97+ Percentile Growth a Problem?

S.,
My son was also one in the high percentile in fact until he was 6 he was in the 120th percentile. He was a premeie and was big at birth. he was 7 1/2 weeks early and was 6.9ozs and 21 inches and by the time he was 6 weeks was 15.15 ozs and 23 inches. He was never overweight either. He now 22 years old and 6 ft 6. Our pediatricians only concern was him growing too fast and his bones and muscles not going at the same rate and possibly causing some problems. We just watched closely and he was fine. He is tall and healthy. Your toddlers growth rate just might be genetic especially if there are tall people in your family tree.

I don't really know much about this other than I think if they were really concerned they would do something now and not a year or so from now. My son was in the 90% and then he went to 50 and then to 25 but the doctor said as long as everything went together he was fine. He is in the 25% but is just as big or pretty close to all other kids his age. I understand your concern and I would just ask how serious they are and what the options are and go from there. What else are you going to do. It can't hurt to get tested if you are really worried. Better to know than worry. But you should try hard not to worry I am sure you would know if something was wrong. You really know best if there is something up. If you think he is normal then he is. Trust yourself.

I'm sorry there are doctors getting you worked up about this. My son has grown at the same rate as your son. At two he was 37 lbs and 37 inches. Now at three (just turned 3 last week), he is 41 lbs and 40 in. Noone has ever said anything to worry me about his growth.
From what I've read on the subject, as long as the height and weight move on the same pattern, there really is no cause for concern. It is worrisome if one variable would stop or slow significantly while the other kept going.
To be perfectly honest, I would go get a second opinion from a doctor outside of that practice if you are still concerned. Good luck with everything :)

I'm sure you are concerned - especially when your doctors tell you they wan to "keep an eye" on your child's development. You didn't mention if you and/or your husband are tall/taller than average.

Here something to think about (and laugh):
My first child grew quickly too. When they told me they wanted to keep an eye on her, I asked why, they said to watch for GIGANTISM! Now my husband and I are both taller than average, so this seemed a bit ridiculous to us. I mentioned this to my pregnant girlfriend (both she and her husband are shorter than average and teased us about being such a tall family), and she laughed. About a year later she told me that at her son's drs appt she was told they wanted to keep an eye on her son because he was shorter than average, when she asked why, they said they wanted to keep an eye on him for DWARFISM!

Now I realize there's a reason to watch kids development and that they are just trying to be conscientious, however they don't seem to realize how they freak us out sometimes.

I think you've been informed to watch him down the line. Keep in mind that the growth charts are AVERAGES...which means that if your family is taller than average, then the "averages" don't apply to you. Also see if you can talk to the Grandmas, maybe you and your husband grew fast too, and then "averaged out" later on.

Trust your intuition! You will KNOW if something is wrong with your child. In the meantime, be happy that you have a strong and healthy child and just enjoy him.

BTW - if anyone comments (rudely) on how big he is, just tell them that your planning a future in the NFL or WWF for him! Have fun.

I hope this made you smile a bit.

My son was off the charts until he was about 3. He's 11 now and has always been perfectly healthy. He is still the tallest in his class and has a big build hes not overweight hes just solid. He's 5 foot 4 and weighs 130, wears a size 9 in mens shoes. He big but doesnt tower the kids in his grade like he did in preschool. I am at work so I dont have his baby book handy but I know at 5mths he weighed 20 lbs and at 1year he was 30lbs. I wouldnt sweat it too much.

Hi S.,
My son was off the charts throughout as well. Only I wasn't tortured with the anxiety that has been your experience (hang in there). All I can do is reassure you, from my experience. My son was in the same percentile - he is fine! Try to reassure yourself: their are no "charts" for "normal" when it comes to development: not academically or physically. I had three children and they all grew up to be "normal" despite the rate in which they all came to develope their motor skills, reading skills, social skills, even puberty. My eldest, who was off the charts, is now 19, in college and a healthy 6'3" boy, who loved to play football all through high school. My daughter, who was within "normal", is much tinier now, and she is 17 (and I wish she had a little more height to her). Just love him up, he will grow into his own.
L.

