Bringing a baby home is a joyful and overwhelming experience for new parents. Once you’re out of the hospital, the knowledge that you’re now responsible for caring for your newborn can be daunting. Yet, by understanding what to expect from your baby’s growth and visiting with their pediatric team regularly, you can ensure your baby is developing at a healthy rate. Here is some need-to-know information about how weight can affect your baby’s health.

A New Parent’s Guide to Growing Infants

What Is the Average Size of Newborns?

Most babies weigh between five pounds, eight ounces and eight pounds, thirteen ounces when born. Many factors can influence the size of a baby at birth, including the length of the pregnancy. For instance, babies born on or after their due date are often larger than those born earlier. Big and tall parents also tend to have larger babies, and girls tend to be slightly smaller than boys. Usually, twins or triplets will be smaller. A mother’s nutrition and lifestyle habits can also influence birth weight.

Is It Better to Have a Baby Born Larger?

A larger baby doesn’t necessarily indicate better health. In fact, there are some risks associated with having a baby who is much larger at birth. For example, babies born to mothers with diabetes may need additional feedings or even intravenous glucose treatments to maintain healthy blood sugar levels as they grow. On the other hand, smaller babies are usually healthy, but a pediatric specialist will monitor them closely after birth to ensure there are no issues warranting their attention.

Are Babies Supposed to Lose Weight?

It’s common for babies to lose weight during the first few days after they’re born. As they lose excess fluids, you can expect your baby to lose 7-10% of their birth weight within the first week if you’re breastfeeding, or 5% of their weight if you’re formula feeding. By the time they’re two weeks, babies should begin regaining weight. If your baby appears to have lost too much weight or isn’t taking breast milk or formula, consult your pediatrics professionals. They may ask about the frequency of feedings, urination, and bowel movements, which could shed light on any weight fluctuations.

If you’re expecting and seeking a trusted pediatrics team to oversee your newborn’s care after delivery, turn to Covenant Hospital Levelland in Hockley County, TX. This hospital features an updated maternity wing where new mothers and their babies receive quality care around the clock. To learn more, call these health care providers at (806) 894-4963 to make an appointment, find a doctor online, or download the Circle app today!  The Circle app is free, and the information is provided at no cost.  It is available as a Covenant Health version on both iPhone and Android devices.