Weight gain in newborns by months: rates of development of children under one year
The main issue that worries relatives andfriends who learned about the birth of a baby - it's his height and weight. Why are these indicators so important? Yes because the pediatrician, being guided by these data, estimates the general condition of the newborn. Equally important is the weight gain in newborns by months, which must meet certain standards. They are used by children's doctors all over the world.
Indicators at birth
The height and mass of the baby immediately after birth dependfrom a set of genes, inherited from parents, the quantity and quality of the mother's nutrition during pregnancy, the sex of the child and some other reasons. Normally, the average growth of a full-term newborn is between 46 cm and 56 cm, with weight ranging from 2,600 g to 4,000 g. In addition, usually the weight of the baby with each subsequent pregnancy of the mother increases, that is, the child born is heavier than his older brother or sister for 300-500 g. The body weight of boys at birth differs from the weight of girls in the larger side by 200-300 g.
There is also a special relative indicator- the Quetelet index, which helps evaluate the ratio of weight and height of the newborn. To calculate it, you need to divide the weight in grams into a baby's growth in centimeters. Normally, the Quetelet index is in the range of 60 to 70 units. For example, a baby born with a weight of 3500 g and an increase of 53 cm, this figure is 66. Accordingly, it is normal.
Rates of loss and weight gain in children under one year of age
Follow-up weight gain in newborns bymonths occurs according to certain rules. During the first days of life, the baby loses from 150 to 300 grams, and this is quite normal. A natural decrease in body weight is associated with loss of fluid through the skin, the release of meconium and the normalization of respiration. After a couple of weeks, most newborns have the same birth weight.
The most intensive weight gain innewborns by months occurs in the first 2-3 months of life and is 180-300 g per week, respectively. By the half-year this figure is decreasing. A child at this age normally doubles its mass at birth. At 8-9 months of life, the baby is gaining about 350 grams per month. By the year of his weight should be already 3 times more than at birth.
Each young mother is concerned about the weight gain of the newborn. The table below will help you better navigate in 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 |
When the weight gain in newborns by monthsignificantly differs from the indicators given in the table, it is necessary to find out the reasons for the deviation from the norm. Low body weight can be associated with malnutrition of the baby. If the underweight is observed in a child who is breastfeeding, then it may be necessary to take measures to increase lactation. Excess body weight is more common in infants 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.
