Low Percentile

I wouldn't worry about the weight percentile your daughter is in. My ped has told me that the only time they worry is if the children are not registering on the charts or if they are not consistantly growing. As long as she contines to grow and reach developmental milestones you have nothing to worry about. She may just be a petite person, or she may catch up later.

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I would just give her things high in fat like the whole milk, you can always try the pedisure drinks, got all the nutrients and vitamins she will need. Nothing wrong with petite as long as she is gaining weight and is healthy. If she stops when she is full and getting what she needs, I dont think there is anything to be worried about. I would only worry if she is losing weight and not gaining.

You are doing great, she sounds like she is doing great also.

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I just happened to be sitting here as your request came across...Ignore the percentiles! I swear they are just guilt meters devised to make us feel inadequate as parents!! My first (daughter) has been off the charts as far as height and head but average for weight. My second however (son) has been slightly above for height and head but in between the 10-20% for weight, even down to the 8% at one point. I spent the first year of his life worrying, fretting and trying to feed him more than he wanted, whole milk at 12 mos. etc. Not only did none of it work but it just added to my stress. My ped has always said not to worry. As long as he's healthy, gaining - not losing - and meeting his milestones he'll be just fine. He's now just over 2.5 yrs, has always been "under weight", is full of energy (boys!), has met or surpassed all developmental milestones and has rarely been sick. He eats when he's hungry and doesn't when he's not. We make sure to feed him all nutritionally balanced meals/snacks and have given up trying to get him to a certain "percentile". My third seems to be on the same track as him so I'm glad to know now what I wished to have known then - they're all different. A baby that was above average everything for the first 2+ years can end up being a 5'4" bean pole, they all grow up differently - some early on, some as teenagers. Soooo.... Relax. She's fine. You're doing a great job. Enjoy the moments without the worry. And as we all know, better to be a bit under than a bit over!

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I wouldn't worry about percentiles, either. Emme (who is almost 2.5) JUST NOW got into the 10th for her weight and has always been in the 95th for her height. Tall and skinny. The doctors aren't worried about so neither am I. I do get concerned with how much she eats (she's nonstop) but that's another story. Just make sure you're feeding her as healthy as you can. That's about all you can do! :)

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I wouldn't worry about it. It sounds likes she's thriving in every other way. Some kids are just smaller than others. Some doctors have an issue with weight. My now 17 year old son was always on the low scale. The doctor pushed me and pushed me to get him to eat more. I believe that created a whole new problem. He's a healthy cross country and track runner now who literally eats me out of house and home. He's close to six feet tall, but he is still slender. That's just the way he was intended to be. I let the doctor worry me sick about his weight when he was a baby. Don't let your doctor to that to you.
rlancast

My daughter is 14 months old and at her 12 month appointment...well all of her appointments she was only 1% in her weight. Dr said because she is growing she's fine. She isn't being deprived by any means. She's just petite. She eats a ton and sometimes we have to cut her off b/c she eats so much.
As long as she's eating she will be fine.

If she has been consistantly growing in that 20-25th percentile, I wouldn't worry. If she started off, say, in the 50th percentile and has been gradually declining in percentiles, that would be a greater cause for concern. I too give my youngest Pediasure (and am glad to hear there's a cheaper equivalent) with good results. If you choose to give that to your daughter, offer it as a between-meal supplement; you want to make sure she's filling up on "real food" at meal time.

As long as your daughter is growing along the same curve, there really isn't anything to worry about. My son, who is now 3, has until his 3 year check-up been in the 15-25th percentile for weight but about the 75th percentile for height. I was a bit worried, too, but his pediatrician simply said that as long as he remained constant, there's nothing to worry about. If, however, for some reason she takes a nosedive in her weight percentile (or dramatically increases her weight percentile), then there may be cause for concern. Otherwise, as long as she's eating and you're offering her foods with the nutrients she needs, she'll be just fine. And you definitely can't force them to eat, so if she's eating until she's full, there's nothing more you can ask for.

D.

You can give her a vitamin suppliment. I'm sure that she is getting enough, but if it will put your mind at ease, it won't hurt her, can only help. You can buy good ones over the counter, or ask your Dr to recommend one.

