4 Month Old Labeled "Small"

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4 Month Old Labeled "Small"

My third son was my greatest success in terms of nursing — 100% for nearly 4 months. But he was also very laid back/contented about feeding, loved to sleep and was consequently slow to gain. It's nothing the doctor worried about, but he's definitely at the low end of the spectrum. Dr. even recommended we wake baby up to be sure he was feeding enough—which we did (ugh).

Now he's in the 20th percentile for weight and "average" for height and length. We've switched to formula and he gets plenty, including two nightly feedings.

How can we help him gain weight? My other boys were very large (9.5 and 10 lbs at birth). This guy was the smallest by far (only 8.6 lbs) and now at age 4 months only weighs 13 lbs.

My heart breaks every time someone says "He's so small!", which happens at least once a day.

I know there's probably nothing to be done. And he is the sweetest, happiest, easiest baby in the world.

Why is he so little?
—Crazy Mommy

Find answers and comments below.

Comments for
4 Month Old Labeled "Small"

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May 24, 2008

Small but normal
by: Baby Help Line

Hi Mom!

Yes, why are some babies big and some small...? Genes, I suppose. It is tough to hear comments, no doubt, especially when you're a little bit worried yourself. Goes straight to your heart, right?

But if you're baby is average in height, just skinny, why not answer that?

If your son is following his growth curve and his doctor is not worried, then you shouldn't be either. If it is of any comfort, there are to my knowledge no studies indicating that skinny children are at any increased health risks, while there is a growing concern that overweight babies (as early as 9 monhts) may be at risk for obesity later in life, with all the associated health risks. You can read about one recent study on baby fat and obesity here. (Opens in new window)

This does not suggest limiting a baby's food intake, but to think carefully about what foods to provide. Sugar and fast food really should be a great no-no for all growing humans.

But that is a side track to your situation - I just wanted to empower you to not bother about the comments.

During the next few months, when your son starts with solid foods, you can add some extra (healthy) fat to his foods, since he doesn't seem to put on weight very easily. Brain development is dependent on the baby consuming enough fat.

Whenever you are ready to introduce solids, you can find some recipes for young babies here. And here are some instructions on how to make baby food.

Try to stop worrying and just enjoy your son instead. As you say, he's a wonderful child.

Wish you the best,

Paula

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