Daughter Is in 3Rd Percentile for Weight

Your ped's right. As long as she's staying on her own personal curve, she's fine. After all, if they're going to have percentiles, someone has to be in each one, whether it's the 3rd or the 50th or the 97th. The 50th percentile is just where most kids are. As long as she's growing as she should be, it doesn't matter if she's on the petite side.

Please don't worry. As long as she continues to grow and is healthy. AT age 1 my son was in the 7th percenticle for height and weight for over a year, but he continued to grow on that curve. He is now 11 and is average compared to all the kids in his class. Some kids just will grow at different rates.
Good luck!!!

What percentile is she for height? If a child is in the 3rd percentile for weight but is also not a tall child, there is really no need for concern. If the weight/height percentiles are very discoordinate, I'm sure the pediatrician (or you) would be looking into it with more relevance to her development and nutritional status. But (as another mom aptly noted) if you are not a large person and she is not either, you can relax about it. Good news!

All that means is that there are only 3 percent of kids who have been surveyed that weigh less than your daughter. It doesn't mean she's abnormal, just on the small side. Look, if she's developing normally, there's nothing to worry about. Don't be miserable until you have to be. Enjoy the fact that she's not overweight and at risk for diabetes. Let her enjoy her good genes.

If she is healthy then I think she should be fine.

What's your race? I think race plays a roll in weight difference too.
I'm Asian and My hubby is white. My younger daughter is 30lbs and she is 3 and 1/2 years old. She has always been under 10 percentile.(My other kids are not as thin as her though).

My daughter was always in the <5% for both height and weight. She's 3 yrs old now and is still 3% for height and 6% for weight. So she is small for her age, but she's the most active and intelligent kid there is. So active people compare her to little boys. And because she's so small people are a little shocked when she has intelligent conversations with them because they think she's younger than she really is.

If your doctor isn't concerned, I wouldn't worry.

Shouldn't feel unsure at all. My older son since he got rid of his "baby fat" has always been very slender. He kinda goes through growth spurts where he will sprout of really fast and then get very slender. He doesn't eat junk food, just good healthy food. He eats plenty too. Our pediatrician said he was slender but nothing to worry about as long as he is healthy and has a good appetite.

I am sure your daughter will be fine. I look at so many kids at our sons school and am thankful that mine is slender. It is really sad how obese a good many children are these days. As long as your ped says she is doing fine and she still is eating and staying active, I wouldn't worry.

My son is almost 11 now and is still very slender but healthy. We have heighth and slender people on both sides of our family so it is a good thing.

Just watch her and as long as she is happy, eating and growing the way she should, I am sure she is fine.

My oldest daughter as a baby was up in the 70's. As she grew she went down on the scale for weight. She now has always been in the 5% range. She moves up at her own scale-always at the 5% range and her pediatrician was never worried. He told me one time-I am not worried about her, as long as she stays on her own curve she is fine. So as long as your daughter is staying on that curve she should be fine. My daughter is still that way. My husband growing up was always really thin too. So genetics I guess.

as long as she continues on the growth chart at the 3rd percentile (or goes up) you are fine. if she drops below or doesn't gain, then start to worry

don't be insecure. If the Pediatrician isn't alarmed then shouldn't be either. They all grow at different rates. As long as she is eating and keeping it down thats good.

Don't worry. As long as your daughter is healthy and is continuing to grow, she's fine. My daughter was and still is off the charts, she didn't even make the 3rd percentile when she was 1 as she weighed 15lbs. She is a very petite 4 years old and is 29 lbs with clothes and shoes on. Her sister on the other hand is 2 years old and is 28 lbs. They have completely different body types, are on opposite ends of the charts and are both healthy, happy kids.

Hi,
My Daughter is 3 years old and weighs 23 pounds. She was born at 6.6 pounds and just stayed small. She is not even on the graph (like -3%). I stressed about it a lot the first year but she now is growing and keeping her own graph. She is a healthly happy child and I have stopped stessing. I was a late bloomer and I am sure she will diet one day just as I have. Good Luck.

I think you have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to worry about! :) I have a friend who's daughter has NEVER even made it onto the chart! And she was losing weight for a while even. Now she is growing on a curve and getting closer to the chart so they are happy about that but she is perfectly healthy, just little! :) I can imagine though why you're stressed but I really think you have nothing to worry about. Good luck, hope this helped. S.

My daughter was always off the bottom of the chart. She didn't even rank. The first time she was on the chart was on her three-year visit. She hit 5 percent for height and everyone cheered. Her weight was still off the bottom. She is now six and is doing perfectly fine. She is about average for height and still petite and skinny. All her pants are slims. She is healthy and happy. Everyone is different. If the doctors aren't concerned, don't be.

Hello, My Daughter has always been low in regards to her weight but high in height. She is 32 months and can easily fit into 12m clothing ( though it may run too short). Most 12 month olds outweigh her. She is strong, healthy and above far average in almost all of the development stages.

Early on I would stress about her weight but I see now that it is just her. She is perfectly petite.

Count your blessings, if she is anything like my daughter you will find that it is ok to splurge on great clothing as it fits for so much longer.

