Baby weight and growth
When it comes to baby weight, newborns come in all shapes and sizes just like their parents! At birth, most UK babies weigh between 2.5kg (5lb 8oz) and 4.5kg (9lb 14oz). How healthy you are during pregnancy as well as both your own and your partner’s build are some of the factors that will affect your baby’s birth weight.
Newborn weight loss
All babies lose weight after they are born – many lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days. Once breastfeeding is established and your body has become more used to producing milk, your baby should start gaining weight again. As a general guide, this can take about 10 days.
How baby growth is measured
Your baby’s weight will be carefully monitored during the first couple of months to make sure they are developing healthily, so keep up with your baby's clinic appointments. Baby growth is measured using a ‘centile chart’ but these are just a guide. Don’t be too concerned if they start off at the top or the bottom end of the chart - this doesn’t mean they are over or underweight. What your health visitor will look for is a steady rate of weight gain, along a given line (centile) on the growth chart.
What is a healthy rate of baby growth?
After the initial drop in weight, your baby will probably gain about 175g to 225g (6oz to 8oz) a week in the first few weeks. By the time they are 6 months of age, they will probably be twice their birth weight. Your baby's growth will then gradually slow down. Occasionally, your baby’s weight may increase or decrease at a higher rate than normal, caused by sudden growth spurts or bouts of illness. Your baby's weight can also fluctuate around the start of weaning, when they may have difficulty accepting solids, and also when their activity levels increase and they become more mobile.
The Aptamil expert team includes a midwife, ex-nurses, and health visitors. They take lots of calls on baby health and development every day. If you have a question or want to talk about anything to do with being a mum, why not get in touch? Call 0800 996 1000 anytime, or try Live Chat - our one-to-one instant messaging service available Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm.