This Can't Be Right...

Updated on May 02, 2011
A.K. asks from Schenectady, NY
48 answers

I know my son is healthy as far as his weight goes, no issues. But I'm looking up averages and this sounds crazy - my son is the average size of a 4 year old at 18 months old?! He's 35 pounds and 36 inches. Can someone else compare that please? Does anyone on here have a 4 year old that size, or 18 month old that size?? We aren't around a lot of other kids for me to see him in relation to other children his age.

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So What Happened?

Wow! I know they come in all shapes and sizes, but no wonder my back hurts! haha
We aren't particularly tall - I'm 5'6 and my dh is 6'. But we were big babies, and my son was 9.13 at birth and 23 inches, so I guess it makes sense.

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A.H.

answers from Chicago on

My oldest son was like that. At 30 years old he is now 6'6". My doctor told me he would be that tall. He weighed 32 pounds at one year old. It is wonderful that we are all different!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

Oh yeah...I got one a them big boys too! My son is 18 mos, 33lbs and 39". He weighs only 5lbs less than his 3.5 y/o sister! She was big at that age too and slimmed down after 2, but not quite this big! My back is killing me! Both my kids are off the charts for height and neither my husband or I are very tall...normal-ish range, I think. Probably he'll start to slim down after 2 when they eat less, drink lower fat milk (if you still have him on whole that is) and continue to be active...at least that's what I'm telling myself! ;)

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B.

answers from Augusta on

you also need to look at, grandparents, great grandparents. His size may be a recessive gene.
My son is 45lbs 45 in tall and in kindergarten. I don't remember how big he was at 18 months. But he's taller , and stockier than his other friends. His dad and I are small but my dad is tall and there are tall genes on my husband's side as well.

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

That was about the size of my son.

Birth 10lb & 23.5 inches tall

2 years (when you double their height to find their adult height, give or take 1 inch) 37.5 inches tall.

To date... my son pretty much weighed his height. from 9mo onward. At 2 years he was apx 40lbs. At 8 years 65lbs (60" tall... aka).

His height and weight have both slowed down *dramatically* starting at about age 5.

Because he was 99% and above, our ped got irritated and downloaded some Scandinavian height/weight charts. He's only "average" (about 50th percentile for both height and weight) as far as the swedish/norwegian charts are concerned.

One of my FAVORITE stories is when my son was 9 or 10 months old and I was swinging him on the baby swing at the park. This mother walks up with her toddler (walking completely on her own) and "talks" to my son (you know how irritating parents do that?) about how HE should be on the "big boy" swing, because her daughter was too little to hang on to the "big boy" swing since she was only 2 and a half.

Blink. Blink.

Lady. My son isn't even a year old yet, isn't anywhere near talking, and JUST started crawling. There's no way on earth he could use that swing. We'll be off in a few minutes.

((I'm 6'1... and the shortest of my family... Dad is 5'9 and the tallest in his family.. Kiddo at a projected 6'2-6'4 will be on the shorter side of men in my fam.))

3 moms found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

My 12 month old is 21 pounds and 30 inches.

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P.F.

answers from Dallas on

Just remember they grow out then grow up! That is what a pediatrician friend of mine always reminded me of when I thought my daughter was getting chunky. She was right!

1 mom found this helpful

A.D.

answers from Norfolk on

My boy was about 30 pounds at 18 months and he was much bigger than all of his little friends. You've got a future linebacker on your hands :)

1 mom found this helpful

A.G.

answers from Pocatello on

Yeah you've got a big boy on your hands! My daughter is 4 and weighs 38 pounds and is over 36 inches (I really can't remember her exact height but she was 36 inches at age 3 so I know she's taller now) And my daughter is thin but towers over pretty much all other 3 and 4 year olds. So yeah you've got a big healthy 18 months old on your hands. :)

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T.N.

answers from Albuquerque on

Yeah, your son is big! Are you and his father tall? You may find that his weight drops off, or at least doesn't increase as fast as his height as he gets into running around more.

My almost four year old daughters are 41 inches tall and 31 and 33 pounds. It's amazing that an 18 month old could outweigh them, but they're pretty thin.