K S,

I just wanted to tell you DONT worry. My son was always off the charts with his size, but when I had my daughter 3yrs ago she was normal born but then has been extremely petite since. Just like you she was in the low 5-10% on height but she didnt register on the weight charts till she was almost 2!! She was healthy and ate well so I was told not to worry. To make myself feel better I did give her the pediasure to make sure she got all of the nutrients that she needed.

I would not worry at all, kids come in all different shapes and sizes just like adults 8) Good luck and God Bless

I just wanted to echo that I don't think this is a problem. All kids are different. Being small isn't a bad thing. My daughter is < 10 percentile in height ~20-25 in weight, but is perfect!
:->

could you ask her doctor about vitamins? It wouldn't necessarily help with her weight, but would ensure she is getting enough vitamins and minerals. Sounds like she is getting enough of the good fats--does she like avocado's? Those are a great source of healthy fat. As long as she is eating until she is full and has a diet full of good fats, protein, fruits and vegetables, and grains, etc, I"m sure she'll be fine. Always good to keep checking with the doctor though.

As long as her growth curve continues to go up she's fine. There is nothing wrong with her being in the lower percentiles for her age. My son has always been in the 5-10% for weight and 75-80% for height. He's long and skinny but otherwise healthy and developing fine. Your daughter will eat when she's hungry and stop when she's not. If you're really worried about nutrition give her pediasure or a vitamin.

Are you or her dad naturally slender? My kids were 10 percentile when they were little and I did not worry as they were healthy. If she does not have any health problems, do not worry about how much she eats. She will eat when she is hungry. One way to spoil a kid's appetite is to have food chase after her all day. SHE should be the one to chase the food. My kids are still slender and tall (6' and over) and they are healthy. Most of us adults are overweight so anyone who is normal weight looks skinny next to the overweight person. Do not let this cloud your perception of your child's normal weight for her genetic makeup. I am betting she is just fine. Mealtimes should be relaxing and enjoyable not tense. You are a first time mom so I am cutting you slack but this info should help you to relax. Enjoy your little one!! This comes from a 57 year old mom with kids in their 20's. Surrogate grandma

K S
Let me start by saying wouldn't we all love to be petite?! My daughter was only in the 25th percentile for height until she was around 12 or 13 months. She was in the 5th for weight. She is now almost 2 and is completely off the charts as in under 1 % and the doctors have never worried! My doctor actually told me it's a great problem to have! My daughter still doesn't like whole milk which is what I thought would plump her up but she is up to par if not above when it comes to milestones! If your daughter is a busy bee like mine she is just working off every little calorie she eats! I have read so many articles that say not to force feed and that doing so will only make your child less likely to eat. They will not starve and will have some days where they eat a ton and some where it seems like they've barely eaten at all! At least that is the case with my little one. So my advice to you is enjoy her petiteness and just keep trying different foods that will keep her full! Good luck!

She'll be fine and she will grow more over the next year. Dont stress. Even if she's petite as long as you are offering her the foods she'll eat as much as she needs. I wouldn't worry.

Hello,
Probably not what you want to hear, but I'd not really worry too much about it. Both of my daughters have been below the 25% ... that might just be where they fall in that bell curve. I've heard from several pediatricians and they tend to look at the curve. They say, so what if she is at the 25%...as long as her growth chart is continuing the pattern of that curve (upward) than they aren't worried. For example, she might stay in the 25% till Kindgergarten and that would be her norm. But in contrast if she started to eat less and go then to the 20% and then to the 15%, that wouldn't be good.
I always learned 1 Tablespoon of each food per year of age at eating time is all they really need. Your daughter just might not need as much as others.

I wouldn't worry too much. My son is 13.5 months old and was in the 20% for weight at his 12 month visit after being over 50% for weight the entire first year. Our pediatrician explained that since he's walking it's about the equivalent of an adult getting 2 workouts in every day. Now that he's been drinking whole milk I feel he's put on some weight again (according to our scale he's gained 2.5 pounds since the 12 month visit). Whether he's gained or not since his last visit, our doctor assured us that she expects a drop in weight when they walk. And when the other babies who make up the average weight start walking and drop weight, your daughter probably will catch up percentage-wise. She's just a little early on the walking! She must be a genius.... ;-)

my daughter was like that and she is now 5. She did not want to take the formula anymore. I was also worried that she was getting enough vitamins that she needed from food. My doctor told me to buy her Carnation Instant Breakfast and give to her. I was going to buy the pediasure but my doctor said that the carnation works just a well and is cheaper. My daughter is still petite and only weighs 39 pounds now. Talk to your doctor and see what they think.

