Baby weight charts

[abcd1234]

Whats the general consensus on the validity of these?

Tallypoo was born on the 75th percentile and followed it perfectly unitl she was about 4 months old, then she got really grumpy was eating 24/7 and she'd dropped down to the 50th line, we'd already decided to start weaning her but that kinda re-enforced the decision.

Now 3 weeks later i got her weighted again, she eats LOADS, and hasn't stopped any of her milk feeds either and is much happier, basically i know she's getting enough food, yet according to her chart she's still dropping down the lines.

At first i was concerned but i've decided as long as she's happy and healthy i wont worry about her weight.

I guess technically for her length she's underweight as she's off the chart for it but again thats not concerning me

What do we think about the whole chart things?? They said that as long as she's within a line either way of her birth weight they wont worry, but that makes me worry a little as she's right on that line and i know i'll get really pissed off if someone starts questioning how i feed my baby

 

[Sherlock]

My HV doesn't put much stock in them past 12 weeks and advised us to not get hung up the centile and weight gain aspect. HV said so long as baby is happy and healthy that was the main thing. Also to remember that as they get older and start moving more and using more energy they will burn up more energy so the weight gain is expected to slow right down. HV said something like 3 ounces a week is 'average' for 6 months plus. Galen is still gaining the average based on his monthly weigh ins. I only have him weighed once a month now also as tbh some weeks he won't gain anything, another week double, so I don't like to rely on it or get too het up with it all.

Galen was on the 91st centile at birth and remained on it for ages. Then dropped to the 75th and is now back up near the 91st.

 

[Squiglet]

tbh I think they are pretty pointless in terms of weight. Lil miss was born over the 91st centile and now is under the 50th... Its the height I try and keep correct. Basically weight is determined on several factors. Illness, hunger, teething, activity, type of food, genetics, etc.... and is so easily affected by any changes, that it can fluctuate quite dramatically. Height however, tends to be quite regular. For example Tia was on the 99th centile for her height and age and is just below that line... after 9 years... she hasn't strayed far from that line... yet she was on the 91st centile for weight and is now on the 25th. Shes just tall and lanky.

Lil miss seems to be the same. Her height seems to be remaining on the centile line but her weight it dropping down.

Don't take too much stock in the weight charts for an older baby... as long as your LO is bright, alert, active, healthy, sleeps well, no bowel or urine problems, then you know that they are just fine.

 

[Laura_James&Amber]

I think as long as she is happy and healthy then I wouldn't worry too much really and your obviously happy with how she is feeding and you know your baby best so go with that.

 

[kazzie-bo]

i just ignore the stupid charts as adam isn't even on his....he did reach the bottom line once, but dropped off again!! i know he is fine, he does gain weight most weeks and is doing everything he should be doing (even though he is still wearing newborn clothes!!)

my older son was exactly the same and now he is 11 he is bigger than average height and average weight!

 

[flowerpot]

Don't worry - I think its normal to be all over the place on those charts. Charlie certainly has been - he started on the 98th and has dropped to the 25th!! His height has been around the 50th since he was born though. He was a very big baby when born, 10.5, but now is very active and isn't a big eater so I think he's just burning off all his calories.

 

[CoreysMummy]

Yeah, I shudnt worry!! Some babys are just little... perfect, but small!! So long as she is eating, and making wet nappys... then shes doing just fine!!

To stop Corey falling off his 50th line when he starts crawling etc, my HV advised I fry all of his food... soooo, I dont think I will listen to another thing that woman has to say!! Not like I did anyways.

Your doing fine!!

 

[valentine]

Do you breastfeed abcd?

If so, try plotting Tally's weight on this from the WHO - its a weight chart for breastfed babies, the one in your red book is usually for formula fed babies who tend to be a little heavier.

I really tried not to get hung up on weight charts. My daughter was on 75th when born, went right up to 91st at 4 months (this is all on formula fed chart in red book, but she was exclusively breastfed), then went down the charts quite drastically and ended up hovering between 9th and 25th, but she was always happy and healthy. I haven't had her weighed now for 4 months but I know she's absolutely fine just from looking at her.

Valentine Xxx