If you have a gut feeling something is wrong by all means persue it but my son has always been in the 97th percentile. He is 8,healthy and is starting love being bigger than most kids now that he is getting involved in sports. The only real disadvantage especially when he was a little younger, people thought that he was older than he was and expected him to behave for example as a 4 or 5 year old when he was only 2. I am sure his growth will taper off and they other kids will catch up but for know he's enjoying it!

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My oldest was always off the charts since he was born. He was at 100 percentile, sometimes more. He's now 22 years old, and is 6'2 and normal weight. My youngest, who is 11 has also been off the charts since he was born. But they both went through puberty at a young age- I think they started at age 11. I don't know if it was genetics, or the fact that they were on soy formula because they were allergic to milk. (soy formula has been linked to early puberty). I would keep an eye on your child, and have the bone scan done if the doctor recommends it, but I wouldn't worry until you have to. You just have a boy who will likely be tall when he grows up.

My son is now almost 4 and has been in the 99 percentile since he was born. He looks like he is 6 and is bigger than some 6 year olds. It isn't till he opens his mouth and says something like "poop head" that I remember he is not even four yet. I was the same way when i was little. I grew before everyone else and today i am only 5'6". All kids grow at different times. His brother is only at the 40 percentile which is the exact opposite of his brother. Just relax and enjoy your little one.

Are you and/or your husband tall people? i think that would be the first thing to consider. I have a friend who's children are very tall, with the weight to support the height, but she and her husband are very tall. Our doctors always say that if they follow the same growth curve, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. if he's always been big/tall, but continues on the same chart path, he should be ok!

S.,
Get him to a pediatric endocrinologist for testing. Rule out there is nothing wrong first.

I am goign to follow this thread with interest, because my son is almost three, and at his last two appointments was told he was "uh, 100 percentile?? It doesn't label higher than 97". But his weight is closer to 70th. Anyway, our ped. has never said anything about it being a problem. He has his 3 yr appt in a month, so I guess I'll see then.

Good luck -- I hope it's nothing!
T.

when you say those who are concerned, are you talking medical professionals or well meaning friends and family? Our son has been in the 90's for height for his nearly two years. Given that I have three brothers over 6 feet tall (and the "short" one is five-ten), the doctor is not overly concerned. Likewise, my nephew has been the same way and now that he is in kindergarten, the other kids have caught up with him. Same goes for a friend of mine with a tall child (whose husband is six-six).

As long as he is healthy and developmentally on track, I wouldn't worry about it. Like I tell my husband, if our son has five o'clock shadow in kindergarten, then I'll be concerned. :)

Hi S., I agree with the other moms on this. My son turned two a month ago and registered at "around 98th percentile" for height. He's always been tall, and it doesn't seem to be an issue. If I remember right, my ped told me that they are really looking for irregular patterns of growth; that seems to be the main concern. I'm sure your little guy will be just fine, in the mean time enjoy hanging with your tall little man!

My daughter will be be three in a few weeks and she has been off the charts her whole life. Her doctor told me that it was nothing to worry about. She's healthy and not overweight. She's just a big girl. Unless he's overweight I wouldn't worry about it. People comment to me all the time about my daughter's height. Everyone thinks she's four or five not almost three.

My daughter was off the charts from day one. She was born at 10lbs!!! and they had to measure her BIG head 3x because they could not believe how big it was. They told us as long as her weight and height were staying around the same percentile there was nothing to worry about. She's now 16 years old and pretty much average.

My daughter has always been very tall for her age. She is 3 years old and 42 inches. She is taller than some 5 year olds I have seen. My doctor has never been concerned w/her height. I dont think it would hurt to get everything checked out thou.

Hi S.,

I just had to respond to your request. My daughter has been off the charts for height and weight since day one. She was born 3 weeks early, and was still 8lbs 4oz! Both my husband and I are tall, so I never think anything of it. My daughter is now 6 and the tallest kid in her class, and has always been the tallest in her class. I took her to see an orthopedist (sp)? when she was 2 1/2 for a foot problem. (Totally unrelated, she is fine now, she outgrew it just as the Dr. told me)! But he did tell me she was growing fast and will be between 5'11'' and 6'1''. She was born in another state so we have seen a couple different pediatricians, and NONE of them have ever said anything negative about her height or weight. She is not overweight. It's just the way she is. And my son who is 3 is also very tall, and usually 95th percentile or higher. Again, not one Dr. has ever said anyhting about horomones or early puberty. I personally would stick with one peditrician for checkups and not go to the others who suggested horomone treatments. In my opinion, that is just crazy! Your son sounds completely normal to me. Kids grow at different rates, boys are different than girls, and heredity also plays an important role. Your son will love being taller when he is an adult! Sorry to go on and on.....hopes this helps.

I have a son who has also always been tall for his age. He was 37-3/4" at age 2 and 31 lbs. I never thought this was a problem because noone ever said anything to worry me about this including the peds. He is now almost 8 and nearly 5 feet tall and almost 90 lbs. People comment on his size all the time! Some people think he is in middle school when he was just in 2nd grade. I do have recent concerns as of late though because I happened to come across something in a book, and I do plan to bring it up to his ped at his next visit. I guess I always figured that someone has to make up the top percent of the growth chart. What caused you the initial concern? The Drs.? Is your son's language normal for his age? Just curious cause I have taken an interest in my son's tall stature as of late also. Good luck.

My son was almost 9 pounds at birth and I had to have a c-section because his head was too big for me to deliver. He has been at nearly 100% for height and weight since birth. He has always been the tallest or almost tallest in his class every year. His doctor has never mentioned this being a problem as long as he is not overweight. He has grown 3 - 4 inches during each of the last two summers. He just turned 14 and is 6 feet tall, 148 pounds, wears size 13 shoes, and is still growing. He is perfectly fine and healthy in every respect. I am 5'2" and his dad is 5'8" but I have some very tall men in my family. I don't really see why your doctors are so concerned about this for your son unless there is a specific reason they are worried about.

All three of my children started at 9 pounds 7 ounces and all have been either "off the charts" or right near the top. The kids' doctor said as long as height and weight precentages are about the same, there was no worry. My 5 1/2 is currently a head taller than all his classmates at school. If you are still concerned, then by allmeans see the endocrinologist, but look at the well being/heath of the child.

How old is he now?
If he's always been "off the charts" I don't think I'd be worried.
My daughter was a "normal" sized newborn but she got tall really quickly.
She's been 75% and up for weight and she's always been off the chart for height. My doctor has never voiced any concern and says that she's just going to be tall. I asked once because she is so much taller than other girls her age that I know. My doctor said they only worry if there are huge swings in their growth. He said kids come in all sizes and so long as their growth is consistent and they are healthy and doing well that there is no need to worry.
My daughter will be 21 months old this week and is 35.5 inches tall and weighs about 28 pounds.

Patiently wait until the doctors address the issue. Other moms are not experts and when they comment you can act as if it weren't said. You have no responsibility to answer them. They may be insensitive, or trying to help in what they say. Here's a good response, "We are keeping our eye on it."

No advice for you, but my friends 2 yr old is tall and a big boy he wears 4T/5T clothes with a size 10 shoe....compared to my 3yr old who is much shorter than him and in 3T's with a size 8 shoe....just depends on the kid. My friends brother is like 6'6 so he is going to be a big boy thats all.

Hi S.,
My son, now 3, was similar to your son. I worried like hell. But, my son is also heavy. So I spent an entire year with a dietition during h9is 2's controlling his diet. But he is still really tall and a little chubby. Although, he is starting to slim out.

We did go to Dr. Zeller, Pediatric Endocrinologist, in Naperville. He did a lot of blood work and the wrist x-rays (bone-age). In the end, we were told that he is just going to be a big person (6ft 5in or more as an adult). Get your son checked out by a good pediatric endocrinologist. Odds are that he's just going to be a big man, which is a good thing. Maybe my son and your son will be playing professional sports together someday.

But, I know what you are saying about the comments from other people. When my son was 2, he was wearing size 6 clothes. People would say, " My God, he's the biggest 2 year old I've ever seen. What's wrong with him?" Plus, I think people expect the big kids to behave above their age level.

M.

