Baby Weight Chart

A baby weight chart is a graph used to track baby weight and development. At each of your baby's doctor visits, the doctor will measure:

• Baby Length (height) – Baby growth length is measured while lying down, from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet.
• Baby Weight - Keep a baby weight chart to monitor baby weight gain.
• Head circumference - This is the baby growth measurement around the largest part of your baby's head.

These baby growth measurements are plotted on a graph according to your baby's age and sex.

Baby weight charts show the consistency of the pattern of baby weight and growth over time. It is important to remember that your child is likely to have baby weight gain spurts as well as periods of slow baby weight gain. Talk to your health professional if you have any concerns about baby growth and baby weight.

Baby Weight Chart

Plot your baby's height and baby weight on the baby growth chart below.

Baby Weight Chart / Baby Growth Chart

Baby Weight Measurements

A well baby exam usually begins with baby growth measurements of your baby's length, baby weight and head circumference. Undress your baby and keep a blanket handy.

The baby weight measurements will be plotted on a baby weight chart. You'll see how your child's baby weight compares with that of other babies weight the same age. Most important is steady baby weight from one visit to the next.

Baby Development & Baby Skills

Your baby's motor skills and baby development are important, too. Depending on your baby's age, be prepared to answer certain questions:

• How well does your baby control his or her head?
• Does your baby imitate your facial expressions and sounds?
• Does your baby put objects into his or her mouth?
• Does your baby attempt to roll over?
• Can your baby sit with support?
• Does your baby pull up into a standing position?
• Does your baby use individual fingers to pick up small objects?

What is Normal Baby Weight & Baby Growth?

Doctors monitor baby weight and baby growth at well baby exams using a baby weight chart & growth chart that compares a baby's weight, height and head circumference with those of other babies who are the same sex and age.

General baby weight & baby growth guidelines:

• From birth to age 6 months, a baby may grow 1/2 to 1 inch a month and gain 5 to 7 ounces a week. Expect your baby's weight to double by ages 5 to 6 months.
• From ages 6 to 12 months, a baby may grow 3/8 inch a month and gain 3 to 5 ounces a week. Expect your baby to double his or her birth height and triple his or her birth weight by age 1.

If you're concerned about your child's baby weight and baby growth, speak to your baby's doctor. Keep in mind that healthy babies can go through brief periods when they stop gaining weight or even lose a little weight.

Baby Growth Exam

Expect a thorough physical exam during your baby’s checkup. Mention any concerns you have or areas you want your baby doctor to check out. Here are the baby growth basics:

• Heart and Lungs The doctor will listen to your baby's heart and lungs with a stethoscope to detect any abnormal heart sounds or rhythms or breathing difficulties.
• Head The doctor will check the soft spots (fontanels) on your baby's head. These gaps between the skull bones give your baby's brain plenty of room to grow. They're safe to touch and typically disappear within 12 to 18 months when the skull bones fuse together. The doctor will check the shape of your baby's head as well. If flat spots are a concern, continue to place your baby on his or her back to sleep but alternate the direction your baby's head faces. The doctor may also recommend giving your baby more tummy time while he or she is awake.

• Eyes The doctor may look for blocked tear ducts and eye discharge, and also look inside your baby's eyes with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. As your baby gets older, the doctor may use a bright object or flashlight to catch your baby's attention to track your baby's eye movements.
• Ears The doctor will check for fluid or infection in your baby's ears with an instrument called an otoscope, and may observe your baby's response to various sounds, including your voice. A formal hearing evaluation isn't usually needed at a well-baby exam unless there's cause for concern.
• Mouth A look inside your baby's mouth may reveal signs of oral thrush, a common and easily treated yeast infection. As your baby gets older, the doctor may ask whether you've noticed more drooling or chewing than usual. These are often the first signs of teething.

• Skin Various skin conditions may be identified during the exam, including birthmarks, rashes and jaundice — a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Mild jaundice that develops soon after birth often disappears on its own within a week or two. Use all natural & organic baby skin care products. Cases that are more severe may need treatment.
• Abdomen By gently pressing your baby's abdomen, the doctor can detect tenderness, enlarged organs or an umbilical hernia, which occurs when a bit of intestine or fatty tissue near the navel breaks through the muscular wall of the abdomen. Most umbilical hernias heal on their own by the toddler years.

• Hips and legs Your baby's legs may be moved to check for dislocation or other problems with the hip joints.
• Genitalia The doctor will inspect your baby's genitalia for tenderness, lumps or other signs of infection. He or she will also check for an inguinal hernia, which results from a weakness in the abdominal wall. For girls, the doctor may ask about vaginal discharge. For boys, the doctor will make sure both testes have descended into the scrotum and there is no fluid-filled sac around the testes.