I agree with the others, ignore the charts. I have a niece who is 2 that just resently even registered on the charts and she is a healthy active little girl. As long as your daughter is growing and active, don't worry about where she is on those silly charts that are based on an average that was taken over 20 years ago. I received a word of advice when my oldest was little that has helped me to not stress so much about what they eat. Instead of looking at what they eat from day to day, look at a weeks worth of eating habits. As long as she is getting what she needs from week to week instead of day to day, you are doing things right and she will be fine.

Avocado's they are high in fat and good for you.Offer her a few pieces while getting her dinner or lunch ready so for you know she is getting some good fat in her diet before she is full.All children eat more or less than others for ex. my daughter loves to eat and eat some more if you let her, her cousin is 2 months older than she is and she is so tiny she weighs like a feather they are almost the same height but she is a nibbler and is still being breast feed they are 19-21 months old.When a child is teething or growing they act differently in many ways some sleep more and some push food away for a few days

Hi there-

I just want to offer some positive encouragement. My daughter, now 5 1/2, is the same way. She is my first of three kids and I have just learned to accept that she is going to be small. It is just the way it is. Our biggest struggle is breakfast. Typically she eats a piece of bread and butter. What I figure is, if you are restricting her diet to "good Things" and not a lot of sugar- juice, fruit snacks, etc. That is all you can do. They are there own person and have their own personality. My daughter tends to be an "afternoon" and dinner eater. So I work on healthy snacks and really, if she is hungry, she can have something healthy to eat.

Don't worry. I know it is easier said then done, but she will eat if she is hungry. My advice, just offer the good stuff. Good luck!
M.

Hi K S,

I am a first time mom too! Congradulations! my only advice to you is to not worry about the numbers so much. Some parents get too focused on the percentile of this or that and then it makes you worry for nothing. Trust me I have been there. If your daughter is happy and healthy then don't worry. Every child id different. My son was 6 pounds 7 ounces when he was born. He looked so tiny and fragile than the 8 pound infants, but the doctor assured me that he was just as strong as the other babies. He is 17 months now and 25 pounds of pure muscle power! Your daughter sounds like she is eating plenty. If she isn't showing any signs of having problems, there most likey isn't anything wrong. Believe me, you know your child and if there was something wrong, you would know it. Not to mention that children have means and methods of letting you know something is wrong even when they are newborns. Hope this has been of some help. Good luck to you and your family.

A. H.

I know you want the best for your daughter but stop worrying so much about it. If you're sure she's getting enough food (and stopping eating when she's full is a good indication of that)then there's really not much point in worrying over it. If your daughter's doctor is truly worried about it, he/she'll have her come in for regular weight checks and even have you consult with a dietitian. My daughter (who is now 8) was pretty much born into the 25th percentile for weight and the 75th for height, and remains so to this day. Even now, she's in 3rd grade and only weighs 45 lbs. She has always eaten smaller portions because she knows that if she eats more than she is comfortable with, she'll be miserable for the rest of the day (but, she is always welcome to eat whatever amount and whenever she wants, within reason. Some kids are tall and skinny, some are short and skinny. Some are tall and stalky and some are short and heavier. Each kid is different. It may be that your daughter is just going to be petite. If your doc is not expressing any true concerns, and if your daughter looks healthy, you should stop worrying about it.
If, however, she really does not look healthy, or if you are just absolutely sure there is something wrong, get a new doc and/or second opinion.

Kids grow at different rates. My daughter was large until (75th percentile weight, 50th height) about 6 months. By a year she was under the charts on weight and lower on height and was that way for more than a year. Now she is still low on the charts, but I really feel that one of the best things I did was change doctors to one that spent time with us instead of just looking at the numbers. (at her 4 months appointment I was told to quit breastfeeding her and limit her formula intake, put her on a diet, because she was much higher on weight percentile than height...) There is reason to pay attention to the numbers, but how she acts and what she is doing is much more informative!

K.

My daughter is also petite. She is in the 50% percentile for height and has been in the 5th to 10th percentile for weight. Her pedicatrician is not concerned because she is also developing and doing things she should. As long as she is having plaenty of wet or dirty diapers she is getting plenty of food. I think you are doing the right thing by feeding her until she lets you know she is done. I definitely would not force feed her. You could always try giving her snacks through out the day for extra calories, but I would not worry too much. I would also ask your peditician next time you go to the doctor and get some reassurance. Good luck!!

