Hi All,
I just got back from my sons doctors appointment (regular 4 mo check up) and I am worried that my son is not developing at an appropriate rate. My doctor is not concerned as he believes each child is an individual and doesn't agree with growth charts as long as a child is gaining in length/weight appropriately. I agree with that line of thinking, but my son is above average in length, slightly below average in weight, and way below average in head circumference. The last one is what worries me. He is in the 5th percentile for head circumference. I have not noticed any kind of developmental delay but he is only 4 months old. Hubby is not concerned. Has any one else had this experience? Did your child grow out of it? Any advice?
I know it's a Mommy's job to worry but, I think from your response I would endeavor to say you've got nothing to worry about. If you, hubby and doctor have not noticed any significant development delays then you have nothing to worry about. If by chance your child is missing the mark on certain things, then you may want to ask your Pedi to refer you for a second opinion.
My son was preemie, and we were told he was going to be delayed on ALL kinds of things. He actually caught up a whole year earlier than the Pedi thought he would. Long story short, don't let the little voice in the back of your head rule your world. Keep an eye on him and make a journal, so you know when he hits milestones and be prepared to answer and ask the Pedi ALL questions that come to mind (journal is handy for this). Even make another appointment to sit down and chat for a few moments to get your questions answered.
Don't worry until you have to!
Good Luck.
At 4 months I think its too early to tell. Was he tiny when he was born? I have twin boys...the smallest was born 5lbs 12 ounces at 37 weeks. I believe at 4 months he was average height, average weight but 10% for head. Hes now 14 months at at his 1 year check up he was 70th height, 50th weight and 50th head. Each baby grows differently...just give it time and see how he develops. I can tell you my son is smarter than he needs to be and completely amazes me everyday on the things he learns. If everything seems fine...dont let the charts scare you!
Hi Jennifer,
Mine was 95th% height, 90th% weight and 25th% head circumference at 2 months. She continued to grow to 98th% height, 90th% weight and 40th% head circumference at 6 months. Her head is "catching up". I was a little uncomfortable with the smaller head, but these proportions will even out, so don't worry. :)
At his first checkup, my son was in the 50th% for height and weight, but only the 25th% for head circumference. That concerned me too, but my pedi didn't seem worried.
At four months, he was in the 75th% for height and weight and still only in the 25th% for head circumference.
He's 8 months now and at his last checkup, he was in the 50%th for height, weight, and head circumference.
I wouldn't worry too much about it.
My little one is a year old ad at her 4 month visit she ws in the 75th for length, 10-25th for weight and 3-5th for head circumference. I was in shock! I thought it must be the 35th but no it was 3-5th. She just had her 1 year visit and is still doing great and there is no problem with her meeting her milestones. I think she is very smart!!
both of my children had small heads compared to their height/weight. My daughter was in 90th and 70th in height & weight while her head would be in the 25th. My son was more dramatic, height in 90th, weight in 50th and head in 20th I think eve the 15th at one check-up. But by the time my daughter was 2 her head was 50th, and my son is 14mos and at his 1yr his head was up to the 35th, so it evens itself out. Just think...your kid doesn't have the giant head many babies have! As long as the head IS GROWING, you are fine!
As long as you trust your doctor (and I'm assuming you do since he's your doctor), if he is not concerned, I don't think there is anything to worry about. My daughter is all over the charts. The things you have to remember about those charts is that it is not a race to see who can be in the 100% in everything. It's not a test. It's a percentile or average of where your child lines up with the rest of the US babies. If your baby is 50% in weight, great. Your baby is average. Again, I wouldn't be worried if my doctor wasn't worried.
Hi,
Yes, my son had a smaller head measurement the first year but then caught up. Don't worry. At least it won't be so hard to get shirts over his head. Now that my son is two and measures at around the 50 percentile for head circ some shirts are tough!
HI, at 2 months they made me get a skull xray for my son to make sure his growth plates hadn't fused prematurely. The doctor recommended again at 4 months and I refused, got a new doctor and my son is now perfectly normal and his head has caught up with his body. my son's head got as low as 5-10% but my new doctor said she wouldn't worry unless he fell off the charts, so don't worry.
