Introduction
As a new parent, one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your baby is healthy and growing is to track their weight gain. For many parents, however, it can be tough to know what to expect in terms of how much weight their baby should be gaining each month.
Here, we’ll break down some general guidelines for baby weight gain and look more closely at factors that can impact how much weight a baby gains over time.
Break It down by Week
While it’s common for many parents to track their baby’s weight gain on a monthly basis by visiting the pediatrician, there are advantages to tracking your baby’s weight gain on a weekly basis instead. By doing so, you’ll be able to spot trends and identify issues more easily if your baby’s weight gain begins to slow down unexpectedly.
To accurately measure your baby’s weight, you’ll need to use a baby scale. For the most accurate readings, weigh your baby before feeding and use the same scale each time you weigh them.
Tips for tracking your baby’s weight gain on a weekly basis include keeping a log and bringing any concerns or trends to your pediatrician’s attention.
Compare Average Weight Gains
It’s helpful for parents to have an understanding of what average weight gains are for babies, based on factors like breastfeeding or formula-feeding, gender, and age. For example, breastfed babies tend to gain weight more slowly than formula-fed babies in the first few months but catch up after about six months. Additionally, boys tend to weigh more than girls.
Parents can use these averages to gauge their baby’s growth against other babies of the same age and to track the impact of changes like switching from breastmilk to formula. However, it’s important to remember that these averages are just that – averages – and that every baby is different. Parents should take note if their baby’s weight gain falls outside of these averages, and be mindful of additional factors that could be contributing to weight gain, such as illness.
Premie vs. Full-term Differences
Both premie and full-term babies are expected to gain weight after birth, but the normal range of weight gain for premie babies is generally lower than it is for full-term babies. Premie babies may also go through periods of weight loss after birth before beginning to gain weight steadily.
Factors that can contribute to premie babies’ weight gain include their overall health and the amount of time they spend in the NICU. Parents of premie babies should expect them to gain weight more slowly and steadily than full-term babies and should talk with their pediatrician about any concerns they have regarding their baby’s weight gain.
Factors that Affect Weight Gain
There are a variety of factors that can impact a baby’s weight gain, including genetics, sleep habits, and feeding schedule. Some babies are simply naturally smaller or larger than other babies, regardless of how their parents feed or care for them. Sleep is also an important factor to consider as it allows babies to use energy for growth. Those who receive enough sleep may gain more weight.
Parents can make adjustments to help their baby gain weight if necessary, like offering more frequent feedings. However, it’s important to talk with your pediatrician before making any changes to feeding or introducing additional foods.
Tips for Babies Who Aren’t Gaining Enough Weight
If you are concerned about your baby’s weight gain, there are things you can do to help encourage weight gain. Feeding more frequently, providing different feedings or a combination of both, plus more time for sleep may all be useful strategies to consider.
It’s important to talk with your pediatrician before making any changes to feeding or introducing additional foods if your baby is struggling to gain weight.
Monitoring and Limiting Weight Gain
While most parents are primarily focused on making sure their baby is gaining weight, it’s also important to recognize when monitoring and potentially limiting weight gain may be necessary.In situations where a baby is gaining too much weight too quickly, it can increase their risk of obesity later in life. Having a healthy lifestyle, including managing the baby’s diet, can be important. Parents can talk to their pediatrician if they are concerned about their baby’s weight gain.
Connection to Developmental Milestones
Finally, it’s worth noting that there is a connection between a baby’s weight gain and their overall cognitive and emotional development. Meeting specific weight milestones can be an important signal that your baby is on track with their growth and development. For example, when your baby reaches a certain weight, it may give them the strength they need to roll over, crawl or walk. As such, tracking your baby’s weight gain can be an important way to ensure they reach these milestones on time.
Conclusion
Tracking your baby’s weight gain each month is an important step in ensuring that they are growing and developing at the right pace. By paying attention to changes in their weight on a weekly basis and noting whether or not they are within the average range for their age, you’ll be well equipped to spot issues early on and take action as necessary. Remember to talk with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s weight or if you feel like they are not gaining weight as quickly as they should be. With the right care and attention, you can help your baby grow and develop into a healthy child.
