My 11 month old baby is underweight what can I do?

Question

He eats really good. He has a 4oz bottle when he wakes up then cereal with fruit then another 4 oz bottle before he takes a nap. When he wakes up he gets another bottle then lunch which he gets veggies some kind of meat and a fruit. He has another 4 oz bottle then has pretty much the same thing he had for lunch for dinner (different types though). Then has a 8 oz bottle before he goes to bed. Is there something that we can do differently? he only weighs 17 lbs 13 oz. Please help, thanks

Answer 1

Don't panic. My baby is almost 12 months old and weighs less than 20 pounds. She's always been small, but she continues to thrive.

Talk to your ped. about your baby's growth chart. Is your baby gaining weight as he gets older? Does he stay in the same weight percentile or higher every month? If so, he's progressing normally and you don't need to worry.

If he's losing weight, or dropping in weight percentile, however, your doctor might want to do some tests to be sure he doesn't have any type of glandular or thyroid problem.

Answer 2

Does he still act hungry after only eating a 4oz bottle? Maybe kick up the oz a little. Also, how active is your little one. That could have a lot to do with it. My son (age 2 ) is just barely in the "okay" weight (almost underweight) and the reason is because he is very active. We try to get him to eat more protein to help him keep some energy in store but there is only so much you can do. If that isn't the case maybe you should go to the pediatrician and see if there is a medical reason for his size.

Answer 3

Eating that amount of formula he should be the right weight for him unless he has a medical condition, you need to consider that this is the size he is meant to be.

NOTHING contains as much calories or nutrition per serving than formula/breastmilk. Also I strongly suggest you keep him on a follow up formula until 24 months or older. Babies under the age of two are not meant to be weaned and cow's milk is a poor substitute. That is why so many 1-3 year olds are on pediasure or other meals in a can.

Answer 4

My son has always been underweight. We even struggled with him losing weight off and on as a baby. We eventually did this. We have him a cup of whole milk mixed with Carnation and chocolate syrup in addition to each meal and one extra before bed. We made sure that he was eating food too, not just drinking all the time but it is easier to get calories from liquid. If your son is still drinking formula, talk to his doctor about boosting his calorie intake. He may just be a little guy, our son is 4 and only weighs 35lbs. We have tried everything, my husband and I both gained nealy 50lbs each cooking fatty foods and trying to encourage his calorie intake. My son didn't make it to the 20lbs mark until he was nearly 14mos old and we had to turn his car seat around right away because he would turn in his seat making it unsafe. A good way to boose calories and nutrition is to add a little butter (real butte has some of milk's nutrition too) to almost all of his food. Don't forget extras like Parmesan cheese or other garnish that can add calories, it can really help. As long as he isn't going backwards and is still growing and developing properly, just let it go, you'll give him food issues if you try too hard (we have been really careful and try not to talk about his weight or food intake in front of him). Best of luck.

Answer 5

17lbs is really not underweight. It's on the low side yes, but not unhealthy. My son hit 18 lbs at his 1 year check up and our Dr. said that was just fine. As long as he is making progressive growth it's fine. My daughter seems to be on the same track (14 lbs at 6 months old) If your doctor isn't concerned then you shouldn't be. If your doctor wants him to put some weight on he/she can give you the proper diet to do so. Hope this helps put your mind at ease!

Answer 6

It sounds like you are feeding him what he needs, and if he seems satisfied, I say he is getting enough. If you suspect that he wants more, feed him until he rejects it instead of giving a set amount.
Babies, like adults, come in all shapes and sizes. It could be that he is just petite...especially if you, your husband, or members of your families are also on the smaller side.
If the doctor isn't worried, you may have to just accept that he may always be on the smaller side.

Answer 7

My daughter is underweight too and she is 6 months, they recently startes her on a higher calorie formula and that seem to work and we also introduced rice cereal. If you think you want to try a higher calorie formula than tell his/her doctor. My daughter is on a 27 calorie formula, i think the most used is 20 calories

Answer 8

Underweight compared to who? Ask your doctor...not all children grow at the same rate. For some reason people think babies need to be FAT. They don't need to have fat rolls to be healthy. If he eats well - an according to you he does, and if he isn't acting hungry and you are still concerned ask your doctor - not us.

Answer 9

I would ask the Dr but most times its normal my daughter is still under weight (shes 5 now) but they aren't worried because I'm skinny.

Answer 10

Talk to your pediatrician. Maybe it's nothing to be overly concerned with. Your doctor will help guide you to the right direction.