Weight gain in newborns by months: norms for the development of children up to a year

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Weight gain in newborns by months: norms for the development of children up to a year
Weight gain in newborns by months: norms for the development of children up to a year

Video: Weight gain in newborns by months: norms for the development of children up to a year

Video: Weight gain in newborns by months: norms for the development of children up to a year
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The main question that worries relatives and friends who have learned about the birth of a baby is his height and weight. Why are these metrics 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 pediatricians all over the world.

Birth indicators

Weight gain in newborns by month
Weight gain in newborns by month

The height 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 is in the range from 2600 g to 4000 g. In addition, usually the weight of the baby 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 upwards by200-300g

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

Norms for weight loss and weight gain in children under one year old

Newborn weight gain. Table
Newborn weight gain. Table

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. Natural weight loss is associated with the loss of fluid through the skin, the release of meconium and the normalization of breathing. After a couple of weeks, most newborns are consistent with birth weight.

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 end of the year, this figure has been declining. A child at this age normally doubles its weight at birth. At 8-9 months of life, the baby is already gaining about 350 g per month. By the age of one, his weight should already be 3 times more than at birth.

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

Age of child Average increase per month, g
1-3 months 750
4-6 months 700
7-9 months 550
10-12 months 300
Newborn weight gain calculator
Newborn weight gain calculator

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

When weight gain in newborns by months differs significantly from the indicators shown in the table, it is necessary to find out the reasons for the deviation from the norm. Low body weight may be associated with malnutrition of the baby. If underweight is observed in a child who is breastfed, then it may be necessary to take measures to increase lactation. Overweight is more common in formula-fed babies. In any case, the pediatrician who sees your child should find the cause of the deviation from the norm and suggest a way to eliminate it.

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