What is the Normal Weight for a 6-Week-Old Baby?
Babies come in many shapes and sizes, and weights vary--even after only six weeks. Feeding habits and genetics also play roles in a baby's size.
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Normal Growth Rate for Newborns
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To determine if baby's current weight is normal at six weeks, first consider the baby's birth weight. After a normal loss of weight just after birth, a newborn should gain four to seven ounces per week for the first month, then one to two pounds per month for the first six months.
Causes for Slow Weight Gain
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Common causes of slow weight gain include inadequate caloric intake, gastrointestinal reflux, infection, genetic disease and milk-protein intolerance. Doctors can perform tests to find out if a medical reason caused a baby's slow weight gain.
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Treatments for Slow Weight Gain
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If a baby is not gaining weight properly because of inadequate caloric intake, mothers can increase milk supply, feed more often or supplement with formula. Babies with reflux sometimes can be helped by chiropractic care, medicine or elimination diets. Babies with medical conditions should be treated by doctors.
Feeding Schedule for Newborns
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To maintain a healthy weight and rate of growth, a newborn should be fed on demand, every time he or she shows signs of hunger.
Slow Weight Gain is Normal For Some Babies
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Many babies gain slowly yet are still healthy, happy and thriving. If a baby is behaving normally, smiling, wetting and dirtying diapers, then he or she most likely is fine, regardless of the number on the scale.
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