Baby weight gain
One of the most common reasons I encounter mothers seeking my assistance is their worry about their infant’s weight gain.
There is a significant emphasis placed on weight fluctuations in the first year of a baby's life by both healthcare professionals and mothers.
It is crucial not to panic over a single abnormal weigh-in. Numerous factors can contribute to a sudden decrease in your baby's weight gain, such as:
- Using different scales
- Infant having a large bowel movement before being weighed
- Your infant being ill
- Delayed feeding times
- Your infant sleeping for longer periods
- Your infant going on a feeding strike
- Your infant becoming more mobile
- The introduction of a dummy
- Incorrect recording of previous weights
A single weigh-in does not provide a comprehensive picture, and it is more beneficial to monitor your infant's weight over a period of time rather than focusing on isolated measurements or those taken close together.
What is normal?
It is normal for an infant to experience an initial weight loss of around 10% of their birth weight during the first week of life. Typically, this weight is regained by the time the infant reaches 2 weeks old.
If your infant is losing weight during this initial period, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Your milk supply may still be establishing
- Your breastfeeding positioning and attachment may require some adjustment
- Your own recovery from birth
- Medications and hormones from the birth process
- The overall situation, such as an infant who has lost more than 10% but is feeding well and frequently may require minimal support, whereas an infant who has also lost more than 10% but is lethargic and not feeding effectively will need more intervention and support.
By 4 months of age, an infant's birth weight should typically double and triple by 13 months for boys and 15 months for girls. In the first year, an infant's length should increase by 1.5 times since birth, and head circumference should grow by approximately 11cm.
Breastfed infants tend to grow at different rates compared to formula-fed infants. It is common to observe faster weight gain in breastfed infants during the first 3 months of life, followed by a slower growth rate compared to formula-fed infants at 3 to 4 months. Weight gains can fluctuate weekly, but overall, your infant should grow steadily over the first year. Monitoring average weight gain over a month provides a more accurate picture.
It is important to recognise that not all infants are the same size or shape, and an infant with smaller parents may naturally be on the smaller side. Growth is not solely about weight gain; it is also essential to consider length and head circumference to assess overall development.
It is crucial to remember that the 50th percentile on growth charts is an average and not a benchmark that must be met or surpassed. It indicates that 50% of typical infants will fall below this line, while the other 50% will be above it.
If you have concerns about your infant's weight, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant for guidance and support.