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J.B.

answers from Denver on

My daughter was that size. Now she is 42" and 42lbs. She is very tall, but lean. She's only 3 years old.

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M.M.

answers from Washington DC on

My little man was huge, always has been.
He passed his sister at 35 pounds when he was two and she 5.
If your little one is healthy and growing well you have nothing to worry about.
And next one may be a teeny-tiny girl.

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K.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

My 4 year old is 49 lbs and 43". He is in the 99th percentile. My 2.5 year old is 27 lbs- he's in the 10th percentile. My 5 year old is 42 lbs and 41". He is around the 35th percentile. All by the same parents- funny how the genes fall! Your boy is very big, though!

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K.U.

answers from Detroit on

My daughter at 18 months was 35 1/4 inches tall, and 33 lb - she was "off the chart" in height, and I think 90th percentile in weight. At birth she was 8 lb 2 oz and 20 inches.

Now, at 3.5 years old (b-day in August) she is just about 40 inches and 38 lb - so she has slowed down a bit, but still is taller than average (around 75th percentile). Proportionally she looks perfect. I think she's going to be end up being tall and lean, but more muscular and less "bean pole" than I was. DD has a friend who just turned 5, is the same height, and about 35 lb - so she's probably more of a peanut.

At her doctor check-ups when they measure her height and weight, they also show the percentile chart and where she falls - that might be more helpful to you. I'm not sure at what age they start calculating body mass index (BMI). Genetics plays a role too. Neither I nor my husband are particularly big or tall, but my dad was 6 ft 1, his brother was over 6 ft., my brother is around 6 ft 2, and my mother's father was 6 ft 4. Their growth does tend to slow down around 2, and they should start gradually losing the "baby fat" as they become more active, and take on a leaner appearance.

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J.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

my oldest daughter was always big like that, she's now 6'1".. my little one is 13 months and 26+lbs... some kids just weigh more, and it doesnt always show in baby fat.

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M.P.

answers from Provo on

My son has always been at least a year bigger than what he should be at. Don't fret about it. Some children are just bigger than others. My son at 3 months had already out weighed his infant seat. Now at 18 months he's at 33 lbs. . .not sure on the inches, but he's tall. And yes, us mom's with larger children need lots and lots of back massages!!!!!

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Well my kids were since birth, very long/tall for their ages. 97th and up in percentiles. Long tall lean solid kids.

My son, is 4.5 years old and about 45" tall. He is way taller, than MANY 1st Graders. Because, I go to school with my daughter and also help/visit on other classrooms, namely the 1st Grade too, and my son is much taller than those kids. Who are 6 years old. Or 7.
My daughter, was 45" tall, when she was 6 years old.
But they are both tall but lean.
My Husband/their Dad, is tall. As is his whole entire family.

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C.M.

answers from St. Louis on

my 5 yr old daughter is 32 pounds and 39 inches

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V.B.

answers from Houston on

My son is almost 3 (May 22nd) and he weighs about 29-30 lbs. I don't remember how tall he is, but I know he isn't 36 inches yet. My daughter is 5 and she weighs right around 40 lbs and is 40 inches tall. My kids are both on the smaller side though, so yes, it seems your son is a bit big for his age. But, honestly, that's why there is an "average". Some kids are bigger than average and some are smaller. If your pediatrician isn't worried about it, I wouldn't be either. I have a friend whose kids are enormous for their age, but perfectly healthy. Both parents are very tall also, so no real surprise there!

A.F.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter is about 39" tall and weighs about 34-35 lbs (just weighed her Sunday) -- she will be 4 in July. My son is 2.5 years old and weighs 30 lbs and is 35 inches tall. My kids are 50/50 height/weight for daughter and 75/50 height weight for son. Yeah- I would say you have a big boy on your hands!

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S.S.

answers from Denver on

My son just turnd 5. He weighed in at 36 pounds at his well visit a few
weeks ago.... He is on the small side for his age though.

S.T.

answers from Nashville on

my almost 3 year old is 37 inches and 36 pounds....

