My baby has been diagnosed with slow weight gain. What does this mean?

Question: My baby has been diagnosed with slow weight gain. What does this mean?

Regardless of how a baby is fed, birth weight typically doubles in 4 months and triples by the age of 1 year. Breastfed babies should return to their birth weight in 2 to 3 weeks, but when feeding well, most regain the weight before that period. It is normal for babies to lose weight in the hospital: If the mom received intravenous fluids during labor, the baby may lose more than the average. Keep in mind that "normal" growth is individualized, with heredity and genetics playing a large part. Infant's growth patterns vary, but well-child visits to the pediatrician are essential to assess any potential issues.

Answer:

You might notice your pediatrician charting your baby's growth on a standardized graph to see where her weight (and height) falls. The doctor may tell you that your baby is a slow gainer if she has steady yet slow growth; her height, length and weight are proportional. Her weight should remain between the same 2 percentiles over time, which is very normal. In addition, slow gainers typically achieve age-specific tasks within normal time periods.

If you have a baby with slow weight gain, visit your pediatrician frequently for weight checks to ensure that everything continues to be on the upswing.