Ask any new mom, her top concern will be about her baby’s weight. Whether or not the baby is gaining enough weight, when they are breastfeeding. And then when they start solids.  Although, there is no ideal height and weight for a baby, there is a growth pattern that most babies follow.

PS: Growth patterns of breastfed and formula fed babies are not the same. Breastfed babies may grow faster than formula fed babies in the first few months, and then “slim down” compared to formula fed babies, especially between 6 and 12 months.

In the first year, baby’s physical development will be closely monitored at the regular checks with the pediatrician and noted down in the growth chart.

In the first few days after birth, babies normally lose weight, then get back to their birth weight by about 10 days.

In the initial 3 months, infants put on about 1 kg each month. Babies who are exclusively breastfed may gain weight faster than those who are formula fed during the first 2 or 3 months.

Between three and six months of age, the average rate of growth slows down to between 105 and 147 grams (four to five ounces) per week. Most babies will double their birth weight by 6 months.

From the 6th to the 12th month, breastfed babies tend to gain weight more slowly (even after solids) and are leaner at one year – breastfed babies consume 20% less milk than formula fed babies during this time, and their growth is perfectly normal.

The following chart will guide you more clearly about the normal baby weight gain in the first 12 months. This information is in accordance with “child growth standards of WHO.” Tracking your baby’s height and weight on a growth chart will allow his doctor to see whether he is developing according to this pattern.

You can use this chart to check whether your baby fits into this range. Please note this is just a reference to check your baby is within the normal range of height and weight measurements for his age.

In summary, babies who are nursing, peeing clear urine and wetting diapers well in the first weeks of life are almost always all right. Weight gain should not be used as a major criterion of good health. Instead developmental milestones and how active they are with parents and others should be given more importance.