H.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Wow. That's big. My son turned 3 last month and at his check up he was 28 lbs. Is your husband a tall/big man? I am guessing he probably is!

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J.T.

answers from Dallas on

my 5yo is 41 inches and 38 lbs

my 2yo is 32 inches and 23 lbs

you have a BIG boy, but no worries, they are ALL different!

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K.P.

answers from Memphis on

My SIL's son was probably about that size. At birth, he was nearly 10 lb; by 6 m/o, he was in 12-18 mo clothes, etc. I first saw him when he was 11 m/o, and he seemed to be about the size of the typical 18-24 m/o, but he wasn't even walking yet. He's just always been big (his dad is about 6'3"), and consistently wears clothes that are sized at least 1-2 years ahead of his age.

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B.C.

answers from Joplin on

My oldest son was a HUGE kid from early on, he was the size of most two year olds by 6 months, then my next two babies were very petite thank goodness. My youngest now will be 4 in June and I am not sure on his height although I know he is considered shorter than typical for this age ( but I am short, 5 foot nothing!) I do know he just weighs 31 lbs. I would not stress those charts are averages.

B.S.

answers from Saginaw on

No worries, I had big babies too.

For my daughters 5 and 3 year check up. My 3 year old was three pounds lighter than my 5 year old and only like five inches shorter.

Kids really do come in all shapes and sizes, even siblings.

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C.R.

answers from Seattle on

Your arms must be sore! Heehee... My daughter is almost 3. She's 38 inches and weighs 30 pounds and she's tall for her age, she's not heavy though - 50th percentile (I think). She has weighed 30 pounds for over a year!! She has always been in the 99th percentile for height and weight since she was about 2 months old and she just totally leveled out. He's definitely a big kid, but I don't think there's a darn thing wrong with it and that seems like an awfully small 4 year old if you ask me...

M.L.

answers from Houston on

My 5 yr old weighs 40 lbs. He's a tad short for his age, but pretty much on target with most other kids in his class.

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K.M.

answers from Kansas City on

My boys are on the small side. My 5 year old is only 34lbs and my 3 year old is 25lbs. All kids are different. My sister's kids were bigger than average during their toddler years and thinned out in grade school.

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P.K.

answers from New York on

My kids were all that tall at that age. However, they were not heavy. I think
they came in at about 25 lbs. They were all tall and slender and still are.

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S.R.

answers from San Francisco on

At 12 months my son was 26 lbs. Now at 4 1/2 yrs he is 45 inches tall and 45 lbs. He's been a pound of weight for every inch of height most of his life. Our 2 1/2 yr old daughter is 39 inches tall and 26 lbs. He was 8lb 4oz, she was 6lb 2oz. I was 9 lbs at birth.

Our friends son who is turning 9 in July is only 49 inches tall and I think 48 or 49 lbs. He's twice my sons age and only a few inches and pounds taller. It's crazy! =)

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W.M.

answers from Nashville on

My 5 yr old is 39lbs but a baby in our preschool class is not even 18 mos and he is about 32lbs. Just a hefty boy. As long as your child is healthy, he will work/walk it off as he ages.

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J.S.

answers from Albany on

my son just turned 3 and he is only 36 pounds but he is 42" tall. The doctors says his height is off the charts but he could gain some weight. The father is 6'4", but he is tall and lanky..very skinny for someone of that height. i am 5'8" and weigh about 145ish. The doctors dont think he has any weight problems just that he could gain some. When we got out in public my son towers over most of the kids that are older and the same age as him. I think your son is perfect!!

P.M.

answers from Tampa on

My almost 6 y/o girl (granted tend to be less in weight and in height) is only 43 inches and 36lbs!

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D.F.

answers from Raleigh on

At 18 months, my son was 29 pounds and 35 inches. At four years (now), he is 42 pounds and 44 inches.

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S.H.

answers from Grand Rapids on

That's just about what my son was at 18 months. He's now 8 and is 54" and 72 pounds of muscle. My sister was only 85 pounds when she started high school! lol That's funny that others are mentioning that their kids weigh their height. Until recently both of mine have too. Before my 8 yo started outweighing his height he was the same and my 3 yo is currently 43 lbs, 43".