I would not even go there. It is nothing to even concern yourself with. I never even got the percentiles for my second child. Forget about it!!!!

Yeah for skinny kids! My son is 2.5 yrs old, 25 lbs & a little over 3 ft tall - he has ALWAYS been in the 5th percentile or so for his weight. It's just the way his little body is going to be for probably some time. He eats well, talks ups a storm, loves doing puzzles, a very social kid. I am so thankful for pediatricians these days as there has never been one to criticize his slow weight gain - that for sure would have made me a nervous wreck for absolutely no reason!!

I also have a friend who's daughter is petite in every way & is the same age as my son - she's maybe 22 lbs & about 5 inches shorter than him, but developmentally she's right where she needs to be. What would be the point in "trying" put weight on either of our kids?? And HOW would we be able to do that?

Just love & accept your daughter's body type - it is MUCH easier to have to pick up a 20 lb wiggly, squirmy toddler when you're in a pinch than a 35 lb one!!

SH,

As long as your daughter is growing along her own curve and isn't losing any weight, don't worry! The growth curve chart is just averages and estimates. Every baby is different. I know some parents whose children aren't even on the growth chart--the pediatrician just set up their own chart and judges how they are doing based on that. I think your daughter is doing just fine! If it would put your mind at ease, get a second opinion from another pediatrician or see a nutritionist to help increase her calories...

M.

My son has been in the 15th percentile pretty steadily. He is on the small side (my husband and I are both pretty short) but has developed all the things you'd like and is very smart.

I wouldn't worry about it as long as she stays on the percentile curve. We were concerned when he got sick and didn't gain more than a few ounces from 6 to 9 mos. I added some more calorie intense foods and he went back to his percentile. No long term health effects.

As long as she is healthy don't worry, she will probably just be small. My girl is in the 2nd percentile and my son is around the 5th I think. They are both healthy and growing at their own pace. I live in England and none of the doctors or midwives have been at all concerned. I was in the 3rd percentile as well and have ended up fine, just short (5'3"). Hopefully all the responses will have put your mind at ease.

Cheers,
C.

When we lived in the US my daughter was born in the 50th percentile on the American charts. She slowly went up in weight but down in percentiles. When we left the US (she was 3.5 years old), she was in 5th percentile. But she always gained weight, slept well, excelled in physical activity, loved school, etc. Now we live in Asia and according to the US charts she is still in 5th percentile and for Asian charts she is in 12th percentile. But she is doing well on an overall basis so I don't worry. I'd follow your doctor's lead. As long as she's gaining and hitting milestones, don't stress is my opinion.

No! My middle child was in the 5th percentile for her weight. She was always very active, running and playing all the time. She played soccer from first to nith grade. She has been lucky. She has never had to deal with dieting. Her prom dress was a size 0. Her wedding dress was a size 1. After 2 children she still wears size one. She is a happy healthy mother of two. As long as your daughter eats well and is health do not stress over a low percentile for her weight, count it as a blessing. She may just have a very high metabolism.
Grandmother of 7,
Jeannnie

P.S.
My other two girls were in the 90th percentile and have fought their weight all of their lives. The oldest still does, the youngest has fibromyalgia and her medication has helped with her weight.

Hi
Congratulations on your baby! Our daughter is also petite. She was 6 lbs 8 ounces and we had lots of nursing/weight gain issues at first. I was VERY worried about her size but our dr. said as long as she continues on the curve, which she has, then she's fine. Don't worry (easier said then done)--she's 13 months now and still only in the 7-10th percentile!
Good luck!

The main thing is that she stays on the curve and continues to gain weight that is the purpose of the chart not to compare to others. My mom always tells me how I was tiny and in the 5th percentile now I am average height and weight I wouldn't worry about it too much.
C.

My daughters pediatrician always says that it's a national average so take into consideration how other parts of the country are as well. They are all just numbers!
Best of luck,
C.

Both of my daughters were in the 3rd percentile for acouple of years.....for my oldest, I made sure I had plenty of high caloric foods for her to snack on sa well as healthy choices too...her nutritionist said that was good to do but to make sure there was more healthy intake...I also supplimented in thier milk too.

For the baby....I constantly had a bottle at that babies beck and call...and the nutritioninst had me put a little more powdered formula in bottle than what most babies would get..I think it was an extra scoop.

Dont worry your baby will catch up..though she may be on the small and petite side.....when my girls hit the 5%...I was overjoyed!.......and now that they are 3 and 5 they are in the 75% and up...which is really shocking to hear when all you hear it at 3% or a little under it.

You might want to look into a nutritionist.

My daughter was below the curve for many months. Now, at 18 months she is above the 50th percentile, walks, runs, climbs jumps and eats like crazy. I can understand your concern, but it really does all even out in the end as long as she is growing.
Good luck.
B.

My daughter is the same way and she is three years old. The doctors can't even put her on a chart for her weight because of how petite she is. They say is healthy and growing beautifully and there is nothing to worry about. Just to be safe we tested her for everything that could cause her to be underweight but all were negative. So don't worry, it could just the way she is!

