Underweight one year old

[nathansmama]

My son was born 7 weeks early and only weighed 3lbs 14oz at birth. He gained weight rapidly until he reached 6 months old then hardly gained even a pound since then. He is now one year old but only weighs 16.5lbs. He eats very well and is not a picky eater at all. I had horrible allergies as a child and was allergic to everything including wheat and milk. Many of my family members also have wheat and dairy allergies so I have decided not to feed him any wheat or dairy until he is 2 years old. My doctor agreed that this was a wise decision. My son reacted horribly to several brands of regular formula but handles the Nutramigen formula well which also makes me suspicious that he may have a milk allergy. His daily food intake is as follows:
4oz formula at 5am.
6oz fruit baby food, 3 tblsp freeze dried fruit cubes, and 4oz formula at 8:30am.
2oz squash, yams, sweet potatoes or potatoes (we alternate), 2.5oz veggie baby food, 2.5oz baby food meat, and 4oz formula at noon.
2.5 oz veggie baby food, 4 tblsp rice puffs, 2oz 100% fruit juice, and 2oz formula at 4pm
Level 3 (6oz) chunky baby food dinner (meat, veggies, rice), 4oz formula at 6:30pm
I give him any more than this he throws up. My doctor says that he is reaching all his milestones on time and that he looks very healthy and is very smart and strong for his age. He also told me that being a preemie does not have any impact on his lack of weight gain whatsoever. I feel like a terrible mom when I go in there and he tells me my baby is really underweight. My family and friends often hint that they think I am underfeeding him or that they think this is my fault somehow so I spend hours trying to reconfigure his feeding schedule and menus. My doctor has not had me change his diet at all and says that his diet is fine but he still says that his lack of weight gain is concerning. Are there any weight gain tips that you know of or any high calorie foods I can add to his diet that dont contain wheat or milk?

[Renee Radenberg]

From his measurements you wrote, his weight is below 5th percentile and his height is on the 10th percentile for his age. You are trying your best and remember he was born before his time. Recommend you go to an Allergist and get your son tested to see if he is really allergic to milk protein or lactose so you know what correct foods to feed him. Suggest changing from Nutramigen to soy milk because it is recommended not to use this formula over 6 months - 1years old. He will get extra protein and calories from the soy milk. You can make soy shakes with soy milk, soy ice cream and frozen fruit which also will provide extra calories and nutrients. Decrease the juice intake and increase the milk intake to help increase his weight. Hoped this helped you.

[marynutricion]

I suggest that you try giving less babyfood and more homemade food, the same as everybody eats at home. This may increase his interest in food and give him extra calories...