To worry about dd weight age 17 months

[BlackpoolMama29]

Hello mumsnetters This has been a constant source of worry for me since my daughter was born. She’s 17 months old and v big for age. 30lb ish, tall, in 18-24 month clothes (tight on stomach but arms and legs rolled up!)

She is super active, eats well- home cooked food blah blah occasional treats but plenty of fruit, veg, healthy snacks water etc. Doesn’t drink much milk any more but had milk in porridge, cheese etc.

Has anyone else had ‘big’ toddler that evened out? Everyone said she would slim down when she started walking but 6 months later she’s still chubbier than almost every other child ive seen and everyone is surprised when I tell them her age as they expect her to be 2+! I just worry she’s being set up for a life of being overweight but short of putting her on a diet (which I don’t think is right for a toddler and she eats a normal amount not massive portions or anything!).

Thanks for any advice!

Don't worry about it at all. Both of my kids didn't slim down until Reception/Year 1 time, and they are both now that 'kid skinny' sort of size. My DD in particular was very chunky as a baby/toddler.

My 8 year old was on the 99.99th centile when he was born and was in 3-6 month clothing by the time he was 2 months old and now is over 4ft9, has a size 4 (adult) feet and wears age 13 clothes.
He is the height and weight of a 13 year old. He does look bigger than his peers, he is bigger than his peers. I've spoken to drs on numerous occasions and they are not worried.

Some children are bigger, some are smaller. As long as they are healthy don't panic.

Yes. DS was enormous at that age. He’s been a tall skinny bean pole since he was about 5, now 11.

I agree with Avegemitesandwich. If you're feeding her sensible things in appropriate quantities and she's getting plenty of exercise, I don't think there's anything to worry about. Lots of kids are chubby at that age, everyone grows differently. My DS2 ate normally but was very chubby around 1-3 years then suddenly (overnight, it felt like) started eating like a horse and became very slim and almost doubled in height at around 3 and a half.

What are her height and weight centiles?

Are you sure portion sizes are OK? Some children just don't seem to naturally self regulate!

My eldest ds was exactly the same always was and is in clothes for a much older child. He was a massive baby/toddler but he’s slimmed right down now there’s nothing on him although he is very tall. Apparently I was exactly the same too.

My two year old has always been above the 100th line, she was weighed pretty regularly because of a dairy allergy and the last time she was weighed she was around about on the 110th line! However took her for her two year check when she was two and six months and she had dropped to the 91st line! She is still in age 3-4 clothes but her weight has dropped! I never worried about it tbh, children come in all shapes and sizes!

My just 12mth old is in 18mth to 2 yr clothes. Has been for at least a month. He has 3 meals a day and snacks and milk. He is on the 98th percentile for weight. I'm honestly not worried at all. I wouldn't be worried if I were you. If you are feeding her good portion sizes, healthy snacks etc then please don't worry.

If you do have concerns then see the health Visitor. Some babies are just like that.

Orlande I worry about that- I am following the Ellyn Satter method of providing healthy food at set times (not excessive snacking) and allowing her to eat home much she wants (to be honest sometimes she eats LOADS but generally a fairly average amount) but she certainly has more interest in food thank most of friends kids.

Centile wise 99th for weight no idea for height because I can’t seem to pin her down to measure it properly but she’s not super tall for her age- id say slightly taller than average so I have a feeling they wouldn’t match ie 99th for weight maybe 75th for height?

Thanks for all your responses and reassurance I feel a lot better I just worry people judge thinking she’s chubby and I must be feeding her rubbish but the poor kid is the one eating carrot sticks and pitta bread when all her skinny friends are tucking into chicken nuggets and chips at soft play. But she’s just as happy eating an apple as a biscuit so I don’t feel bad and I know she has a good diet (I’m a nurse so possibly more concerned than others).

I know you shouldn’t compare kids and of course I think she’s gorgeous I just worry with all you see in the news of obesity that I’ve accidentally ruined her weight already!

If she was born big I wouldn’t be too concerned, sounds like that’s just where her weight is naturally meant to be at the moment.

If you’re not sure if her height, I’d take her to your local weigh in clinic, take her red book and get them to weigh and measure her and record it in her red book. That way you can see if she’s in proportion and if she’s tracking her original centiles.

My DN is on the 98th for both, she was born on them and has tracked these centiles beautifully. She’s now a very healthy (and very tall) teen.

This guide from the Caroline Walker Trust shoukd help you to check portion sizes and gives sample menus too

My eldest was born 8 lbs then became massive. HE Was about 20kg by 2 years old. He breastfed and ate only healthy food, lots of exercise etc. He's now 7and has just stretched out. He's exactly in the middle of the healthy BMI range. Doctor always said not to worry as long as he's eating a healthy diet and being active there's no issue.