Newborn Weight Gain: How Much Is Healthy?

Newborns are expected to lose some weight in the first few days of life, with a 5% weight loss considered normal for formula-fed newborns and a 7-10% loss considered normal for breastfed babies. However, newborns should regain this lost weight within 10-14 days of birth, and by the end of the first month, most babies will weigh between 1 and 2 pounds above their birth weight. During this time, newborns typically gain about an ounce (30 grams) daily or 5-7 ounces a week. While it's important to monitor a newborn's weight gain as an indicator of general health, it's normal for newborns to fall within a wide range of healthy weights.

Breastfed vs formula-fed weight gain

The first year of a child's life is filled with rapid growth and weight gain. It is normal for new parents to wonder if their child is growing normally. Monitoring your child's feeding habits can help you determine their progress.

Weight Gain in the First Year

From birth to 6 months, a baby will typically double their birth weight, and by 1 year, they will triple it. In the first 5 months of life, a baby will gain about 5–7 ounces per week, and by the time they are 1 year old, most babies will have tripled their birth weight.

Breastfed vs Formula-Fed

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breastfed babies have a slight head start in weight gain shortly after birth, but their overall weight gain in the first year is usually slower than formula-fed babies.

Breastfed newborns gain weight faster than formula-fed babies for the first 3 months of life. This is likely because breast milk is dynamic and ever-changing, composed of the exact nutrition a baby needs at that stage. On the other hand, formula is static and does not change according to the baby's needs.

Babies who are formula-fed generally gain weight faster than breastfed babies after the first 3 months of life. This is because when formula-fed babies need more calories, they must drink more at each feeding. With breast milk, the composition and caloric content change according to the baby's needs.

How to Monitor Your Baby's Weight Gain

Your baby's weight gain depends on factors such as genetics, how active they are, and whether you are breastfeeding, formula feeding, or both.

Use the right growth chart to track your baby's growth. Don't worry if your baby's growth curve is different from the average. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned, but as long as your baby is consistently gaining weight at their own pace, they are likely fine.

Tips for Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding

Breastfeeding:

• Feed your baby on demand so they receive all the calories and nutrients they need.
• If you are exclusively breastfeeding, you may need to track your baby's weight more carefully in the early weeks.
• Weighing your baby regularly is important because any amount of healthy weight gain is a sign that your baby is feeding well.

Formula Feeding:

• Bottle-feeding parents should give their newborn roughly one more ounce of formula than their age in months.
• It is easier to know how much milk your baby is getting with formula feeding, as you can see how many ounces are in the bottle.
• It is also easier to accidentally overfeed your baby with formula.

Weight gain by week/month

The weight gain of a newborn baby varies from infant to infant and is influenced by factors such as genetics, eating patterns, and whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed. It is important to remember that growth occurs in spurts, and babies do not gain weight every day.

Weight gain by week

According to the CDC, during the first three months of life, babies tend to gain around 5-7 ounces or 150-200 grams per week. From 3 to 6 months, this slows down to 3.5-5 ounces or 100-150 grams per week. From 6 to 12 months, babies gain approximately 2.5-3 ounces or 70-90 grams per week.

Weight gain by month

During the first month, a newborn baby typically gains 2/3 to 1 ounce per day and grows 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length. By the end of the first month, 50% of newborns will be at or above their birth weight. In the following months, from 1 to 6 months, babies usually gain 1 1/2 to 2 pounds and grow 1 to 1 1/2 inches each month. During this time, babies may start to look chubby, but as their activity levels increase, they will develop muscle. From 1 to 2 years, growth slows down, and babies typically gain about 5 pounds a year.

Weight loss after birth

It is common for newborns to lose weight in the first few days of life. A newborn is expected to lose 7% to 10% of their birth weight, but they should regain this weight within the first 2 weeks or so after birth. This weight loss is due to the loss of extra fluid that newborns are born with.

For the first month, most newborns gain weight at a rate of about 1 ounce (30 grams) per day. They generally grow in height by about 1 to 1½ inches (2.54 to 3.81 cm) during this time. Many newborns go through a period of rapid growth when they are 7 to 10 days old and again at 3 and 6 weeks. From birth to 6 months, the typical baby will double their birth weight, and from birth to 1 year, they will triple it.

The amount of weight gained by a newborn can vary depending on factors such as genetics, eating patterns, and whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies typically gain weight faster in the first two months than formula-fed babies but grow less rapidly for the rest of the first year.