Hi, the one good thing that you have to look at is that the Pediatrician is your babies doctor, so they are looking out for him, so that is good! My son is 18 months old, and he is completely off the charts as well for his weight. He was just 34 lbs., 13 oz. and 34" tall. BUT, he didn't start walking until 16 months, and was 10.7# when he was born, so there are reasons why he is bigger. In reference to the height, I personally thing he is taller then that, but he was squirming and crying, and I don't think they get an EXACT length anyway. Plus my husband and I are tall as well, so I don't worry! Are you and your husband both tall??? My Mom always said they grow when they are sleeping! Maybe he is a good sleeper! ha! I am sure he is just a growing boy, and have faith, and listen to your gut - you are the Mom! BUT of course, listen to the doctors, and I am sure everything will be perfect. The best of luck to you!!!

I would ignore the percentages at this point. I would concentrate on the individual health of your child and find a doctor who will support that goal. If he is staying on his growth curve and is developping at the proper rate for his age, he is fine. If your doctor is pushing for all kinds of specialist testing, make them prove it to you with actual evidence-based information. Personally, I would not subject my toddler all kinds of testing and blood draws on a hunch of a doctor, if he is doing fine in all areas.

Keep him active and feed him a healthy diet. That is all he needs at this point.

Hi S.,

I just want to let you know you are not alone. My son who will be 7 months on the 9th (Monday). When he was born he weighted 9 lbs and 13oz. Now at just about 7 months, he weights 23lbs and is 27 inches long. He wears clothes that are 18 months to 24 months. I am 5'9 and my husband is 6' 3" so he is 98 percentile with everything including his head. His head messured at 18 inches. He is a soild boy. Lots of rolls. I will post a link of my son and you can see how big he is. His cheeks are the big ones you can kiss all day long. His ped, really does not say much because he was born a big baby. I had a c-section a week early. I had a very hard time doing a lot of things and if we would have waited another week, he would have been a 10 pound baby.

I would rather have a big baby then a little one. My friend just had a baby on the 2nd and he weighted 8 pounds. I was kind of scared to hold him. He was just a little guy.

But hang in there, I am sure your little man will be just fine. Here is the link. Check it out and you will find that my little man is big too.

https://www.babiesonline.com/babies/m/matthew1/

Take care,
L.

My sons are 3 & 5 and have ranged from the 95-100 percentiles since they were born... The couldn't be more healthy!!! My ped said at the last checkup they were going to be tall dashing fellows! I'm surprised any ped would be concerned!

I wouldn't worry about it.
My son was always in the 95%+ and still is. He's just a growing boy. His BMI is normal, and it just seems like he'll be super tall one day. Dr. predicted around 6'2". My husband and I are both around 5'8", but tall genes run in our family and my son must of got most of them. :)

you did not mention how long your son was when he was born? also, are you and your husband tall? you can't judge your child based on the others in his age group. my two boys were both always the biggest/tallest in a group setting. People often thought that they were older than they were. all things are relative. If you are really concerned, you should seek out the endocronologist for some type of confirmation. my boys are both healthy and kind of tall! oldest is 19, and 6'4
youngest is 13 and 5'8 and both were in the 95 percentile and higher as young kids. they were 21 1/2 inches and 20 1/2 inches respectfully, when born. hope this info is helpful.

My 2nd child, a girl, has been in the 99th percentile for height and weight since about 9 months. She is getting ready to start Kindergarten in the fall and looks like she should be started 1st or 2nd. Our pediatrician (with Loyola) has never seemed alarmed. Her growth has always followed the growth chart curve. She does not appear overweight, but is definetly as solid girl. She is taking after her taller side of the family. If he is healthy and not taking huge jumps in his growth, my advise is not to worry.

E. mother of 2 girls, 9 1/2 and 5 and a boy 4

As long as he's proportional and developmentally on track, I wouldn't worry.

I was going to be shocked and respond but it looks like everybody has said it all already. Good graciuous, you have a larger than normal boy. No biggie. My son was the same, and now at 7 he is still off on height, but 70% for weight. Your childs growth pattern is fine, so relax and enjoy.

