Most newborns lose between 5% and 10% of their birth weight in the first days, then regain it within about two weeks. After that, a steady growth pattern begins that your pediatrician tracks on a growth chart.
How to Read Growth Charts
It doesn't matter whether your baby sits high or low on the chart — what matters is holding steady along their own curve across consecutive visits. A shift from the 25th to the 50th percentile isn't worrying if it's gradual rather than sudden.
Approximate Growth Rates
On average, newborns gain roughly 150-200 grams a week in the first two months and grow about 2-3 centimeters a month. These are rough figures only, and vary by baby depending on genetics and feeding pattern.
- Don't weigh your baby daily at home — small fluctuations are normal and confusing if watched too closely.
- Genetics play a big role — a baby of slender parents may be perfectly normal at a lower-than-average weight.
- Leave precise growth measurement to scheduled pediatrician visits.
- A sudden, clear drop across two lines on the chart between visits is worth asking the doctor about.