To monitor your baby's growth, you can keep track of their feeding habits and bodily functions. Nursing mothers should focus on the amount of time spent nursing rather than just the amount of milk produced. Bottle-feeding parents should give their newborn roughly one more ounce of formula than their age in months. Adequate nutrition can be assessed by monitoring your baby's growth and bodily functions, such as the number of wet and dirty diapers per day.

If you have any concerns about your baby's weight gain, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and reassurance based on your baby's individual needs and growth patterns.

Weight gain by gender

On average, babies born full-term weigh between 6 and 9 lbs. A newborn's birth weight is influenced by several factors, including the baby's gender, with boys tending to be heavier than girls.

During the first few days of life, newborns tend to lose some weight, which is considered normal. This weight loss can be more significant for breastfed babies, who can lose up to 10% of their birth weight, while formula-fed newborns typically lose around 5%. Most babies regain this lost weight by days 10 to 14 of life, although it can take up to three weeks for those who lost a significant amount of weight, were sick, or were born prematurely.

From birth to six months, babies typically gain about an ounce of weight per day, doubling their birth weight by this point. This rate of weight gain is influenced by factors such as genetics, eating patterns, and whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed. On average, newborns gain 4 to 7 ounces a week for the first four to six months, which equates to about 1 to 2 pounds per month.

While growth charts can be used to track a baby's weight gain and compare it to other babies of the same age and sex, it's important to remember that each baby is unique and that weight gain patterns can vary. As long as your baby is happy, alert, and sleeping well, they are likely growing properly. If you have any concerns, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider.

How to tell if your newborn is gaining enough weight

Weight gain as an indicator of health

Weight gain is one of many signs of good health in a newborn baby. In the first 5 months of life, a baby will about double their birth weight. By the time they're 1 year old, most babies will triple their birth weight. However, it's important to remember that babies come in all shapes and sizes, and weight gain can happen at different speeds and ranges for each child.

Indicators of healthy weight gain

• Growth and weight gain over time: During their first month, most newborns gain weight at a rate of about 1 ounce (30 grams) per day. They generally grow in height by about 1 to 1½ inches (2.54 to 3.81 centimeters) during the first month.
• Feeding frequency: A breastfed baby may feed about 8 or more times in a 24-hour period, whereas formula-fed babies usually eat less often, perhaps every 3 to 4 hours.
• Amount consumed at each feed: A baby generally nurses for at least 10 minutes and should be heard to swallow after 3 or 4 sucks. They should seem satisfied when they have finished feeding. At this age, formula-fed babies may drink up to 3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120 milliliters) at a time.
• Urination: A breastfed baby may have only 1 or 2 wet diapers a day until the mother's milk comes in. Expect about 6 wet diapers by 3 to 5 days of age for all babies. After that, babies should have at least 6 to 8 wet diapers a day.
• Bowel movements: Newborns may have only one dirty diaper a day at first. The first few bowel movements will be dark and tarry, then they become soft or loose and greenish-yellow by about 3 to 4 days. Newborns usually have several dirty diapers a day if breastfed and fewer if formula-fed.

What to do if your baby is not gaining enough weight

If your baby is not gaining enough weight, there are some steps you can take to address this:

• Increase feeding frequency: To optimise weight gain, try increasing feeds to 8 to 10 times per 24 hours and never go more than 3 hours during the day or 4 hours at night between feeds.
• Ensure your baby is getting hindmilk: Make sure your baby is draining at least one breast in each feeding, getting the highest-fat hindmilk that comes at the end. Ensure they finish one breast, feeding for 10 to 15 minutes, before offering the second.
• Supplement with bottles: If your baby is not eating effectively due to a tongue- or lip-tie, or if they get tired or frustrated trying to eat, supplementing with bottles of pumped breast milk or formula might help them gain weight.
• Reduce pacifier use: If your baby is sucking on a pacifier too much, they may not be hungry enough at feeding times.
• Increase milk production: If you are breastfeeding, try to increase your milk production by feeding or pumping more often during the day and night. Ensure you are eating enough calories and drinking plenty of water, and try to get plenty of rest.

When to seek help

If you are concerned about your baby's weight gain, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional. A certified lactation consultant can also help with any breastfeeding concerns. Your baby's healthcare provider should assess any instance of poor weight gain and can advise on the best course of action.

Frequently asked questions