Understanding Your Baby's Early Weight Fluctuations

Why do newborns lose weight in their first few days, and when should you start to worry? Join me, Carey, on Parenting Powerhouse by Parenting Genie as we uncover the truth about newborn weight, dispelling common myths and providing essential insights for new parents. Discover why it's perfectly normal for your newborn to shed up to 10% of their birth weight initially, and how to distinguish between healthy weight variations and potential red flags. We'll also decode the differences in weight gain between breastfed and formula-fed babies, offering peace of mind and practical advice.

You'll learn how to use crucial indicators such as wet and dirty nappies to ensure your baby is getting enough nourishment and why regular health check-ups are essential for tracking your child's growth. We delve into the nuances of steady weight gain throughout the first month, addressing concerns about both slow weight gain and the rare issue of overfeeding. With our expert guidance, you'll understand why every baby is unique and the importance of not comparing your baby's weight to others. This episode is packed with valuable information to help you feel more confident about your newborn's growth and overall well-being. Don’t miss it!

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Transcript

Carey Donohoe: 0:07

Hello and welcome back I'm your host, Carey, and this episode is about newborn weight. If you're wondering what's normal and what to expect regarding your baby's weight in those early days, this episode is for you. Let's start by addressing the fact that newborn weight can vary greatly.

Carey Donohoe: 0:34

It's normal for babies to be born with a wide range of weight. A typical full-term baby weighs 2.5 to 4 kilos, but remember that every baby is unique. Some babies are smaller, some are larger, and many factors can influence your baby's birth weight, such as genetics, your health during pregnancy and whether your baby was born early or late. One of the most surprising things for new parents is that babies lose weight after birth. In the first few days of life, it's normal for newborns to lose up to 10% of their birth weight. This is usually because babies are shedding extra fluids they were born with and their feeding routines are just getting established. For example, if your baby was born at 7 pounds, it might drop to around 6.3 pounds in the first few days. While this can be concerning for some parents, this early weight loss is normal. Most babies regain their birth weight by two weeks of age and from there they start to gain weight steadily. For breastfed babies, the process can sometimes take a little longer than for formula fed babies, but both are perfectly healthy. By around five to seven days you should start seeing that your baby's weight is inching back up as they settle into a regular feeding routine. Let's discuss what to expect regarding weight gain in the following weeks. On average, newborns gain around 150 to 200 grams per week during the first month. This means that after the initial weight loss, you'll likely see a steady increase as your baby begins to thrive. However, remember that babies grow at different rates and a slight variation in weight gain from week to week is expected.

Carey Donohoe: 2:36

For many parents, the biggest question is is my baby getting enough to eat? This is especially true for breastfeeding parents, as it can be hard to know exactly how much your baby is consuming. One of the best indicators that your baby is feeding well is their weight gain. Regular weight checks during your baby's child health nurse or doctor visits will help track their progress and give you peace of mind. Wet and dirty nappies indicate that your baby is getting enough to eat In the first few days, your baby might have only a few wet nappies, but by day five you should expect at least six wet nappies and a few dirty ones daily. This is a reassuring sign that your baby is getting enough nourishment. It's also important to remember that not all babies follow the same growth curve. Some babies gain weight more quickly, while others gain weight slowly. This is why your healthcare provider will track your baby's growth over time using a growth chart. Rather than focusing on any number, they'll look at your baby's growth trend to ensure they stay on track.

Carey Donohoe: 3:52

Now what happens if your baby isn't gaining weight as expected? First of all, don't panic. There are many reasons why a baby might experience slow weight gain, and often the solution is simple. For breastfed babies, it might be a matter of adjusting the latch or feeding more frequently. If you're concerned about your baby's weight, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider or lactation consultant for support. They can help assess the situation and guide you in getting your baby back on track. On the flip side, some parents worry about overfeeding, particularly with formula-fed babies. While it's rare for a newborn to overfeed, you'll want to watch for signs of overfeeding, such as excessive spit-up or fussiness after feeds. If unsure, your healthcare provider can help you determine the right amount of feed for your baby, based on their needs.

Carey Donohoe: 4:53

Weight gain will continue to be an essential marker of their health and development as your baby grows. However, it's crucial to remember that weight is just one aspect of your baby's overall well-being. Your baby's behavior, feeding patterns and overall development are equally important factors to consider. I want to stress the importance of not comparing your baby's weight with other babies. It's easy to fall into the comparison trap, especially when you see other babies who might be bigger or smaller than yours, who might be bigger or smaller than yours. Remember every baby is unique and what matters most is that your baby is growing at a healthy rate for them. Focus on your baby's growth pattern and trust they're developing at their own pace.

Carey Donohoe: 5:50

As we wrap up, I want to emphasize that understanding newborn weight can take the guesswork out of those early parenting days. Whether your baby is gaining weight quickly or slowly, the key is to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor their progress. Regular check-ups, tracking their weight and monitoring their wet nappy output are all great ways to ensure your baby thrives. That concludes today's episode on understanding newborn weight. I hope this information helps ease some of the worries of being a new parent.

Carey Donohoe: 6:24

Our next episode we will discuss best tips for bottle feeding. As always, if you have any concerns or need real-time support, parenting Genie is here for you. We offer parenting live expert, 24-7 support where you can connect instantly with a maternal child health nurse for professional advice. We're just a click away. If you have any questions about feeding, sleep or other parenting challenges, please let us know. For more tips and resources, visit our website at parentinggeniecomau. Don't forget about Genie Chat, which offers instant answers to all your parenting questions, from pregnancy to raising a five-year-old. Until next time, take care and enjoy this incredible journey of parenthood. Thank you.