Weight gain in newborns by month: norms of development of children up to a year

The main issue of concern to relatives and friends who have learned about the birth of a baby is his height and weight. Why are these indicators so important? Yes, because the pediatrician, focusing on these data, assesses the general condition of the newborn. No less important is the weight gain in newborns by months, which must meet certain standards. They are used by pediatric doctors all over the world.

Indicators at birth

The growth and weight of the baby immediately after birth depend on the set of genes inherited from the parents, the quantity and quality of the mother's nutrition during pregnancy, the sex of the child and some other reasons. Normally, the average height of a full-term newborn is from 46 cm to 56 cm, while the weight ranges from 2600 g to 4000 g. In addition, usually the baby's weight increases with each subsequent pregnancy of the mother, that is, the born child is heavier than his older brother or sister by 300-500 g. The body weight of boys at birth differs from the weight of girls by 200-300 g.

There is also a special relative indicator – the Quetelet index, which helps to assess the ratio of weight and height of a newborn. To calculate it, you need to divide the weight in grams by the height of the baby in centimeters. Normally, the Quetelet index ranges from 60 to 70 units. For example, a baby born with a weight of 3500 g and a height of 53 cm, this indicator is 66. Accordingly, he is normal.

Norms of loss and weight gain in children under one year

The subsequent weight gain in newborns by months occurs according to certain rules. During the first days of life, the baby loses from 150 to 300 g, and this is quite normal. The natural decrease in body weight is associated with the loss of fluid through the skin, the release of meconium and the normalization of breathing. After a couple of weeks, the indicators in most newborns correspond to the data of body weight at birth.

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The most intensive weight gain in newborns by months occurs in the first 2-3 months of life and amounts to 180-300 g per week, respectively. By the half-year, this figure is decreasing. A child at this age normally doubles its birth weight. At 8-9 months of life, the baby is already gaining about 350 g per month. By the year his weight should already be 3 times more than at birth.

Every young mother is worried about the weight gain of a newborn. The table below will help you better navigate this indicator.

There is also a special online newborn weight gain calculator. It can be used to determine the normal body weight of a child up to a year old.

When the weight gain in newborns differs significantly from the indicators given in the table by month, it is necessary to find out the reasons for the deviation from the norm. Low body weight may be associated with insufficient nutrition of the baby. If a shortage of weight is observed in a breastfed child, then it may be necessary to take measures to increase lactation. Excess body weight is more common in babies who are on artificial feeding. In any case, the pediatrician who has your child should find the reason for the deviation from the norm and suggest a way to eliminate it.