Baby dropping centiles

[giddywithglee]

My 10 wo was consistently gaining weight in the 75th centile, but when I took him to be weighed last week he'd dropped to the 50th centile (gaining 2oz in 2 wks). I took him back this week and he'd gained 5oz, but is still in the 50th centile. He's alert and happy and has lots of wet nappies and at least 1 dirty nappy every day. He seems to be consistently feeding, although he's had a cold and his blocked nose is causing him to fuss. The HV said she couldn't find an answer and said babies do go up and down, but I can't stop worrying about it. Has anyone else experienced similar?

Hi - I remember having two weeks where my baby didn't gain weight at all (around 12 weeks I think) and being really upset because I'd been feeding her religiously and couldn't understand it.

Really, don't worry - as long as he's taking milk and his nappies are ok I wouldn't think there's anything to worry about.

Yes babies and young children do go up and down the centiles. Our two DSs did. A paediatrician explained that it takes a while for a baby/toddler to 'find' the centile line it will then grow along for the remainder of its formative years.

DS1 was over 99th centile and is now groing nicely along 75th after oscillating a lot. DS2 was the same but now growing nicely along 50th centile.

If your HV is happy and your baby is growing try not worry. If you are really unhappy go and get a second opinion from GP who will refer you if there is cause for concern.

My dd (11 weeks ) dropped from 75th to 50th, then to just above 25th. She's well, happy, feeds every 2hrs and looks healthy. I haven't had her weighed for a couple of weeks so not sure where she is now. Your dc sounds like he's fine, try not to worry too much, babies do move around the chart and you hv would say if there was any concern.

Babies this age should not be weighed more than once a month.

Thanks everyone. It's reassuring to know it's quite normal!

Libra, where I live the HVs recommend weighing every 2 wks until 3 months, but the HV told me to go back this week to weigh him for my own peace of mind.