Little Man Just Won't Grow

Updated on March 04, 2008
A.K. asks from Canfield, OH
12 answers

My youngest will be a year old tomorrow, however, he hasn't grown in the past nine months. His head is growing therefore his brain is growing and he is properly developing, but he hasn't gained any wait or gained in the length department either. He has been tested for Celiac Disease and other malabsorbtion and mal-nutrition diseases and he has a clean bill of health. He eats like no other, even more than my 6 year old and 2 year old. There are days where he doesn't stop eatting.
It is really starting to worry me. I have been told over and over again my doctors that they can't find anything medically wrong and then want to run more tests. Well, I am tired of them doing tests. There are only so many times you can see your baby get pricked with a needle.
He is walking, gibbering, and doing everything that he should be doing at his age and others things that usually don't develop for a few more months or so.
I just wanted to know if there was anyone else out there that has gone through something similar to this and if they have reached an outcome. I guess a little support is what I need.
Thank you!

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So What Happened?

I want to Thank You All, every much!!! He has been tested for Gluton and that is not the issue. Knowing that I am not alone in this makes things a little easier to handle. Thank you again and Happy Holidays!!!

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A.

answers from Columbus on

My friend has the SAME problem with her son...he is still going through tests, however. He is nine months old and weighs 16 lbs. They ruled out Celiac's for him also. I just read something in People last night about Short-gut syndrome that I was going to look up for her today. I feel for you. I know what my friend is going through, so I can only imagine. Hers is also the youngest of three. She has an almost 6 year old (Feb,) her daughter will be 2 in Feb. and the baby will be one March 1. Let me know if you want her #.

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D.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

I experienced the very same thing with my grand daughter Chellecy ( now age 13). It took her a few years to begin to grow . She went inot a growth spurt and they just keep on coming. However, to address our concerns that she would be short stature we were fortunate to have a pediatrician who ordered a bone scan. It is not invasive, it does not hurt and a no more cumbersome than an x-ray. While we did not see any growth for her body , we were abble to see that her bones were growing. The doctor wanted to jump start her growth with HGH human growth hormones. We opted against it.Depending on the findings you may want to decide if it is suggested. If the side effects are worth the bother. She was growing it was confirmed. Everything worked out fine. She in now just over 5 feet tall. Be well, D.

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A.L.

answers from Cleveland on

I'm sorry for the frustration I can't say I know exactly what it's like but some what do. My 3 1/2 yr old has achondroplasia. It is a form of swarfism. No one in mine or my husband's family has this so it's still very new for some things as he gets older. My 21 month old is taller than my 3 1/2 yr old. I know what you are going through and just wanted to send my support.

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M.S.

answers from Columbus on

Someone mentioned gluton...definitely something to think about, esp. since I don't think this would show up on normal tests. Unfortuntaly, gluton is in a lot of products, so try going to a health food store and buy some gluton free foods and try those out for a little while to see if it makes any difference. You didn't mention how much your son weighs. Could it be he did the majority of his growing the 1st few months? I know why cousin weighed 10 lbs at birth and only weighed 19 lbs at a year old, so he only gained 9 lbs in a year. If everything else seems ok with him and he's healthy and happy, as it sounds, let it be for a couple of months.

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D.D.

answers from Cleveland on

Amada,
My 6 yr old has been tested a ton also for the same issues. He is now seeing a endocrinologist who is waiting and seeing. His tests for cystic fibrosis and celiac and many others have also come back negative. He isn't growing at the speed they like either. My husband and I are not big people and my son was 5lbs.11oz when he was born. Yes, he is a picky eater but when he eats his favorites of pasta or bread dishes he eats a lot. I understand your frustration and worry. They have talked about him being a late bloomer (I was and so was my husbands brother) and maybe putting him on growth hormones. We won't be doing that.
We'll do the natural/holistic route before drugs. Get all the facts that's the best we can do for our families. I too would love to hear someone else's story. Hang in there!

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C.B.

answers from Dayton on

Hello A. My name is C. I also live in Miamisburg and I am a stay at home Mom of 2 daughters Bayli is 6 and Jaedynn is 4 I don't know anything about mal absorption diseases or disorders but when My oldest was little and still now isnt a fast weight gainer it took her forever to get to 25 lbs she was almost 4 ! but as many times as I took my concerns to her Dr. Dr. Victoria Taylor... Sje said that kids will gain weight fast as babies then after awhile just hit a plateau and stay there and not gain much for awhile, as long as she wasn't losing weight, eating and drinking ok and acting the same and happy then I shouldnt worry too much, however I know your a mom and worry now is our middle name.

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J.G.

answers from Cleveland on

My little man is almost 18 mo and still can't fit into 12 mo clothes. He was a little over 7# when he was born and is now 22#, but is very small for his age (almost off the bottom of the chart) and has been 22# for almost 6 months. He seems to eat all day, people can't believe how much him and his 2 year old sister eat... I think they eat more then I do. But they are both healthy, well other then my girl having allergies. My little girl is also being watched by Akron Health Dept because of her chart and who much she didn't gain/grow. But the Doctors don't seem to be to worried about either of them... I did have a doctor tell me not to compare my kids growth or developement. All kids grow and develope differently and worring only causes unnessisary stress in the home. Take a step back and enjoy your little one, they are only little for so long.

Please take care & have a Great Holiday Season!!!

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S.G.

answers from Cincinnati on

I have also heard of the gluton allergy thing stunting a child's growth. Definitely something that should be considered if it hasnt been checked already. Better to catch it now then wait.

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S.H.

answers from Toledo on

I am also going through something similar. My little girl is just 15 months old and is a teeny tiny little thing. She is barely 18 lbs but is a terror in every other way. She runs, climbs, talks & yells up a storm, throws serious tantrums and eats like a champ. She is just a peanut in size. I am not worried about her at all, all her dr.'s visits they say she is healthy other then their concern she is "under the average growth rate". As far as I am concerned if there are no health problems or anything medically wrong I am ok with her being petite. Good luck to you and I hope I could help ease your mind even just a little.

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N.K.

answers from Toledo on

Hello! I would like to start out by stating that kids grow at different rates and there really isn't anything to worry about. I know when I was 3 years old my mom told me (and pictures show) I was about the size of a one year old, now I'm still short but I obviously did eventually grow (I'm 5'0 now).
I would recommend holding off on the tests for a few months just to give yourself a break, then you may want to start up again. Basically if the testing is taking a toll on you and on your son then take a break. However I just have to ask if you have had your son's gluten tested. I know two kids that have gluton allergies and if they intake gluton then they literally stop growing. This is a far fetched idea but I figured I would throw it out there.
Good luck and hang in there.

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J.R.

answers from Chicago on

A.,
My nephew(Charlie), who is going to be 3 in January, is the same height and weight as my 1 yr old. Charlie's growth slowed dramatically after he was about 9 months old. My nephew has been tested for everything that you have mentioned along with acid reflux and stomach scoping and allergy tests! And so far nothing is wrong with him except for a slight milk allergy - he has developed very well other than growing and gaining weight. My sister-in-law is done with the tests and she is in the same boat you are. I also know that she has found two other moms with boys that have similar rates of development.

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A.W.

answers from Mansfield on

I would like to ease your mind...of course there are things that could be wrong, but in all likelihood, your son has just not hit a growth spurt in a while. I can remember kindergarten and those early ages when the size of the kids ranged from teeny tiny to significantly larger...try to think about that and put you mind at ease.

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