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Understanding Newborn Weight Gain
As soon as your baby is born, he or she will be whisked away, weighed,
measured and checked over thoroughly. The measurements include your baby’s head
circumference and length, and these, along with his weight, will be used to
measure your baby’s progress over the coming weeks and months. And for the next
few months, while you are desperately trying to lose weight, your baby will be
desperately trying to put it on!
Losing weight
A newborn baby can lose up to 10% of her body weight in the days following
birth. This is simply because the baby needs more food that he or she can
actually consume. After ten days to two weeks, your baby should have regained
her birth-weight and be starting to gain weight. An average rate is around 6
ounces a week, but it is important to remember this is only an average guide –
all babies are different.
Progress
Consistent weight gain is a sign that your baby is in good health. Some babies
will gain weight more slowly than other babies, and while this is normal, you
should still make sure it is not a symptom of another problem. Newborn weight
gain is constantly monitored by your baby’s pediatrician because it can give an
insight into the overall health of your newborn.
When talking about your newborn’s weight gain your baby’s pediatrician will ask
you how often your baby produces wet and dirty diapers. You will also be asked
how often your baby feeds per day. Your baby’s weight will be measured along
with her length and head circumference to see if it is falling within typical
weight gain and growth patterns. These are often shown on a graph or chart, and
your baby’s progress will be mapped as either above or below the typical growth
pattern.
Bottle and breast fed weight gain
Bottle fed and breast fed infants will generally grow at the same rate during
the first few months of life. Some studies show that breastfed babies may be
leaner than bottle fed babies. The extra weight in bottle fed babies is thought
to be due to water retention and different compositions of body fat.
Metabolic rates
Newborn weight gain is determined by more than just the baby’s diet. Some babies
will have different metabolic rates due to heredity factors. Long and lean
babies that are labelled ‘hypermetabolizers’ may burn calories faster than other
babies. These babies may grow faster in height and be above the norm on this
chart, but be slower to gain weight and be below average on the weight chart.
Problems with weight gain
Problems with newborn weight gain (whether your baby is gaining too much weight
or not gaining enough weight) can usually be rectified by making changes in the
baby’s formula or feeding schedule. Breast feeding mothers may be encouraged to
supplement their baby’s diet with formula. Bottle feeding mothers can try
different formulas, or try to feed more often. If these changes do not make a
difference in your baby’s weight your baby’s paediatrician will start to
investigate why.
You might also be interested in:
Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes
home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is
perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum
More about Newborn Babies
Back to AV Baby home
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