We went in for Samuel’s six month check up on Friday, and the doctor had some concerns about his weight gain, or lack thereof. When Sam was born he was smack-dab in the middle- 50th percentile at seven and a half pounds. He did fine the first few months, even though we had a lot of struggles with breastfeeding, but kept steadily declining on the growth charts. I know that a lot of people don’t put a whole lot of trust in the growth charts, and I realize they are just ‘guidelines’, but Sam had almost completely stopped gaining weight (yet was still getting taller) so there was some reason for concern. He isn’t quite up to 15 lbs, which puts him officially off the charts in terms of weight, and he is just over 26 inches, somewhere in the 30th percentile for height.
So, the doctor wants us to try to get as many calories into Sam as possible, so on top of increasing the amount of nursing sessions a day we are going to do 3 ‘solid’ meals a day. Sam loves to eat, so it’s no problem for us, but trying to figure out higher calorie foods for him to eat is a bit harder than I thought. Avacado’s aren’t in season right now, and the ones I found were kind of nasty looking, but upon some suggestions from other mama’s I am adding coconut oil to his sweet potatoes and carrots. It’s really high in calories and very mild tasting.
But other than his apparent lack of being able to gain weight, Sam is ahead on almost all of his milestones! He is rolling both ways, sitting unassisted and can crawl by doing “The Worm” it’s hilarious- he pushes himself up onto his arms (like a pushup) and then fill launch off and arch his back and flop himself forward. It’s entertaining to watch! He is grabbing and pinching and loves to give open mouth kisses on my cheeks. He also loves blowing raspberries. Yesterday the weather was fantastic, so we went on a really long walk around town and Sam got to try out the swings for the first time. He was in heaven! He absolutely loved it and wouldn’t stop smiling and giggling. I wish I had thought ahead enough to bring my camera with me! He’s also finally sprouting a little bit of hair on top of his head! It’s still pretty blond, so it’s hard to see in pictures, but it’s there alright!
And starting today we’re babysitting another little girl 3 days a week while her mama is in class at U of I, and I am hoping that it goes well, Sam is a bit of a social baby, so I am hoping that he is good while she’s here. Maybe she can teach him some new tricks, too, since she is 3 months older.
If anyone has any tips for fattening up a lil’ baby, feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments!
Knittybutton 
Hey Ali! I just love seeing Sam’s sweet little mug! He’s adorable!! I have had my fare share of trying to fatten up my baby and second the coconut oil. It’s also got lots of health benefits so will help him in so many ways (although you’re giving him the very best “health food” with your milk!!). Also, as soon as the avocados start looking better get him eating those, that’s the only solid foo Owen would eat until after his first birthday so we had lots of that but it’s full of all those awesome good fats so should help his weight gain. He may still be too young for this but maybe try some whole fat baby yogurt (Yo Baby). Personally I think 15 pounds is decent for a 6 month old, maybe on the smaller side, but not too bad, Owen was 16 lbs at a year (9 months adjusted) and our doctor wasn’t too concerned as long as he was gaining some weight and getting enough calories to keep up with his activity level (he wasn’t crawling yet though). you’re doing an incredible job feeding and mothering him Ali!! I’m sure he’ll start gaining, maybe he just took a little break as he was going through a length wise growth spurt (Owen has done this).
I don’t know if you have seen the charts for breast fed babies on Kellymom.com but this one http://kellymom.com/images/growth/growthcharts.gif says Sam would be about the 10%. Small but not too bad for a baby starting out at 7 1/2 lbs. Hope maybe that helps put you mind at ease and that he will like all these fun new solids that are coming his way!
Soooo, I think you really shouldn’t be worrying too much, small runs in the family, he is obviously happy and healthy. But you can always bulk up your milk calories to help. When E was about 6 months my milk started to dry up and not satisfy, so I started drinking protein muscle shakes with whole milk…yes I gained about 5 lbs but it was worth it to keep nursing for another 7 months! Add fat to your dinner too and that can help. 🙂
Hi! We have lots of friends in common.. 🙂
I dont think you have too much to worry about either. Sounds like he is thriving despite being “low” on the weight chart. My first (of three boys) was really low in weight. He started at 8 pounds. He was nursed until 4 months and then was on formula and food (by my choice, not spurred on my doctors. I was just ‘done’ lol ). He was a great eater and by 6 months pulling to a standing position, getting ready to cruise furniture and crawling. He thrived for sure! But he only weighed 15.9 pounds and was 27.25 inches at his 6 month check up. He is now going to be 5 and still a long and lean boy with no rear-end to hold up his pants! haha! Hang in there. Sam looks great! You just might have to be like me and only buy pants with the inside adjustable drawstring. 🙂 -Kristal
I just found this website which I’m looking forward to because my daughter is 5 and half months and just sort of getting interested in solids. Maybe this will help? http://www.ivillage.com/how-feed-baby-finger-foods-babies-love/6-b-404118