I really would not be too concerned. My oldest was only 15lbs. at 12 months and was in the 5th percentile for weight & 10th percentile for hieght. As long as she is eating well and is healthy she is okay. My oldest is now 7 and she is still very petite, but is very healthy and active! Also, my third daughter is taking after her big sister and is only in the 10th percentile for weight. Some of us just have little babies and it seems uncommon so doctors get all worked up when they get the tiny ones. I know my doctor wanted to do growth tests on my oldest if she wasn't a certain weight by the time she turned two. Needless to say she never hit the weight he wanted by two, but I did not allow them to do any tests because she is and was perfectly healthy. If I had concerns I would have let them do the test, but I did not see putting her through that when she was happy and healthy.
Kids will only eat until they are full. I am firm believer that they will let you know when they are hungry, and they will let you know when they are full. I would not suggest force feeding as it may cause eating problems when she is older.
I hope this helps you and honestly I would not worry too much as long as she is healthy and happy.

As a mother of six, I say don't sweat it!! Just make sure the diet you give her is well balanced and not loaded with too many junk foods I believe shse will outgrow - or grow into it! If she is reaching her milestones that tells me she is getting what she needs and will eventually become average in size. (I've watched it happen at my house!:))

She will Be O.K. both of my children have always been in the lower percentile for their weight and my oldest is 8 years old and barely weights 50 lbs. And my Youngest is 3 years old and barely weights 30 lbs. And they eat just about all the time. ut as long as she is eating when given food not to worry.

I really wouldn't worry at all. If your little one is eating don't worry! My daughter was ALWAYS on the low percentile from birth on weight, and she was also tall and VERY peite. And that's what I told the doctor every time when they would bring it up, and they would agree. My son is the same way so I was ready for "low percentile" comments. The docs aren't really saying anything bad, just letting you know where your child stands. But don't worry about the weight, she'll be fine. In the early future... Be sure to look for those pants with the adjustable waist!!! You'll need them!!!!

My daughter fell off the growth chart altogether during her second year. She's always been small as far as weight, but her height is fine and she is growing, healthy and active. Her doctor ordered some tests to make sure there was nothing medical going on. They ended up concluding that she's perfectly healthy, just a bit on the small side. Doctors really don't get concerned unless your child is below the 10th or even the 5th percentile. Remember it's not a competition. All the percentile says is that your daughter weighs more than 20-25 percent of other girls her age. There is a range for everything and your daughter is within the healthy range, so I wouldn't worry, especially if she is deciding how much to eat on her own. There is no harm in being petite.

I wouldn't worry, my daughter was 5% for her weight and 90th for her height until she was 5. She's very tall and skinny but very healthy and active. I tried forceing my daughter to eat more, etc, but nothing ever worked. She's now evening out more but still doesn't eat alot, she tells me she's full. She is a very healthy eater too. I stopped being so concerned because that's just the way she is.

I have a daughter who just turned 2. She was also low on her weight but fine in everything else when she was that age. I also was worried that she was not getting enough nutrients but I was told not to worry about it too much. I made sure I always offered her fruits and veggies, and she loves milk. Even if we went to a fast food resturant, I would get her a plain cheeseburger to go and come home and put it with veggies. She usually ate her fruit and most of the time her veggies. Now that she just turned 2, she still only weighs 24.4 pounds but is very tall. The doctors don't seemed to be concerned. She is ahead on her milestones, just a skinny kid. - mother of the best and most beautiful girl (In my opinion)

I am going to have to agree with everybody else, there is nothing wrong with her being petite. And, don't worry about what the charts say. As long as she is eating and you know you are feeding her healthy foods she is letting you know when she has had enough. But if you would feel more comfortable doing something more, I will tell you what the doctors had my brother do for his son when he wasn't able to eat enough food. He had him drink the Pedisure drinks. They have all the nutrients in them that a kids needs to grow up healthy even without food. And they come in a couple different flavors. Try that, you may see her gain some weight and it will give you peace of mind, plus it won't hurt her at all, she might just like it better than milk all the time. :0)

Have a Great Day!!

