Babies grow so fast during their first year. You might wonder if your baby is growing normally. Infants usually double their birth weight by 6 months and triple their birth weight by 1 year. Your pediatrician or health care provider will monitor your baby's length and weight carefully during her first year.
Most health care providers use the Center for Disease Control's growth charts. Babies should measure between the 10th and 90th percentile on their growth chart. A healthy, full-term baby boy should weigh between 6 and 9 ½ pounds at birth, 15 and 20 pounds at 6 months, and 20 and 26 pounds by 1 year to stay in this range. He should measure about 18 ½ to 21 inches at birth, 25 to 27 ½ inches at 6 months, and 28 ½ to 31 inches at 1 year to fall within the range for length. Your baby should stay around the same percentile as he grows.
Baby girl measurements vary slightly by a half pound and half inch less at birth and 2 pounds and a half to 1 inch less at 6 months and 1 year.
Growth Spurts
Infants normally experience growth spurts from time to time during their first year. They usually occur around baby's second week, second, fourth and sixth month. You may notice your baby wants to eat more and often during these times.
Growth Indicators
The CDC lists four different growth indicators to help health care providers assess a baby's nutritional and health status; short stature, underweight, overweight and risk for overweight. If your baby falls below the 5th percentile length for age or weight for length she would be considered short stature or underweight. Above the 95th percentile weight for length is considered overweight and above the 85th percentile a baby may be considered at risk for overweight. If you think your baby falls into any of these categories or you have concerns, consult your pediatrician or health care provider.
Feeding Practices
To ensure your baby's best chance of growing and gaining weight appropriately, feed your baby as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. They suggest only giving breast milk or formula for the first four to six months, then slowly adding solid foods to your baby's diet. If you are feeding your baby powdered or concentrated formula, mix the formula as instructed on the container. Too much or too little water can affect a baby's calorie intake and thus his growth.
Potential
The first year of life for a baby is an exciting one. So many changes occur as she grows and develops. Many parents worry about their baby's progress, especially height and weight. Many factors influence a baby's height and weight including genetics, health and if your baby was born full term or premature. Her weight and length will also fluctuate throughout the year. There is no "perfect" weight or height. Every baby will grow at a different rate as she develops into a toddler.
No comments:
Post a Comment