The condition of children always worries parents, and the health and parameters of newborns are especially important. During this period, the body only adjusts to live in our world. Systems and organs are activated that did not function in the mother’s womb: respiratory, digestive and some others. Now the child not only breathes on his own, but also digests food himself. His further growth and weight gain in the newborn completely depend only on the enzymes of his intestines and on the digestive system. Moreover, if a baby receives mother's milk, which is maximally adapted to his needs, then the artificers are forced to digest what they gave. Now no one needs to be convinced of the benefits of breastfeeding, but not all mothers are willing to make some sacrifices and restrictions for the sake of preserving milk.
What is the rate of weight gain in newborns? Immediately after birth, the baby loses a little weight. Normally, this loss is 5-7%, but a loss of 10% can also be normal. Large, well- worn children lose especially much in weight . Already on the third day, the child first adds a few grams, and from that moment on, his growth begins.
Thus, in the first month of life, the weight gain in the newborn is uneven: minus and only then plus. Therefore, the increase for the first month is normally 600-800 grams. Not always the weight gain in the newborn is normal. Each baby is individual: his appetite depends on well-being, the state of the intestines and nervous system, and even the mood and menu of his mother. Therefore, one cannot expect that every newborn in 30 days will become exactly 600 or 800 grams heavier. For example, weight gain in a newborn, if he was born lightweight, is faster than in large and plump babies at birth. Often, thin babies suck almost around the clock, while their heavier peers sleep for a long time.
The pediatrician has a weight chart for newborns and, having familiarized herself with it and comparing it with the achievements of her child, the mother is quite surprised. In one month, such a baby can become heavier by 1.2 or even one and a half kilograms, that is, twice as much as the norm.
In general, the rate of weight gain in infants in the first half of life is 1 kilogram every month. This is an indicative figure, and for a baby who is breastfeeding, it practically does not matter. If the baby eats his mother’s milk, and at the same time he urinates at least 12 times a day, then it does not matter how much he added in a month. It can be both 750 grams and 1.5 kg. More important is the correct weight gain of the newborn, who is breast-fed. It is impossible to overfeed with breast milk, and with a mixture - easily. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the baby does not gain weight too quickly, otherwise additional difficulties await him. Obesity from an early age impedes motor development, can adversely affect metabolism.
The baby, of course, must grow, and usually he does it quickly enough. But there are moments that should worry parents much more: for example, psychomotor development. Instead of weighing the baby after each feeding, it is better to buy it for a longer time or do a massage. It is much more pleasant and useful.