Dear S., My son is now 22 and 6'5". He has finally stopped getting taller. We think he has Marfan's syndrome. It is a connective tissue disorder that allows the bones to elongate. Normal connective tissue holds the joints in check and does not let them elongate.... President Abraham Lincoln had it, that's why he was so tall.
When my son was young, I accidently ran accross a picture of a Marfan's Syndrome boy and was floored, except for the head, it could have been my boy. I looked into it further and found that my son seemed to have most of the clinical traits. When I told the family doc that I thought he had a connective tissue disorder, they poo-poo-ed me. I insisted they check. We went to a pediatrician and he first poo-poo-ed me, too -meaning said stuff like, he probably doesn't, not too many people do. I had made a list of the clinical manifestations and had him check them off. I also copied pages from Cecil's, a medical text book and gave them to him. He referred him to a cardiologist for the final diagnosis. He said I was correct, but I will say, I never had him genetically tested, so I think it could possibly even be another connective tissue disorder, but definately connective tissue.
In addition to height, it can affect their eye lenses -my son's teacher thought he may have been dyslectic as he would read pam for map for example. He also has curvature of the spine, a high roof in his mouth, a protrusion of the sternum (which he has grown into, abnormally flexible joints (he could bend his thumb back to his wrist for one, unexplained stretch marks, flat feet. The symptom he does not have is the cardiovascular one.
I don't know that this is what your son has, but it may help you know a bit about it. My son lives a perfectly normal, healthy, and functional, sucessful life.

My daughter is 3 and has always been off the charts for height, over 97th percentile and her ped thinks it is fabulous, never mentioned a thing. I would not worry at all. My child is always the tallest kid and everyone comments but I was the same way.

Hi - I think you're misunderstanding the meaning of 97% --> it just means that your son is taller and/or weighs more than 97% of the rest of the boys of his age. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with him, just the same as if he were 3%. Somebody has to be the tallest, and somebody has to be the shortest. 50% doesn't mean healthiest, it's just the "average". If your son has been 97%, then you actually would expect him to probably always be at the top of the figures. You'd actually have more of a problem if he had been 97, and then suddenly stopped growing & dropped down significantly at his next visit.

I hope this helps. As long as he's eating and sleeping well, and hitting all of his other developmental milestones, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Enjoy your baby!

My daughter has been off the charts for a long time for height(she's now 4). I have a lot of confidence in our pediatrician, and she hasn't mentioned doing any extra tests. Her growth has been very consistent; I think it would be a red flag if it were otherwise. I also grew very fast when I was young and tapered off. I think premature puberty has other symptoms than early growth, but it's worth getting yourself educated.

My son was also off the charts & people always commented I had a future quarterback. At 22 years he is a fairly big guy~5'11" & 230 lbs. He wrestled in high school & ran to control his weight.
I suspect doctors 'worry' about not doing enough early intervention for legitimate problems. But that is their job~to look for what might be WRONG.

I know this is 2nd/3rd hand, but several of my nieces and nephews have been 'off the charts' big through childhood. I don't know if any testing was ever done, but I do know no therapies were needed and they are completely normal. One nephew is 14 now and 6'1" and 180 lbs :) but completely healthy. So, I don't know what to say about the testing, but it is possible that there's nothing wrong, just a big kid!

Hi S.,
Keep up with whatever the doctors tell you to do, but...

My sister had a little guy who was enormous, at 3 months he had 2T clothes because he was so big around! Everyone was very concerned. By age 3 he was a little chubby...at age 12 he is a tall slender basketball star that everyone is always trying to convince to eat more. So keep an eye on it like the doctors said, but know that it's not unheard of and that there will likely be a happy ending!

Is it hereditary? Were you or your husband big babies/toddlers? My son was 10 lbs at birth - was off the charts until about 3, then he remained off-the-charts in height and crept to less than 40% in weight, even though he ate everything in sight-very long and lanky. My son has my shape and metabolism (I only wish I still had that metabolism!) I was concerned but my dr. reassured me they change so quickly. Now he's ten and all the boys in the neighborhood are about the same height/weight. If you really are concerned, follow up with an endocrinologist to ease your mind. For my son's first year, all the different dr.'s in the pediatric group, examined my son; After the first year, we ONLY went to ONE dr. in our pediatric practice for check ups (unless it was a cold, etc...) because I wanted the Dr. to get to know my son well and I trust him so much. Good luck!

