First-time mom Maci Mugele recently went viral on TikTok after sharing that her four-month-old son, Gunner Mattheyer, weighs a whopping 22 pounds and measures two and a half feet long. The video, which showcased Gunner’s size and playful personality, quickly captured attention for what Maci described as his “100th percentile, off-the-charts” measurements. While many viewers admired Gunner’s adorable chubby cheeks and rolls, others took a more critical stance, accusing the young mom of overfeeding him and even calling it “child abuse.”

Unfazed by the backlash, 21-year-old Maci defended herself by stating that Gunner is perfectly healthy, with doctors assuring her that his rapid growth is natural. Born at a healthy 8 lbs 1 oz and measuring 19.5 inches, Gunner has grown significantly in just four months, now weighing over 22 lbs and ranking high in both weight and height percentiles. Maci, who lives in Chandler, Oklahoma, explained that her son has always measured large—even in the womb—and that his appetite is simply bigger than most babies his age.

The viral TikTok, which has amassed over 20 million views, brought both praise and criticism. Maci expressed frustration over the harsh comments, questioning how feeding her hungry baby could be seen as abusive. In her view, not feeding a baby when they’re hungry would be the real neglect. Despite the negative attention, Maci remains focused on what matters most: her baby’s health and well-being.

The comments section on her video became a battleground. Some users left scathing remarks, likening baby formula to “mass gainer” and mocking Gunner’s size. One particularly cruel comment read, “Girl, the box you’re supposed to use is baby formula, not mass gainer.” These jabs deeply upset Maci, who found it disturbing that so many people would make fun of a baby. She emphasized that such criticism says more about the commenters than it does about her parenting.

Fortunately, many viewers came to Maci’s defense, celebrating Gunner’s cuteness and asserting that all babies grow differently. Supporters pointed out that “chunky” babies often slim down as they get older and that Gunner’s size could mean he’ll grow into a tall and healthy child. Comments flooded in with praise like, “Those chubby little rolls!” and “He’s perfect just the way he is.” The strong reactions from both sides of the internet highlight how emotionally charged conversations about parenting and body size can be—especially when they involve babies.