Jessica High's eight-month-old son Axyl has outgrown toddler clothes and now wears outfits designed for five-year-olds, with his rapid growth drawing attention worldwide. Born at 7lbs 4oz, Axyl doubled in size by six weeks, reaching 13lbs 6oz, and by six months weighed 33lbs 7oz. Now, at eight months, he wears clothes for a five-year-old that are already becoming snug.
Costly Growth and Practical Challenges
Jessica, 34, a business owner from North Carolina, US, says the family has spent $5,000 on clothing and equipment as Axyl quickly outgrows items. "I have reduced myself to only buying him five pieces of clothing: shirts, onesies and pairs of shorts or pants," she told creatorzine.com. "I was buying whole wardrobes and he was outgrowing the clothes before I could even get the tags off."
Axyl's size has required a handmade bassinet the size of a mini crib, and he cannot fit in an umbrella stroller or highchairs. "It takes two people to get him strapped in and out of everything," Jessica explained. "His grandpa can't walk him, nor can his aunt."
Family and Public Reactions
Jessica shares Axyl with husband Jade, 43, and their three other children: Seth, 17, Pyper, 12, and Phoenix, five. None of her previous children grew at this rate. "People ask me how I carry him and I say with hope and prayer," she said. "He's heavier than an SUV tire without the rim."
Axyl's size attracts attention wherever they go. "We can never go out and be in a hurry anymore because we're stopped so often," Jessica said. Online speculation has included claims of metabolic issues or overfeeding, but Jessica said, "Some people think I'm purposefully making him obese, even though he is perfectly healthy. I don't owe anybody an explanation."
Health and Diet
Axyl consumes 37oz of formula daily and two jars of baby food. He is monitored every eight weeks by a paediatrician who has zero concerns. Despite not yet walking or crawling, his feet are too wide for baby shoes. Jessica remains focused on his health: "I prayed for healthy babies and I've been blessed with four."
She hopes to spread positivity through sharing Axyl's journey. "We've been given a rare opportunity to share our family and Axyl's extraordinary growth journey with people all over the world," she said. "To us, he's not 'the giant baby of the internet' — he's simply our son."
