Every child grows at their own pace💗, but growth charts can give us a general idea. Remember, "average" doesn't define normal, as babies come in all shapes and sizes.
What's the average weight for a newborn?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a full-term baby boy usually weighs around 7 pounds and 6 ounces, which is about 3.3 kilograms. And for our lovely baby girls, the average weight is around 7 pounds and 2 ounces, or 3.2 kilograms. How cute is that🐥?
Now, babies born between 37 and 40 weeks👶, their weights can vary a bit more. On average, they weigh anywhere from 5 pounds and 8 ounces to 8 pounds and 13 ounces, which is about 2.5 to 4 kilograms. Isn't it amazing how these little ones come in different sizes right from the start?
Why does newborn weight gain matter?
When it comes to your little one's weight and height, consistent growth is a positive sign of their well-being. But sometimes, babies may not be gaining weight as they should, and that's when the term "failure to gain weight" or "failure to thrive" comes into play🥲.
There can be various reasons behind this, such as difficulties with feeding, problems with absorbing or using nutrients, or even certain medical conditions. It's essential to work closely with healthcare providers to identify the root cause and address it properly💕.
How can I tell if my newborn is gaining enough weight?
Believe it or not, counting those oh-so-important diapers can give you a good indication that your little one is doing just fine😀! During the first few days, it's completely normal for your newborn to have only a few wet diapers a day. After that, you can expect to see about 6 to 8 wet diapers in a 24-hour period. It's a great sign that your baby is getting enough fluids.
Let's get down to business with poopy diapers. It's typical for babies to poop at least twice a day but when you're breastfeeding🤱, your baby might have even more poopy diapers, like five or more, while formula-fed babies may have a few less.