Those first precious moments with a newborn can be as nerve-wracking as they are exciting, and it’s natural for new parents to wonder whether their baby is a healthy weight.
As the months go by, many will ask their healthcare provider, ‘What is a normal baby weight’?
Whether your baby is breastfed or formula fed, keeping a close eye on their feeding habits and weight gain is a good way to determine their progress.
What is a normal baby weight?
A ‘normal’ birth weight, for a baby born at full term, can range anywhere from 2.5 to 4.5 kg (5.5 to 10 pounds). The average weight is around 3.4 kg (7.5 pounds).
But it’s important to remember that every baby is different.
There are many factors that can influence the weight of a baby when it is born.
- Genetics: Adults come in all shapes and sizes, so of course, the size of the parents can really influence the size of the baby.
- Nutrition: What you eat while pregnant can affect the growth of your baby. Gaining too much or not enough weight during pregnancy can affect birth weight.
- Gestational age: Babies gain a lot of weight in the last few weeks of pregnancy. If your baby is born at full term, then it is more likely to fall within a normal weight range. If your baby is premature, then it is likely to be smaller.
- Multiple births: Twins, triplets (or more) tend to be born at a smaller weight than single pregnancies.
- Pre-existing conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, and infections during pregnancy can affect birth weight.
- Age: Young mothers (under the age of 20) and those over the age of 35 are more likely to have babies with a lower birth weight.
- Sex: In general, baby boys weigh slightly more than girls at birth.
Why has my newborn lost weight?
It’s normal for babies to lose a little bit of weight in the first few days of life. Your healthcare team will monitor their weight to make sure they regain their birth weight within a couple of weeks.
If your baby doesn’t regain their birth weight within a few weeks, your midwife can offer support on feeding and check your baby’s overall health.
How often will my baby be weighed?
Gaining weight steadily is a sign that your baby is healthy and feeding well. Your care team will also check their length and head circumference.
After regaining their birth weight, babies should be weighed monthly for the first six months, then every couple of months until 12 months.
They will then be weighed whenever you see your doctor for check-ups and immunizations.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s weight or development, talk to your doctor.
All babies are different
The most important thing to remember is that babies (and their parents!) come in many different shapes and sizes. Try not to compare yourself to others and if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s weight, always speak to your doctor first.