Baby weight gain and growth charts explained
Weight, length and head circumference tell the story of how your baby is growing. What matters most is not one number, but whether your baby follows their own curve over time.
The first two weeks
Most newborns lose some weight in the first days, often up to around 7-10% of birth weight, and are back to birth weight by about 10-14 days. After that, steady gain is expected.
Typical weight gain
On average babies gain about 150-200 grams per week in the first 3-4 months, then somewhat slower. Most double their birth weight at around 4-6 months and roughly triple it by their first birthday. Individual babies vary a lot, and breastfed and formula-fed babies grow slightly differently.
How to read a growth chart
A growth chart plots your baby's measurements against a reference population and shows percentile lines. A baby on the 25th percentile is heavier than 25% of babies of the same age and sex. It does not mean good or bad: a healthy baby can sit anywhere in the normal range.
What a health nurse looks for is a consistent pattern: a baby that follows roughly the same curve, or crosses several percentile lines up or down, is worth a closer look.
Length and head circumference
Length and head circumference are plotted in the same way. Head circumference reflects brain growth and is measured at routine check-ups. Measure at the widest point above the eyebrows and ears, and use the same method each time.
Tracking growth over time
Add each measurement in Plumpy to see charts of your baby's weight, length and head circumference alongside their feedings. Bring the numbers to check-ups so that you and your health nurse look at the same picture.