Weight gain in active toddlers...

[suzi2]

DS is 2.8 and is about 27lbs I think. He has only gained around 7lbs since he started cruising/walking at about 11 months. I've never really worried about it although he is a picky, poor eater and regularly eats very little.

DD is 14 months and hasn't gained a thing in about 5 months. She's about 18.5lbs. She was weighed today and has lost a few ounces compared to 6 weeks ago. She was a fairly early crawler at 6 months, cruiser at 7 months and walking at 10 months. She never sits still. She eats quite a lot for her tiny size.

Thing is, I'm now wondering if I should be so relaxed about all this? Especially DD not gaining as she is still quite young?

Also, does anyone know what guideline calories are for toddlers in a day?

Well I can only speak for myself but I haven't bothered getting my skinny 2 yo DS weighed since his last HV check (at a year). I am more concerned by how he looks - whether he has energy - is he well - is he sleeping ok - does he have an appetite. As long as all that's ok, I'm not worried.

I figure all I can do is offer him nutritious, high-calorie food as often as he wants it, feed him as much as he wants, and then stop. Which is what I do.

He has full-fat everything, plenty of cheese, butter, sensible amounts of sugar, unlimited milk, I can't force any more food into him so what am I going to do if he's underweight apart from give both of us a complex?

How are they in themselves? Are they happy? I really wouldnt be concerned too much as they are still little and plenty of time to gain weight..my 5yo is picky and a poor eater although he is getting better.
I have a 2.5yo and is probably a little less than your ds, 24lbs, she looks healthy, is very active, and never shuts up!
And your ds as you say has gained weight. Have you spoken to your hv about your concern, she may be able to put your mind at rest.
What was your dd when she was born, big/small/average?

Quite right theyoungvisiter!
Too much worry about weight nowadays, as long as active, happy children and your offering food, there really isnt much more you can do.

You should think yourself lucky..i have a 9yo that eats everything..hes a human dustbin and eats from minute he gets up till he goes bed..loves fruit,veg,yogurts..thankfully hes also very active and loves being outside and is not one to spend hours on a games console..otherwise i fear he would be massive. It costs me a fortune to feed my lot! As 2yo just like him ive found nothing she wont eat yet?

DD and DS were both very average when they were born (7.7 and 7.15 respectively) and both quite long. But DHs genes kicked in around 5 months and they got shorter and shorter until they fell off the charts height wise at about 8 months. DH is only 5'6" and 9.5 stone . DS picked back up and is now 9th centile all round. DD is 2nd for height now, and about 9the for weight. I think I'll chill out...

Are they (reasonable) healthy? Are they active? Are the growing (in height) albeit slowly?

If the answers are yes, then don't worry. My ds1 is a skinny little rabbit, short for age, and hasn't put on weight in ages but gets steadily taller and is v. active so I guess he's the way nature intended him.

I find not weighing him makes me feel better.

They're both lively enough that's for sure! DS is a really poor, picky eater and doesn't eat much. He eats very little of anything nutritious - just a bit of cereal, toast, cheese and fruit. No protein etc. He's very pale and often looks tired but I think that's the eczema around his eyes. He's got an appointment to see the dietician (finally!) as he hasn't taken any milk or milk products (other than a teeny bit of cheese now and then) since he stopped breastfeeding at a year. So hopefully she'll have some great ideas on hwo to get him eating better.

I think they're probably fine - I need a few things to stress about and in the absence of anything else, weight will do!

They both sound fine..being more relaxed about food issues may help your ds..try not too make too much of an issue.
Involve him in the preparation of food..you could make sum pizzas..you can buy bases now and put on whatever you like, this may encourage him. It certainly worked for my ds2. Just simple foods can be made exciting, making into face shapes,sandwiches can be cut into shapes!