewards can be at a minimum.
Dear K., As a parent with a diabetic child, please have your peds doctor test for diabeties. Weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination are some signs of diabeties. It does not have to be passed down in the family. Our son was high energy also. In the spring he got the flu, along with everyone else. He didnt get better, he had diabeties. Keep out with your mother's sharp eyes. :)
In addition to blood work to rule out a thyroid problem, you might inquire about celiac disease/gluten intolerance. It is my understanding that this can be difficult to diagnose, but can sometimes explain failure to gain weight or unexpected weight loss. I had a student who was diagnosed the year she was in my first grade class - she was so tiny! While naturally a smaller kid to begin with, the celiac was keeping her from growing.
Good luck - it sounds like you have a wonderfully active child on your hands! I also agree with the commenter whose doctor said better to be underweight than over!
