My newborn son is not gaining weight fast enough?

Question

He feeds, sleeps and craps well enough but my wife is worried that he is not putting on much weight. He was born 10 days ago, 2 weeks late and weighing 4.1kg and now is 3.8kg, what will happen if he does gain weight quickly enough?

Answer 1

It's normal for babies to lose some weight in the first couple of weeks. I would call his doctor to be sure, though.

Answer 2

I have had a baby boy also born 9lbs who was well above average when born - also two weeks late. However into his eighth week he dropped down and continued dropping to below the 9th centile. He too eats sleeps and plays well enough. All I can say is don't listen to all the slack you might be getting from the health visitors its demoralising. I have spent most of my last year not working - not because I didn't want to but because it was a big problem that my baby was not putting on the weight he was supposed to. I have camped out in the kitchen and kept to strict feeding routines.. I have been told that because I was breast feeding I had "poor quality" milk and that I had to bottle feed. This still cuts me up and upsets me. I am over weight and I eat healthily enough but I was told I had a poor diet and must be eating all the wrong things. My healthvisitors patronised me and gave me a lot of unwanted advise. Although I have two previouse healthy children. They never made their visits quick and they spent about three hours here each time they visited. Having my baby weighed is still a nightmare and I avoid going to the doctors. My baby is one soon and small. But fit. I try not to compare him to other children. His father is smaller than average. His full sister is average and his half sister is taller than average. No two babies are the same. I have concerns about my baby but my doctors and health visitors dismiss these and keep concentrating on his weight. Either the government are planning a future war and want large male babies for combat or somethings gone wrong cos I have had a bad first year with all this growth and weight buisness.

Answer 3

Hi there,
well at 4.1kgs, he could have gone down by 410grams before your midwife would worry, and as he is now 3.8 kg, he is above that. What was he at day 5-6 ? It's very normal to lose upto 10%, if your wife is feeling the baby is latching on and feeding well, and baby is gaining, plenty of wet nappies and yellow poos ! then I wouldn't worry, but I'd check with the midwife or health visitor. About day 10-12 they usually feed and feed and feed and have a growth spurt so that's about due :) take care :)

Answer 4

It is common and entirely normal for a baby to loose weight in the first 2 weeks. The baby has gone from feeding straight from his mums supply to having to put an effort in and his whole sysyem of gaining nutrition has changed. He is also using up more calories moving about, crying etc than he did swimming around in the womb. Please tell your wife this is completely normal and he will start to gain weight soon, as long as he is feeding ok and having plenty of wet and dirty nappies you are doing a great job, good luck :)

Answer 5

6 oz. is perfect. Plus, the first week and a half they lose about 10% of their birth weight anyways. I was worried about the same thing and after a month of my daughter not gaining weight, my doctor asked me to supplement with formula. Stick it out, not enough time has passed to tell yet.

Answer 6

Well first you need to ask yourself are you feeding him enough. I know my sister had this problem and she had to wake up her baby and feed her every couple of hours. She did not gain a lot of weight until she was a month old. Every child is different maybe he does not like his food. I would check with the doctor and ask them what a good feeding schedule is? You never know if he is not feeling well either. Always make sure and check with your doctor. I am not a doctor but I would feed him more frequently to see if that helps. Do what is best for your child you know him best so do what you think is right. Always have check ups to make sure he is gaining the weight. Good luck and take care:)

Answer 7

yorkieowner-7 is spot on.

babies drop weight after birth and then start to gain weight at a steady pace. as long as there are wet/soiled nappies, your baby is alert (when awake) and feeding well then don't worry.

my second son was 10pounds 10ounces at birth and within a week he'd dropped to 9pounds 11ounces. then he went on growing at a steady rate. now at 2 he's a healthy, chunky rascal.

if your wife still feels unsure and worried then see your health visitor or doctor. ask as many questions as you want, you have a right to.

Answer 8

normal to loose weight after being born, your health visitor should be at hand with that red book and growth chart for a two week check, as long as he falls within the lines i wouldnt worry, a point to be noted is that mothers milk is better than bottle stuff, if your wife isnt breastfeeding maybe she could give that a go.

Answer 9

As long as he's making plenty of wet diapers, he should be fine.

Is she timing the how long at one breast and switching? She may want to stick with one breast per feeding and make sure the baby completely empties it.

The fatty milk is the last to come out, and if shes switching too soon, he may not be getting enough of that milk.

Answer 10

they usual loose weight the first 2 weeks--try not to worry as the baby will feel the stress coming from the parents.baby is doing everything correctly--do you really want a fat baby?he will put on weight when he is ready too. good luck .

Answer 11

I don't know about kg's but most all newborn babies will loose weight after they are born, then should start steadily gaining after that. As long as the baby is eating well, then he should be ok.