How do you know if your baby is gaining enough weight? Every parent asks this question. Of course you want your baby to gain well, but what is expected?
Most babies will lose some weight at first. A 7% loss from birth weight is considered within normal limits. Breastfeeding babies gain robustly the first 4 months and then slow down.
What are you looking for from the baby?
- Is your baby waking on her own and eager to nurse?
- Is your baby peeing clear or very pale urine at least...
- 1 pee on day 1
- 2 pees on day 2
- 3 pees on day 3
- 6 pees per 24 hours by day 4
- Do the diapers feel really heavy and you know they are wet?
- Is your baby pooping every day (at least 1/2 cup of poop) and are the poops yellow and seedy by the 4th day of life?
- Are your baby's eyes alert, bright and white?
- Is your baby's skin a healthy color?
- Is your baby moving her arms and legs actively?
- New born babies sleep a lot, but when your baby is awake is he alert and content?
Normal Weight Gain:
- back to birthweight by day 2-7
- 7-10 ounces per week the first 4 months
- double birth weight by 4 months: a gain of 7.5 pounds-10.75 pounds
- 3.5-5 ounces per week month 4 to month 12
- triple birth weight by one year: a total gain of 15 pounds-21.5 pounds