Drop in weight gain

[vradz83]

Took LO to be weighed today - 19 weeks, haven't been since 12 weeks for one reason or another.
He was born on 75th centile, but since 2 weeks has always been between 50th & 75th, in the bottom half.

This weigh-in he's dead on the 50th line. HV was concerned, even after I said how active he is (rolling already so every awake, non - feeding minute he's trying to move around the living room). She wants me to go back in 2 weeks, which I'm happy to do, but I just wanted to check - dropping less than half a centile line isn't that much of an issue is it? I thought it only became an issue when it was a much more consistent slowdown in weight gain. She suggested that as he was 75th at birth it was quite a big issue (despite never then going near 75th line again).

He is combi-fed, & in all other respects (nappies, general health, appearance, behaviour) is completely fine.

Also, if he continues to drop will I be advised to wean early? Had hoped to wait til 6 months.

Thanks

That to me isn't a big concern at all. I can't see why weaning early would help, as early weaning foods will be lower in calories and less nutrient dense than breast milk (or formula).

My DS was over the top centile line when he was born (can't remember if it's 98 or 95?), and at one point had dropped to just above 40. The HV just suggested feeding more frequently and weighing regularly until he stabilised and followed a line upwards. No one expressed any significant concern at all, and no one suggested early weaning or anything like that.

I would try not to think about it too much until the next weigh in, and then go from there.

It really doesn't sound concerning. Babies very rarely follow one centile line - it's normal to bob around one or two lines. They don't normally get worried unless they've dropped more than two centile lines.

My DS is a similar age to yours - born on the 99.6th centile and now on the 75th. HV not remotely concerned as otherwise developing normally and also very active (rolling all over the place).

She sounds extremely cautious.
My hv watches my dd closely as she had the same pattern but right down between 9th and 2nd percentile ... and she frequently reassures me it's just a precaution and the scenario is very common. In most cases fine.

Also definitely don't wean early! We've been weaning slowly because dd is small and grows slowly ... milk is the easiest way for them to digest calories and protein.