My daughter is almost 6 years old and from infancy through toddlerhood she was *negative* 5th percentile. Our pediatrician had us bring her in for weighing every month, and it took 1.5 years for the pediatrician to note that I am just under 5 feet tall and perhaps there's a genetic component.... Anyways she is active, healthy, sharp as a whip, and petite. At some point she'll even notice it. But we long ago stopped worrying about it.

Look at health - physical, activity-wise, and mental - and lose our society's preoccupation with weight!

Hi there,
My son is 21mon and is in the 5 percentile for weight. This of course is crazy for my husband and I to believe because our 3 1/2 year old was always in the 90 percentile. We were told the exact same thing with our little one. Growing fine, not worried, just a smaller guy. We have just accepted he is littler. If the doctor isnt worried and they are getting enough nutrition, then I am sure they are fine. The only thing I get nervous about it when the 21mon old gets sick. He was recently and didnt want anything to eat. He cannot afford to have nothing in his belly as he has no reserves. We were told we could give him Carnation Instant Breakfast mixed with his whole milk (I dont know how old your daughter is). This keeps some of the calories up.
I am sure your daughter is fine. We all come in different shapes and sizes. I bet she is beautiful.

Hello! My son has always been the same way. He is now 2 1/2 and he's followed this pattern pretty much since birth fluctuating between the 1st and 5th percent for weight his whole life. He has always been on the small side, but he is perfectly healthy and developmentally on track and even somewhat advanced in his verbal skills. Our pediatrician has always reassured me that his growth pattern is perfectly normal. I would try not to worry about your daughter's petite frame. Kids come in all different sizes and as long as her doctor is not concerned, I wouldn't stress about it.

My son was in the low percentiles for weight and average or a little below for height until age 3. Now at 4 he is in the upper 80% range for weight and height. He ate like a pig and caught up with his peers.
Don't worry unless she stops growing.
;)

My daughter (now 5 years old) has always been in the 50th percentile for weight, 97th for height. She was the same as your daughter...kept growing, but didn't increase in weight all that much. Her pediatrician said to give her whole milk, or, mix it with half and half when she turned one year old. Is she eating consistently and sleeping enough? If so and your ped. is ok with it, I wouldn't worry too much. My daughter is full of energy and eats like a horse, still doesn't gain much weight...but is perfectly healthy. Hope this helps,
G.

If you are really worried ask your pediatrician if he/she would do a blood test for things such as anemia, thyroid disorder, celiac, Type I diabetes that might cause an unusually low weight or lack of wieght gain. My youngest was in the 3rd - 5th percentile for weight but at 9 months dropped off the chart and then continued down and it turns out she has celiac and was anemic. However my 6 year old dd has always been thin and has been below the 10th percentile for weight even though she is above the 75th for height. Search for the World Health Organizaitons growth charts. They are a little different and they have one that compares wieght to height that is a bigger determination of health. Also consider you and your husband's size now and as children. Our doctor was more concerned about our daughter beacuse she was smaller than our other three children and my husband is 6'4" and 200 pounds and I am 5'3" and not skinny.

As long as there is weight gain and all other signs are that she's progressing normally, I wouldn't worry about it. My son for a very long time was below the 5th percentile in weight but high on the charts in height. To this day, as an 18 year old, he is tall and thin (not overly thin, it's just his build).

I'm sure everything is fine as long as you and your doctor are monitoring the development pattern. Enjoy being a Mom!

J. F.

Hello : My first daughter was tiny her entire childhood. When she was 4 she was just starting to wear 3 toddler. I can say that she has grown into a beautiful young woman with very few health issues. So if the doctor is not worried then relax and just enjoy your little one. Good Luck on the roller coaster ride of motherhood. Nanaglenda

My son is now 20 months and has been in the very low percentile for weight. He was above average at birth and through 3 months, but then he got really long (his dad and grand dad are very tall - and very lean) So he is 95th for height and 10th for weight. Look at your daughter's genetics. Are you and your family small people? Is your husband small or his family? If she is growing and developing, I wouldn't worry. You didn't mention how old your daughter is. If she's a toddler, she'll be burning a lot of calories because she's more active than when she was an infant and didn't move around as much. I make sure my child gets lots of avocados and takes fish oil (make sure no allergy first) to get good fats. I cook with olive oil. And he eats really well. So I have to accept that he is genetically like my husband and me (I am smaller and was very skinny too) I think those percentiles are based on formula fed babies and breast fed babies can be leaner ( but not always)

How old is your daughter? My daughter was in the 5th percentile until she was about 4-5 months old, but she was spitting up all the time. Is she doing anything abnormally.... not eating a lot, spitting up all the time, etc? If so, my daughter was put on a liquid form of prilosec to help with the spitting up issue. She finally got into the 10th percentile when she was 1. It does take lots of time and patience. As long as the pediatrician isn't concerned, then I would try not to be either. She is finally in the 50th percentile and she's now almost 2 1/2.

My younger son (who is now 15) has always been in the 10th percentile with weight. Our pediatrician was never really that concerned. He grew and matured. He is still on the slight side, but now he is tall and lanky. I think it is just his body type. My uncles were all built the same way.
Regards