The weight of a person is an indicator of a healthy diet and physical growth. Therefore, it can be beneficial to be aware of babies the average weight of their babies month after month.
If a baby’s weight falls lower than the percentile, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is an issue in their physical or growth development. In this regard, the use of a weight chart could assist in keeping track of the development of their baby.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that you use the World Health Organization (WHO) weight chart for infants up to 2 years old.
This article outlines the weighted average of a baby, month by month since birth. It also explains what factors impact the weight of a newborn baby.
The average weight of a baby
As per the WHO The average birth weight for a full-term male baby of seven pounds (lb) 6.8 ounces (oz) which is 3.3 kg (kg). The weight at birth of full-term females is 7 lbs 2 oz, which is 3.2 kg.
The weight of a newborn at 37-40 weeks varies from 5 lbs 8 oz to 8 pounds 13 ounces. It is 2.5 to 4 kilograms.
When a baby is born, experts define the weight of a baby to be less than 5 lbs 8 oz, which is 2.5 kg.
It is typical for babies to lose about 10 percent of their weight within a few days after birth. This is due to fluid loss but is generally not a cause for concern. The majority of babies gain back weight after a week.
Baby weight chart for babies by the age
Weight charts can assist parents to determine what percentage their child’s weight falls within. For instance, if your child’s weight is within the 60th percentile, that implies 40 percent of infants similar to their age and gender are heavier as well as 60% of them weigh less.
This doesn’t mean that the baby weighs excessively or not enough. It could simply be a sign of the weight of a child in a range.
The graph below illustrates weight of babies within the 50% range. This is the weighted average. Male babies weigh slightly more than female infants, which is why the chart is broken down by gender.
What should you expect?
Baby’s weight increases and grows at the fastest rate within the first six months of their life. However, this isn’t always the case in babies, they typically gain between 4 and 7 oz which is 113-200 grams (g) each week during the first 4 to 6 months.
The weight gain slows down after which it is a little in the following months, with an average increase of 3-4 ounces (about 85-140 grams) every week, when the baby is 6-18 months old. On average, babies double their weight at birth by the time of the time they turn one.
The patterns of growth do not adhere to any specific pattern, however.
Some infants gain weight consistently and remain in that same percentage, or near it, for months. Some gain weight quickly which can indicate the beginning of a growth spurt. This can occur at any moment. It could cause a baby to move into a new weight percentage.
What is the impact of the weight of a baby?
It is not advisable to concentrate on weight, as it is the sole measurement of physical growth. Other measures of growth include the size and circumference of their heads.
The three measurements taken together give doctors an idea of how much the baby is growing in comparison to other babies similar to their age and gender.
In addition, it’s vital to keep other milestones in development in your mind. Numerous checklists of milestones based on years are accessible, such as one that is available on Pathways.org that is approved by various organizations, including The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
If you’re looking for more details about the factors that affect how much weight a newborn There are a variety of factors in play, including:
Sex
Male newborns are generally larger than female newborns and tend to gain weight slightly quicker in the first few months of their life.
Nutrition
Growth and weight gain will also be affected by the infant’s consumption of formula or breast milk.
It is reported that the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that babies who are breastfed increase their weight and develop quicker than formula-fed infants within the first 6 months.
However, this rate may change over 6 months. Babies who are breastfed might gain weight and grow slower than babies fed formula between 6 months and 1 year old.
Medical ailments
Underlying health issues can cause the baby to gain weight slower. For instance, babies who have congenital heart problems might be gaining weight more slowly pace than children without this condition.
Conditions that impact digestion or absorption of nutrients, such as celiac disease, can also cause slow weight gain.
Prematurity
Premature babies may develop and gain weight at a slower rate in their first year than those born full-term.
But, the majority of babies preterm gain weight quickly in the first few months and “catch up” by about their first birthday.
Summary
The typical birth weight for males born full-term is 7 pounds 6 ounces and 3.3 kg. For females born full-term, their average birth weight is 3.2 kg.
The baby weight chart can assist medical professionals to monitor the development of a baby’s body by measuring the baby’s weight against other babies similar to their age and gender.
Yet, a physician typically seeks steady growth rather than a percentage target in taking a look at a baby’s physical growth. Even if the baby’s weight is within lower percentages it is not a guarantee that they will become a smaller adult the same way that larger babies aren’t always tall adults.
Being aware of the average weight per month is a good way to assess their baby’s physical growth, but doctors also consider other indicators of importance such as length or head circumference.
Healthcare professionals also consider whether the baby is reaching other milestones promptly. By taking a thorough background of medical conditions, doctors will be able to identify any medical issues or nutritional issues that could hinder a child from gaining weight properly.
Related: Baby Oil Manufacturing Plant 2023-2028: Manufacturing Process – Syndicated Analytics
