Worried about growth in 2 year old toddler

[adgal]

My son was a low birthweight baby. He was term, but only 4lbs, 14oz due to placental failure.  They still aren't certain what caused it, and probably will never know.the exact cause, but it is more common in older moms, which I was.  

He was born in the 3rd percentile for both height and weight.  He had jaundice and issues with his blood sugar and spent 5 days in NICU.  Since then he has been healthy with the exception of the normal virus' and bugs that children get.  He did have a rather nasty bout of rotavirus and lost an awful lot of weight through that, but did not have to be hospitalized.  

My concern is this.  He is now about to be 2.  He has not yet caught up to normal.  He has increased percentiles, but only to about the 8th.  I know that most low birth weight babies do catch up, but read that it is usually by the time they are two.  He is still small.  32 inches tall, and about 24 lbs.  His weight is more explainable given the lengthy rotavirus, but the height is concerning.  My husband and I are both about 6', so it seems odd he would be short.  I was under the impression he was tall until I read up on average heights for his age.  He does see his Pediatrician fairly regularly and she hasn't expressed concern as he was following and even increasing his curve, but I still worry.  I am going to discuss this with her monday at his 2 year appointment.  I guess what I am wondering is if anyone else had a low birthweight baby, and when (or if) they caught up.  I read some chart that said at 2, they are usually 1/2 their final height, which puts him at an adult height of 5'4 I believe.  Anyone been through this?

[mariag85]

My daughter was 34 inches at age 2 and 32lbs and wore size 9 shoes now she's 3 yrs old and 36 inches tall 36 lbs and wears size 10 shoes and her birth weight was 7lbs 13 ounces and 19inches tall and she was born at 38 weeks

[adgal]

Thought I would update this thread in case anyone else finds themselves in the same boat.

Basically, the Pediatrician said it's not possible to know if he will catch up or not.  He was a full term low birthweight baby which is different then preemie, so it's possible he will always be very small.  It worries me as of course I worry so much about bullying (doesn't every parent?) and hate to see him dealing with anything that could make him a target.  

However, he is otherwise healthy, he is staying on his curve, so there are no medical issues and he is exceeding all expectations in terms of milestones.  So of course all of that makes me happy.  Healthy is the most important thing.  We will just do our best to help him grow up confident and feeling good about himself, and I know he will be fine!

[AnnieBrooke]

When did you get your height?  For me, I can clearly remember my biggest growth spurt was in 6th grade.  My best friend's brother went from 5'3" to 6'4" in his senior year of high school and freshman year of college.

Ask your husband also, when his height came on.  The height in the family suggests your son will be tall, but your age when you got your biggest amount of growth, and your husband's age when he did, are going to be a lot more significant than some growth chart the doctor has that shows averages over a huge population.

Don't worry!  He'll be a tall boy I'm sure.  :)

Annie

[adgal]

I'm ok with him being 5'4....it's just we have such a tall family, so I wondered how much genetics would play into this.  He already wears a size 6 shoe which I believe is on the big side for his age.  Not sure though?  His feet seem quite large to me..lol.  

I think the worry came from reading up on this on line (never a really great idea) and them talking about stunted growth, growth hormones, etc. and health problems.  And it seems he grew an awful lot his first year, but has almost stopped?  I dont' know...he seems pretty average in terms of his daycare class, but I just want to know he is healthy I guess.

[AnnieBrooke]

Incidentally, how does his shoe size relate to other kids his age?  It might be a signal of further growth to come if larger.  I know one little boy who is two years ahead in his shoe size, though no taller than the other kids in his preschool.

[AnnieBrooke]

He'll probably catch up.  In the meantime, don't forget that there are a whole lot of excellent people out there who are 5'4" tall.