Infant growth-OT

[Clysta]

When it comes to percentiles, is it bad for a child to be in the lower end? Kylie is showing to be in the 5th percentile and lower for height, weight and head circumference. I'm really nervous about if she is growing properly or not. At birth she was in the 50-75th for height and 25th for weight. Should it drop like that? The doctor didn't seem worried, but I'm not sure. She is 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 6 pounds 12 ounces at birth. She's still 20 inches long.

[Ashelen]

These are questions to ask your pediatrician. Generally for the first few weeks after birth a newborn will fluctuate on weight....so I wouldn't worry TOO much right now, but yes it's generally better if they stay more consistant in the percentiles. However, like I said...you should ask your ped. If he's not worried most likely he's just expecting this to bea phase she'll outgrow as she grows more and recovers from the weight loss that comes after birth (almost all babies lose weight in those first few weeks).

I mean if she's still growing, you should be fine...all babies grow and gain/lose at different rates....(the height doesn't mean much because it's a very inaccurate measurement in general)...how old is she now?

[Clysta]

1 month old today. I'm thinking of changing doctors cause he doesn't seem really concerned about anything. >.>

[jessmoss626]

I wouldn't worry at this point. My daughter was tiny when she was born, only 5lbs 8oz and 18.5 inches, she was as low on the chart as she could be for a 38 week baby. She was on the low end of the chart for a long time. She'll be 3 in Dec. and now she's about average. As long as she's staying on the chart don't worry. Lol I think we worry way too much as parents. If time goes by and she's not growing then start worrying. Just relax for now!!

[tiredbuthappy]

it is hard to get an accurate height measurement on an infant. And the difference in percentiles is a matter of a very little difference in height at this age. So, the height percentiles don't mean too much, especially in just a couple of measurements.
What is important is the curve she follows in the coming months- more so than percentages and numbers.

[julianovak]

As long as she either stays along same growth rate or higher she will be fine... My little bug was also a six lb baby and was always between 10 and 20 centile .... Now shes two but heck did I worry myself silly.... Now seeing her so smart and healthy at 26 lb yes that's a decent weight for her bc she was always on the smaller end of things... Not to worry her brain makes up for the fat she's missing.... She currently knows more then half the letter and colors and shapes and numbers .I'd much rather hav a smarty ants then anything else.. With my second I won't worry at all

[SunWorshiper_26]

Also if you were are on the lower end as an infant chances are your children will too. This is also averages. If she is meeting developmental milestones and growing and thriving there is less to worry about