What is normal neonatal/pediatric weight gain?

Weight should be considered the 6th vital sign in pediatrics, especially the little ones. It tells a lot about the patient's overall health. So what is the normal trajectory for neonatal/pediatric weight gain?

• Term neonates may lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight in the first few days of life and typically regain their birth weight by 10 to 14 days


• Newborns gain approximately 30 g/day (1 oz/day) until 3 months of age


• Infants gain approximately 20 g/day (0.67 oz/day) between 3 and 6 months of age and approximately 10 g/day between 6 and 12 months


• Infants double their birth weight by 4 months of age and triple their birth weight by 1 year


• Children gain 2 kg/year (4.4 lbs/year) between 2 years and puberty

Source

Boom, J. MD and Duryea, T. MD. "Normal growth patterns in infants and prepubertal children." Up to Date. 10 April 2008. <http://www.uptodate.com>