K.V.

answers from Lansing on

My daughter is almost 2, and she weighs 23lbs and shes short...Im not sure how short, because she doesn't go for her 2 year well child check for a couple more weeks. I know 18mo clothing is loose on her in the waist, but to short in the legs.

Sounds like you have a future football/basketball player on your hands :)

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

My 3 1/2 year old is 40lbs and 40 inches and she's tall for her age.

C.M.

answers from St. Louis on

My 3.5 year old is probably right around that size. Sounds like you've got a big boy on your hands!

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K.O.

answers from Atlanta on

My son turns 4 in July and he's currently 38" and 35 lbs. He's on the smaller side, so that's probably about the average size of a 3 year old.

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S.T.

answers from New York on

My son has always been over the 100th percentile in height & weight but always in proportion. I think they need to re-do those charts. My son was about the size of yours when he was born (9lb15oz, 22 3/4 inches)- he's now in 6th grade and has always been the tallest kid in his grade. There's always another 1 or 2 kids in his grade that are close to him - but so far he's always tallest. He's athletic so whether it's baseball, football or basketball there's bound to be a parent on the other team that questions whether he's really the age he is. They are usually the parent of a smaller child and feel that their kid might get hurt by my son. And my son is at the younger end of the age spectrum for his grade - so he's usually younger than 3/4 of the other kids he's playing with.

I assume that you ate healthy foods when you were PG, did you nurse him too? I think that all contributes to a kid reaching his full genetic potential. I'm 5'8" and my DH is 6'2". But we have taller people on both sides of the family - so clearly the tall genes came through. My DD who is 14 is now just under 5'10" and has stopped growing (she is so thankful she stopped at 5'10"). My neice is 6' and her brother is 6'5".

The only problem with a kid this size is that age your son's age - until about age 9 you can not keep him in clothes that fit since he grows so quickly. Beg for hand-me-downs, shop at WalMart, etc.

Good luck with your boy - they are so much fun!!!

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B.M.

answers from Dallas on

omg, you gotta chunky little boy - bet he's SO CUTE though! let's see if i can give you my son's and my friend's kids info to help compare...
my DS (2 yrs) - 25 lbs - he is little for his age
khloe - 1 yr - 25 lbs
sophie - 22 months - 25 lbs

they all weigh about the same but are different ages. 35 lbs is a pretty big boy! but i'm sure he'll slim down just as i'm sure my little guy will bulk up as they grow older. :)

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E.M.

answers from Louisville on

my 4 year old weighs 32 pounds.....but i also have a friend who has a 21 month old who is 30 pounds dont worry until you have reason to :)

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K.L.

answers from Nashville on

He's definitely bigger than my 3-year-old. They're probably about the same height (she might be a hair taller), but he would be a good 5 pounds heavier. I guess I make sticks, lol. My daughter probably won't hit 35 pounds until she's 4, but she's in the lower half of the percentile chart. She's in the upper half for height, though. So I'd say your son is more like the size of an average 3-year-old.

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A.K.

answers from Dallas on

Yep he is way bigger than my 3 yo! she is 32 pounds, and about 32 inches.
She is considered tall - she is also very slender looking.
Probably coz she hardly eats, I don't know how she grows at all!

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J.M.

answers from Boston on

That is about what my son was. He, at three, is heavier than, and close in height to, a couple of my daughters friends who are 6. Don't worry about it. He's probably just a big kid.

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

You just described my 4 1/2 year old daughter. Who is 35 lbs and 39 inches.
My 3y, 3m neice is 38 lbs and 40 inches.

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L.C.

answers from Raleigh on

I have several friends who's kids were like that before the age of 2, however kids slowed down afterward and hardly had any growth between age 2-3 ,3-4 and are now "average " size. I have heard on the health channel that genetics take over after the age of 2 .....if you have very tall people in your family then he will be tall if both sides are average in size , he will slow down. My hubby is 6'4 so all 3 kids are tall(even our little girl who was born 19" was 26" at 4 months:))

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