Worried about 1 year old dropping height centiles

[RoseGoldEagle]

Posting for traffic as worried. DS was born 75th centile for weight and height. Has continued to follow 75th line for weight. At year check had dropped to 9th centile for height. Was advised to come back in a few months but then Covid happened. He’s now 18 months- still 75th for weight, still 9th for height. Eats very well and healthy foods, no other concerns with him. Can’t get a GP appointment for him but can’t help worrying! Anyone got any experience with anything similar? Both DH and I are tall so wouldn’t expect him to be short, worrying about growth/endocrine problems. Thanks for any advice!

My eldest was like this. It turned out to be caused by lack of sleep. He had his tonsils out (which were massive and caused sleep apnea), started sleeping then gradually went up the centiles till it matched his weight and has stayed there since.

What is normal in your family?

In mine we are all shorter than most until puberty at which point we become taller than average. Mine always have a huge growth spurt around Easter time too. I never buy new school uniform in the summer because I have had to buy it in April. This also means that if my children seem short compared to their peers in February I don't worry because I know things will be different by June.

Check against your family's curve not a theoretical curve. Talk to older family members about how their children's growth patterns worked.

Also look at your child to gauge whether they are thriving, give that more than a generalised chart.

Thanks both, he sleeps well, I’ve had no concerns about him at all otherwise, other than the odd cold he’s not been ill and is very active. Thanks for that advice TorkTork- DH is over 6 foot and I’m about 5 7, my memory of growing up is always being one of the tallish ones and DH is the same. Think I will call the HV on Monday, no idea if they’re seeing people now but hopefully they can advise if they think he needs seeing. Worried if it’s a growth hormone thing and doesn’t get picked up soon enough it will affect him longer term!

You won't remember being 18 months old! Talking to your HV is sensible. So is talking to your mums and aunties about whether you were big babies and tall toddlers or not.

I had the same issue when my DS was little but his weight had also dropped. He was 75 percentile when he was born for height and dropped to 9th. I’m only 5ft 2 but my husband is 6ft 4 and my DD has Anaya’s been on the 90th percentile. I pushed the issue with HV and managed to get a referral through our GP for him to see a paediatrician. Turns out he has coeliac disease! He never complained on tummy ache / sick etc! It’s worth just getting checked out even just for peace of mind for you.

Thanks yorkshirepudgf I think you’re right, can’t hurt to get him checked!