It is normal for most babies to lose about a tenth of their body weight in the first five days, then regain it over the next five days. It takes between 10 and 14 days for the birth weight to be reached.
Once this milestone has been reached, weight gain is fairly rapid, especially when there are growth spurts. If a baby is formula-fed, the weight gain is more rapid than is typically associated with breastfeeding. It is important to note that the slower, steadier growth pattern of breastfed babies is considered by physicians, to be healthier in the long-term, and has been proven to lower the risk of obesity and heart disease in later life.
Once your baby is getting sufficient nutrition from breast milk, and later on with the introduction of solid foods, approximate weight gain is as follows:
- Five to eight ounces per week, between the first two weeks and four months of age.
- Two to six ounces per week, between the fourth and sixth month of age.
- One to three ounces per week, between the sixth and twelfth month of age.