Do not worry! He's on the charts so that means he is in within range. I was always way OFF the charts (below) in weight when I was a kid and I am fine(after two kids I could definitely afford to lose a few pounds now). I was probably on the small side as far as head size too since today I have a small head (I have to buy kids glasses). I got high scores on the ACT and SAT and graduated from University with a good degree- head size does not determine brain power! Continue to monitor his growth and milestones but don't stress. There is a huge range for early development and kids learn at their own pace- in part due to personality(some kids want to move from day one, others are content to sit back and take it all in. )
Good Morning Jennifer,
Have you every considered food allergies?
I have had allergies my entire life, and along with that came many problems, such as hormonal problems. At 37, I am now being treated for my allergies. Allergies can affect growth rate and hormones along with other body functions.
I recommend that you log onto site NAET.com. NAET.com is a group of allergists around the world who treat and elimiate allergies. They are the ONLY allergists in the world who eliminate allergies. And drug free.
I have been seing my NAET allergist for a few months and I am seeing many changes in my body and I my health is improving and my allergies are being eliminated.
You may contact me at [email protected], if you have any questions. But, I recommend that you log onto site NAET.com, locate an allergist near your home, and make an appointment for allergy testing for your child.
Be Well.
Nicole
I just wanted to say, we had the opposite problem. My daughter's head is in the 90th percentile, which can be a sign of serious problems. Our pediatrician suggested we see a neurologist to allay our fears and he said everything was absolutely fine. Your baby is still on the chart. Everything can become a fear when you're a parent. I;m sure your baby is just fine also.
I wouldn't worry at all. Your son sounds just like my daughter, who is almost 13 months. She has always been really long & skinny, with a small head. She eats like there's no tomorrow (this kid can pack it away! LOL!), but she's got the fast metabolism like her mom & dad.
Like your doc, mine isn't worried either. He said he would be worried if she wasn't so consistent each month. But she gains weight, she grows taller and her head size stays equal to that (which is also in the 5th percentile). At first we were worried, now we know it's just her.
Look at it this way, your son will look like a little doll because his head is proportioned to his body! :-)
Cory
It sounds like you've gotten some good advice. My son had the opposite problem. He's almost 3 and his head size is big, off the charts and always has been. They did a CT to be sure there weren't any problems. He's a bright and very normal child.
My point is, don't fixate on the chart. Observe your child and if you think there are issues persue them, but don't base it soley on his head size.
Michele
My son had the same thing! He was average weight at birth! His 4 month check was the same, his head circumference was a ton smaller than average! He grew out of it and has a normal size head and is very advanced as far development! Every kid does grow differently! Don't worry to much!
My son had the same problem. His head was tiny! It doesn't help that my friend had a baby a week later and his head was huge. My boy is now 2 1/2, ahead in most develpomental areas, and his head has grown to 25th percentile. Because he is so long and skinny, it looks normal. Don't worry. Those charts only measure averages.
My son was always below normal. My first Dr. was really worried but I changed Dr. and they said not to worry about it he would grow out of it. He was not on the growth chart cause he was too small. He is now 3 and he is back on the growth chart at 10th percentile. I don't think those things really matter as long as your baby is healthy.
Same thing here. I have a long thin baby with a small head. That's how he was when he was born, and while his head circumference percent has increased somewhat (started at 25% and last check up was up to 27%) I would actually feel MORE concerned if his head suddenly shot up in size beyond regular growth. I think that would more likely signal a problem. BTW - at his last (4 month) check up, his height was 95% and his weight was 80%.
I think you also need to look at your son's genetics. My husband and I both have (relatively) small heads. I always have adjustable baseball caps cinched as tight as they can go. My husband usually adjusts them to about their middle range, but he's 6'7" so should theoretically be setting them to a Large setting.
As long as the growth is keeping pace, I really wouldn't worry about it. My son is, if anything, ahead of the curve developmentally. I really never think of his head size other than to be mildly amused by it.
Hi Jennifer,
I had similar concerns when my daughter was your son's age. At her 2 month, her head circumference was in the 25%. At her 4 momth, 10th percentile. Definitely was thinking that was the direction we didn't want to go! Thought about it often and worried and stressed as we mothers do...(and of course, googled all about small head circumference!) However, at her 6 month, head circumference now in the 45%. Like everything else, it will be monitored- My ped was also unconcerned, but it did relieve some anxiety when it came back up. If you can, don't worry too much until your next check-up. See where he is at then...