How Much Weight Should a Baby Gain Each Week?
Every baby is an individual with her own growth pattern. Still, steady weight gain during a baby's first few months is an important indicator of overall health.
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Initial Weight Loss
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Babies normally lose several ounces of their birth weight in their first few days--about 5 to 7 percent, according to the book "Great Expectations: Baby's First Year."
Overall Weight Gain in Babies
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According to standards developed by the National Center for Health Statistics, a typical baby will regain his birth weight by two weeks postpartum, double his birth weight by six months and triple it by his first birthday.
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Average Weekly Weight Gain
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--First four months: 4 to 7 oz. per week
--Four to six months: 3 to 5 oz. per week
--Six to 12 months: 3 oz. per week
Breastfed and Formula-Fed Babies
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Many breastfed babies gain weight less quickly than their formula-fed counterparts, especially after the first six months. The World Health Organization has developed a growth chart for breastfed babies. Other infant growth charts are based primarily on formula-fed babies.
Babies and Measurements
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Weight gain is only one factor in evaluating a baby's health; length, head circumference, alertness, demeanor and the achievement of developmental milestones are also considered.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit newborn baby image by Diane Stamatelatos from Fotolia.com