My son has been off the charts for height since birth as well. My doctor said it was nothing to worry about because the percentiles were all staying pretty consistant as he grew. For example he's always off the charts for hieght, kind of high for weight and around the 50th percentile for head diameter. It's not like he's going from off the charts to below average or something drastic, that would be a cause for concern. I was also told that It doesn't necesarilly have to do with how tall he will be when he's older. It could just be an early growth spurt.

If your doctors are keeping an eye on it or aren't too concerned I would trust them. They see LOTS of kids all the time and should know what's normal and what to look out for. On the other hand, you know your kid the best and it doesn't hurt to check into it further. You could always seek out a second opinion somewhere else too. Good luck!

How tall/big is yours and fathers family? That has a lot to do with it. My daughter has always been in the top % as well but my side of the family is very tall so the doctors all said she is normal. If he were literally way above normal than i would worry, but he is still on the charts so don't worry too much about it.

I just want to say that I TOTALLY agree with JENNIFER I. The charts are there is seems to make us crazy sometimes. People get nervous when their children are low, or too high. But every child is DIFFERENT. The important thing is for babies to stay on the same curve.
Just enjoy your little one!!! He is probably going to be a very tall handsome man :)

Hi

It isn't like you haven't already read this....but those charts are a gauge to monitor your child's growth. Something for the doctors to use to watch their growth patterns. My now 13 yr old born 9 lb and 21 inches full term, has always been tall and lean for her age never below the 95 percentile. I would ask the doctors and dietitians is this ok, she always seemed thin for her height. They would tell me no she is perfectly proportionate it is no concern. All the charts mean is that out of 100 kids your child will be taller than 97 of them. My daughter is now 5ft 10in and slender, I am 5ft 5in and rather round, I would prefer her body over mine any day. Aside from the occasional growing pain she has had no problems. My dad and his brother both topped 6ft and there are many tall women on my dad's side of the family, my mom's side they are all short 5ft and shorter. My daughter takes after the taller of us, not to mention her dad's side has some pretty tall people in it too. Take a look at the people in your family. By all means look into your concerns but also know that it may be nothing but your child's genes, predisposed to be tall. Good luck to you and your family in search of your answers.

I have two girls - 3 years and 10 months. Both were born over 9 lbs and have been "off the charts" since day one. My doctor's consistent input has been yes, watch it, but don't worry about it either. His prevailing advice has been that because they are proportional - that is, height and weight match - it probably just means they will be "bigger" adults. Not "fat," but tall, big boned, strong. Of coures, good nutrition is especially important. We have a family history of overactive thyroid, which can cause excessive weight gain, so I do watch the girls closely. Strangely enough, the last doc's appt. I had, one month ago, the girls had both come back onto the charts and were solidly in the 75th percentile. This is for kids who were literally OFF the charts six months ago. So, that's my two cents. Watch the food your feeding, be aware, but don't worry!
Good luck.

My 6 year old is off the chart...born @ 9lbs 1oz and 22 inches long; he is just a big boy. He wears a size 3 shoe and size 8 in pants and shirt...he actually fits some size 10 shirts. He is currently 53 inches tall and weighing 72lbs. Just for perspective I am 5'2" (62 inches) and I'm not tellin my weight but just say I'm rounder than I should be. My husband is the short one of his brothers and cousins at 6'0". The lesson I have learned from this one is kids are different from each other and everyone has an opinion. Bone scan in 12 months...he could be 75th percentile by then. Just love him for the perfect person he is and try not to worry about things 12 months from now. Happy Thursday!

C.

I don't see it as a problem, My son was 36.5 inches at his 2 year appointment, the nurse just said that it looks like he will be over 6 foot tall when he is done growing. I really wouldn't worry about it, all children are different and grow at all different times. He may stop for a while and all the other kids his age will speed up. Good Luck.

Hi S.,
My daughter was 22 inches and 7#14oz at birth. she has been off the chart for height since then. She just turned 3 and she is 42" and looks 4 1/2. I have never had my ped. mention a concern. He is a developmental specialist.
My 9 week son is 24 " and 13#11.5oz and they haven't mentioned anything either.
We are both tall 5'11" and my husband 6'5".
hope that helps!