Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
Parent Wonders about Infant's Weight | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Needlman,
My son was 3.5 kilograms (7 pounds 11 ounces) at birth (September 7, 2000); by January 27, 2001, he weighed 6.3 kg (13 pounds 14 ounces). We were told that babies usually double their birth weight by four months, which he hadn't. He also appears delicate compared to others babies his age. His other activities--emotional and physical--are very normal; you could say he is an active baby. Should his weight be a concern?— Neha in Maharashtra, India | | | ANSWER |
June 12, 2001 | | | Dear Neha,
I understand why you are concerned about your baby's weight, but I think he is probably just fine. It's true that on average, babies double their birth weight by four months, but some grow a bit slower and some a bit faster. Your baby started out at a good size and almost doubled his weight in the expected time. Using the dates and weights you provided, I calculated that he gained 19.7 grams per day. The average weight gain is 20 to 30 grams per day, so again, he is very close to the mark.
You don't have any concerns about his development or behavior, and he is active. All of that is reassuring, because undernourished babies are often sleepy, inactive, or unhappy. Although you don't say so, I infer that he is eating well, too.
Babies who start out on the somewhat large size (as yours did) often grow a bit slowly at first. If you or the baby's father are small, it may also be that your baby is growing into his genetically determined smaller size. Without seeing your baby, of course, I can't say for certain that everything's alright. Given your perfectly understandable concerns, I hope you'll take your baby for regular doctor visits. Knowing that a doctor is paying attention to your baby's weight, as well as everything else about him, should help you to feel more comfortable with his progress.
— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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