Why do doctors get concerned if toddlers are underweight?

[tatsu15]

My 12 month old is only 17 pounds and 13 ounces and her weight fluctuates. I understand she is underweight. Is there a reason why doctors should be concerned? She is very active and happy. She seems to always be hungry though. I just started her on solids three times a day. Before that it was mainly breastmilk. She's gained 13 ounces since she started on solids.

[jillmamma]

My older DD was 16 lb 8 oz at 12 months. I think her ped had a reasonable approach to it...DD was around the 3-5%, but she has NEVER been more than the 10% in height or weight, so he was not worried. Now, if your DD was 95% at 9 months and down to 10% at 12 months, I would worry.

[2boyzmama]

Drs worry because weight is one objective assessment of overall development and well being. Most of the other assessment tools are subjective, but height/weight is one that is concrete. Of course, when you consider all the factors that contribute to height/weight (genetics, diet, activity level, birth weight, illness) then it becomes much more subjective.

In general, calories and nutrients go first to cognitive growth, then developmental growth, then fat stores. So a child who has little fat stores is potentially at risk of a developmental delay or cognitive impairment. Notice the words "potentially" and "at risk". It is by no means an absolute!! But it definitely a screener that drs use.

A good dr will take into consideration the whole picture.

[kavamamakava]

I would only be concerned if she was growing at a different rate than she used to grow. If she's always been on the same growth trend, I don't understand why your doc would be concerned.

[tmwmommy]

It sounds like she's doing fine! My dd was 16lbs 15oz at 12 months and at her last appt (19 mos) she was 18lbs 15oz. So even though she is tiny it does not mean that she is not growing well. Everyone has a different shape and size so it's normal for some toddlers to be tiny while others are heavier My dd also was not into solids until well over a year.