Appetite Booster for 4 Yrs Old

Hello. What does your doctor say about your son's weight? Does she say his weight is fine? If yes, then I wouldn't worry about it and just make sure he eats healthy food, plenty of protein.

My youngest daughter is 10 and weighs 58 pounds. I used to worry about her alot and would ask the doctor all the time about it but every time he would say she's healthy and I finally believe him. She just doesn't eat a lot of meat so I have to make up for that in other areas...but I never make my kids clean their plates, I don't think that's a good habit to get started at a young age.

My dd is almost 10 and is less than 55 pounds. She is under the care of a pediatric endocrinologist - a specialist that deals with growth issues. One of the biggest things I have learned about growth issues - and food issues are a part of this is that there is no "normal". EVERY kid is unique and will grow at their own rate and in their own time. As long as when your pediatrician is charting growth & weight they are growing at a normal rate (meaning that the chart has that pretty curve) it doesn't matter if they are at the 98% or at a point below the 1% - if they are curving - then there isn't a whole lot to worry about. What you have to worry about is if they for some reason don't arc or if there is some other health issue. Additionally, if your pediatrician isn't very good about well checks & measuring - then I would consult with another doctor - or a specialist. My dd's growth stopped & it wasn't caught quickly because she didn't have regular well checks. I switched pediatricians (for other reasons) and it was found in the very first visit with the new doctor. She sent us for prelim testing - blood test & an xray of her hand to see the "age" of the bones. The pediatrician said that her bone age was normal (meaning it was the same as her age) but the endocrinologist said that it was actually at least a year younger - which accounted for some of her defict in growth. She told me that because pediatricians don't look at that many xrays to age bones - they aren't as good at it as she is. We have done a bunch more tests & bottom line, she is finally growing - without any major intervention. The only thing I had to change was the amount of protein in her diet. I am currently using the carnation instant breakfast too - but I've used a bunch of other protein supplements too. If you really dont' think he is eating well - finding a supplement like a protein shake may be something that would work. Look for something in a flavor that is appealing. There are lots of them out there. Stay away from those that have NO sugar, kids have trouble processing large quantities of protein without sugar to fuel the breakdown of the protein. Look for low sugar or balanced ones.

Hi Lz,

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God Bless,

M.

My 23 month old was born premature so he is small for his age, weighing only 22 lbs. Our challenge with him is to keep him on a nice, steady growth curve and keep him gaining weight. A nutritionist sees him at his regular pediatrician visits. The first thing I would say to you is that if your dr is comfortable with your son's weight and feels that his growth rate is normal, I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you are still worried, go to another dr for a 2nd opinion or ask your current dr for a recommendation to a nutritionist.

It's hard to get toddlers to eat well. The key is to make smart choices and slip extra calories in wherever you get the chance. Small amounts can provide big calorie payoffs! I've got a great handout from our son's nutritionist that lists calorie boosters and snack ideas.

We don't have our son on a multivitamin, but with the recommendation of our dr, we supplement with Pediasure drink or Carnation Instant Breakfast (remember that stuff)? The Carnation is a great because it has lots of vitamins & minerals and if you The handout is 3 pages long, but if you'd like a copy, feel free to send a private message to me with a fax # or I may be able to scan it and email it to you. Good luck!

Hi LZ,
My youngest had the same problem. He was in a 5T at the beginning of second grade... I was very worried about him. Especially since I am 6'1" and my hubby is 6'4". His brother has always been in the 90% and he was always in the low 20% for both height and weight. His Dr is wonderful and told me not to worry (yeah, right) but told me to give him a carnation instant breakfast with his meals. They are a lot less than the pediasures and will make sure that he gets everything nutritional that he needs in a day. We just had his 8yr check and he is now in a sz 8! The best thing was that we didn't make a big deal about it because we knew that he had everything he needed for the day taken care of. He loves his chocolate milk and I loved not fighting to make him eat something!
Good luck!
D.

My son who is 21 months old now also had the same problem and would not eat even a single meal a day. His doctor prescribed a amedicine called "Periactin". Now he is doing better than what he used to be and at times eats very well. She said that she gave it to her own son too who had eating problems.

Her name is Dr. Vanita Shori and she is with Cooks Children at Grapevine