Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! But now comes one of the big concerns: their weight. How much should they weigh? Are they gaining enough? Or is it too much? If you’re asking these questions, you’re a concerned parent or guardian.
Weight is something you’re often judged on during pregnancy and afterward. While important, there are other vital aspects to your baby’s overall health.
Let’s take a look at eight of the most important things you should know about your baby’s weight so you don’t stress too much as you take on this amazing new role in life.
8 Things You Need To Know About Your Baby’s Weight
1. Birth Weight Can Be Higher or Lower Than Expected
A newborn can weigh anywhere from 5.5 to 8.8 pounds (2.5 to 4 kg), but some perfectly healthy newborns may fall below or above these measurements. A baby’s birth weight is determined by a combination of factors, including genetics, the mother’s health during pregnancy, and whether the baby was full-term or premature.
A baby born with a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth weight is usually considered to be in the lowest 10 percent of babies of the same age.
A baby born with a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) birth weight is typically placed in the 90th percentile or above in relation to other babies of the same age.
Knowing the average birth weight for a baby can help you feel more at ease, but keep in mind that all babies are different, and slight variations are perfectly normal.
Related: 18 Weird But Normal Things About Newborns
2. Newborns Will Lose Weight Right After Birth
Most newborns will lose about 5–10% of their birth weight in the first week. This is nothing to be concerned about and is normal for a newborn as they lose fluids, meconium (first stool), and adjust to life outside of the womb. After the first week or two, your little one will start to regain the weight that they lost after birth.
On the other hand, it is a cause for concern if the newborn loses more than 10% of their birth weight or appears lethargic. In such cases, you should consult your pediatrician immediately to ensure that there are no underlying health problems. Newborn weight loss is normal, but they should start to gain weight gradually after that.
3. Breastfed Babies Gain Weight Slowly
Breast milk is the most natural way to nourish your baby, but you might be concerned that they aren’t gaining weight fast enough. It’s natural for new parents to worry, but you have to remember that each baby’s needs differ. A breastfed baby’s weight gain is usually a little slower than that of a formula-fed baby during their first few months, but this is often completely normal.
Typically, you can expect a breastfed baby to gain around 5–7 ounces (140–200 g) per week for the first 4–6 months.
The best way to know if your baby is getting enough milk is to look for other signs, such as regular wet diapers (6-8 diapers a day on average), a happy baby after feeds, and growth on their growth chart. However, if you are still concerned, you can always reach out to a lactation consultant or pediatrician.
Related: What Your Baby’s Birth Weight Tells You
4. Formula-Fed Babies Gain Weight Faster
Formula-fed babies usually have a higher weight gain rate than babies fed exclusively on breast milk. This is because formula is typically thicker and has higher protein and fat content, which could lead to faster growth.
A formula-fed baby will generally gain about 6–8 ounces (170–230 g) per week during the first 3–4 months.
However, you should not overfeed your baby because this can lead to other health problems later on, such as obesity. Try to be aware of your baby’s cues so that you don’t end up giving them more food than they need. As always, each baby is unique, so consult your pediatrician to know what’s right for your baby.
5. Growth Spurts May Affect Weight Gain
During the first year of their life, your baby will go through some growth spurts. This is a period of rapid growth and development where you can expect to see sudden changes in your baby’s weight. You’ll probably notice these growth spurts at around 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.
During these periods, your baby may want to feed more frequently, which is usually a good thing. It is completely normal, and your baby’s weight will soon follow suit with a visible gain. Growth spurts are temporary, and it is often the case that after a period of rapid growth, your baby will settle down to a more consistent rate of weight gain.
Growth spurts can be stressful for both you and your baby, but they are an important process that helps them reach all the milestones.
Related: 5 Non-Obvious Signs That Your Child May Be Ahead in terms of Development
6. Weight Gain Will Slow Down After 6 Months
Around six months old, your baby’s weight gain will slow down. This is because your little one is becoming more active at this age, and the rate of growth naturally starts to slow down. This is also when they usually start transitioning to solids and become more independent in terms of movement.
After 6 months, babies usually gain about 3–5 ounces (85–140 g) per week.
However, this does not mean that your child isn’t doing well. On the contrary, this means they are entering a new phase of growth and development, where they’ll be more mobile and independent and begin exploring the world. You may also notice that their body becomes leaner and more muscular as time passes.
7. Weight Is Important for Your Baby’s Development
While it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s weight, it’s also not the only thing that matters. Your baby’s growth chart, which measures their weight, length, and head circumference over time, is a more accurate representation of their overall development.
Weight gain is only one factor in determining whether or not your baby is healthy, and it can vary from baby to baby. Some babies may be in the 50th percentile, while others may be in the 10th or 90th. As long as they are growing in proportion to their own growth curve, there is no need to worry.
Babies will grow at different rates, and it’s normal for them to gain weight. It’s important not to obsess over small changes in their growth chart, as these things take time and consistency.
Related: Nutrikids Food Nutrition DHA+ Orange
8. Be on the Lookout for Health Problems
In most cases, a healthy baby’s weight gain is a good indicator of their health. However, there are a few instances where you should keep an eye on their weight gain. In some cases, unexplained weight loss or a lack of weight gain could be a sign of:
Lactation problems
Illness or infection
Genetic factors
If you notice that your baby’s weight has been stagnant or is decreasing, you should contact your doctor right away. The same goes for if your baby seems sick and is showing any other symptoms of illness, like fever, lethargy, or disinterest in feeding.
Conclusion
A baby’s weight is one way to track their growth, but it’s not everything. Weight gain and development are important factors when monitoring a baby’s health, but there are other ways too. Genetics, the method of feeding, and growth rates are just some of the many factors that contribute to the overall well-being of your little one.
The key is to stay informed and pay attention to the signs they give you to ensure they remain healthy throughout each stage of their development. Regular pediatric check-ups and communication with your doctor are also helpful in this regard, as they can keep track of your baby’s progress and let you know if there are any concerns.
Remember that weight is just a number, and your baby’s health is more than just that. So, celebrate every milestone (no matter how small or big) as they grow up and become their unique little self.
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