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 chartsAt 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:
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
Source: Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
First published: 05/03/2001
Last updated: 04/09/2007
Reviewed by: Jeffrey Nelson, MD, pediatrician, Allina Medical Clinic - Coon Rapids
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