Physical growth: The first few weeks

Full-term infants may lose 8 to 10 percent of their birth weight in the first few days after delivery. For example, a newborn born weighing 7 pounds and 3 ounces might drop down to 6 pounds 7 ounces.

Full-term infants tend to start gaining weight by about five to seven days of age and should increase by about an ounce (30 grams) a day, regaining their birth weight by 10 to 14 days of age.

If your baby is not gaining weight by the second week, you should contact your baby’s doctor or nurse practitioner.

Growth charts

At each well child visit, the nurse will record your baby's weight, length and head circumference. The clinic will keep a record, and you should record the measurements as well.

At each well child visit, ask your child's doctor to print out your child's growth chart for you.

Many families use the same charts the doctor uses. If you change clinics, this vital information will go with you.

To download these charts from the National Center for Health Statistics, you need Adobe Reader:

• Birth to 36 months: Boys (Length-for-age and Weight-for-age percentiles)
• Birth to 36 months: Boys (Head circumference-for-age and Weight-for-length percentiles)
• Birth to 36 months: Girls (Length-for-age and Weight-for-age percentiles)
• Birth to 36 months: Girls (Head circumference-for-age and Weight-for length percentiles)

Related Links

Growth and development, Newborn

Return to Vol. 2: At home with your new baby

Your baby: Health, safety and more

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota: Well child care

First published: 05/03/2001
Last updated: 04/09/2007

Reviewed by: Jeffrey Nelson, MD, pediatrician, Allina Medical Clinic - Coon Rapids