I have a daughter that is 8 now. From the time she was a baby she has always been in the low precentile for weight and heigth. She is now shooting up for heigth. She is healthy and happy. So don't worry. As long as you know that what you give her is well balanced she will be fine

How active is your daughter? Mine is now 9, 10 in Dec. When we went 2 weeks ago for a well checkup they said she is in the 25% percentile for weight also. 60% for height. She does competitive gymnastics, so is very active. If your daughter is active, sleeps good, and an all around happy child, I don't worry about #'s. Maybe that's just an "old" Mommy take!

I wouldn't worry about it. At her last checkup (15 months), my daughter was 70th percentile for height and 6th for weight. Everyone calls her dainty (if they heard her fart and burp, they wouldn't say that!). My doctor said "She's using all her calories for length". She acts the same way, she will refuse food when she is not hungry, and to me she eats like a bird. But, she's healthy and happy, so I don't think about it that much.

FYI, most growth charts are based on formula fed babies, so if you breastfed for a long time (or still are), she may be more "normal" than it seems.

Good luck!
Dr. Alyssa

I will agree with the others who have recommended whole milk and foods such as avocados to try giving your daughter and tossing those charts out the window! Both my kids (boys!) were on the low end of the charts in their first year, plumped up to average at 2- 2 1/2 and are now super skinny again at 4- 41/2! You can make yourself crazy fretting about that and it's not a good indicator of how healthy your daughter is. Trust her and trust yourself to know when enough is enough and don't let food become a battleground -- it's so not worth it!

Another piece of advice on food is when she's ready for crackers/ crunchy granola bars, try Kashi's TLC's. They're packed with whole grains and Omega 3 fatty acids, so I feel good that my kids love them. :} Hang in there and I second the notion of adjustable waist pants and shorts!! :>

Were you or your daughter's dad petit children? If you were then your daughter will be too. Some kids just have a really high motabolism. My brother was like that, he would eat and eat and not gain weight. His doctor said that he was okay as long as he was eating. If she has reached milestones and is developing normally then I wouldn't worry. She eats! Then she is okay. Every child is different. The little girl I sit is teeny tiny, and is the same size as her younger brother who is 2 1/2 years younger. So don't worry, if she is eating what she needs and should then she's okay. She's just small, who knows she may grow to be a tall skinny model, volleyball or basketball player. Good luck and God Bless.

I wouldn't worry at all where she is on the growth chart. As long as you know you are suppling healthy foods for her she should be fine. I have a very active 5 year old and he is only in the 24 percentile. He has never really "enjoyed" food, he only eats for the calories. I used to worry too. He just doesn't LOVE food. (which is really ok, isn't it)? He's very healthy and rarely gets sick.
Your doing great!

As long as she is following the same growth curve that she has been on her whole little life, I wouldn't worry..... It is when she completely changes the curve she is on that you should worry.... All 6 of my kids have always been in the 20-25% for weight and 50-60% for height....

Pediasure is a great night time last drink. My son was in the 10th percentile for weight and we were asked to put him on pediasure to help his nutrition and weight gain. Dont get me wrong he is still a petite child, however he has more "meat" on his bones now. Target sells a less expensive brand that has all of the same ingrediants but doenst hurt your wallet as much. Good luck let me know if you need any other help.

You might check out some of the child feeding books written by Ellen Satter. She says that children have a natural ability to know when they are full and that we should let them set the pace in their eating. She also says that we are genetically pre-disposed in many ways so perhaps your daughter is just petite. You might look around at your family and see if she takes after anyone.
You might even consider takign her to a specialist for a second opinion.I know that when my daughter had problems with constipation, the gastroenterologist was very helpful in relieving my anxiety, treating my doctor, and answering my questions.

When my daughter was that age, she was high in the height range and low in weight, they told me to give her either pediasure or for a less expensive version, to use carnation instant breakfast in her milk, to give her some extra calories and vitamins.

:o)

I wouldn't worry, my daughter was the same way. In fact, she was born in the 75% and then consistently tanked her first 18 months until she was in the 1-3%. But, as my doctor told me, she was perfectly healthy--she just wasn't going to be a big kid! She's 50% for height also. She's just always been a little bird eater. Now she's 5, average height, and only 32 lbs. But, she's totally fine. I gave her the Poly-vi-sol vitamins when she was little, and chewable vitamins now. She's happy and healthy and very bright. I wouldn't worry about your little sweetie. As long as you're offering her good choices of food and she seems to be meeting her milestones. Sounds like you're a great mommy. Good luck!