Monitoring your baby’s weight is essential to ensure they are growing and developing as they should be. Regular weight checks can also help detect any health issues early on. Here is a guide on keeping track of your baby’s weight:.

When to weigh your baby

It is recommended to weigh your baby within the first week of birth and then again at two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, twelve weeks and six months. After six months, you should weigh your baby at least once every three months.

This will enable you to compare the rate of growth of your baby and identify any anomalies.

How to weigh your baby

There are different ways to weigh your baby.

You can use either a baby scale, a regular weighing scale with a measure to hold your baby, or you can weigh yourself first and then weigh yourself again while carrying your baby and then calculate the difference. Ensure you weigh your baby without any clothing or diapers to get an accurate measurement.

What is a healthy weight for babies?

Babies come in different sizes, and their weights may vary. However, there is an average weight for babies based on their age and sex that is considered healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides growth charts you can use to track your baby’s growth. For example, the average weight of a baby girl at birth is 7.5 pounds (3.5 kilograms), and a baby boy will weigh around 8.5 pounds (3.9 kilograms) on average. By the end of the first month, the baby should have gained between 5 to 7 ounces per week.

However, these are only provided as guidelines, and it’s essential to remember that babies grow at different rates.

What to do if your baby is not gaining weight

If you notice that your baby is not gaining weight, it is essential to consult your pediatrician. Your baby may not be getting enough milk or may be struggling to suckle, which can impact their weight gain.

Also, an underlying condition may be causing your baby’s inability to gain weight. A medical professional will assist in identifying the problem and provide the necessary interventions.

Reasons why your baby might gain weight slower than expected

Several factors can cause a baby to gain weight slower than expected. These include:.

An underlying medical condition, such as a heart problem or digestive disorder
A nursing problem, such as difficulty latching or sucking
The baby’s prematurity
A low-birth-weight baby
Breastfeeding issues, such as inadequate milk supply or ineffective feeding technique
Formula-feeding issues, such as not preparing or administering the formula correctly
The baby not hungry- that could be a loss of appetite (the baby isn’t hungry, or there is a medical problem).
Other baby food issues, such as a baby being fed continuous juice or sugary drinks

Ensuring that any of these factors are addressed ensures that your baby gets the right nutrition and regains a healthy weight.

Healthy weight gain for pre-term babies

Preterm babies or babies born underweight may require specialized care to catch up on weight gain. For instance, a baby born prematurely weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) should gain about 5 to 7 ounces per week.

A baby who is born weighing less than 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) should gain roughly 0.7 ounces per day or around 4.9 ounces per week. These babies may require additional nutritional support or interventions to enhance their growth and development.

Conclusion

Keeping track of your baby’s weight is crucial to ensure they are growing healthily. Regular weight checks help detect signs of health issues early on and provide a range of information about feeding, health, and nutrition.

Always consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s weight or growth rates.