My baby is 17 months and his stomach is so big. It looks like an inflated balloon. He reminds me of the malnourished kids I see on infomercials from 3rd world countries. He is in the 3rd percentile for weight. Is brother was in the 75th percentile at his age. He has been consistently in the 3rd percentile since birth. My doc says he is just petite but his small size and huge belly is concerning to me. He has frequent diarrhea and doesnt eat a variety of foods. Oatmeal every morning, sweet potatoes and sphagetti and every other food is questionable. Should I be concerned?
Hayes you should be concerned. He is already at lower percentile of weight chart. What is his length, if length has also not increased then something chronic is going on. How are his milestones? At 17 months he should walk without support, should scribble, say many words. How are his bones ? Are they bent? All these questions need to be answered. Frequent diarrhea may be the reason for his malnourished condition and protruded belly. Why is he having frequent diarrhea? He needs investigations for malabsorption of various food components. Protruded belly may be due to calcium, it D deficiency. Get him evaluated in person by a pediatrician to answer these queries and his treatment accordingly. Best wishes