1. What is Percentage Weight Loss in Newborns?

Percentage weight loss in newborns refers to the amount of weight a baby loses in the first days after birth compared to their birth weight. It's normal for newborns to lose some weight initially, but excessive loss may indicate feeding problems or other health issues.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Birth weight — Baby's weight at birth in pounds
• Current weight — Baby's current weight in pounds

Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage of the original birth weight the baby has lost.

3. Importance of Monitoring Weight Loss

Details: Monitoring newborn weight loss helps identify potential feeding issues, dehydration, or other health concerns. Most newborns lose 5-7% of their birth weight in the first few days and regain it by 10-14 days.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter birth weight and current weight in pounds. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will show the percentage of weight lost since birth.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered normal weight loss for a newborn?
A: 5-7% loss is typical for vaginal births, up to 10% for C-sections. More than 10% loss may require evaluation.

Q2: When should I be concerned about my baby's weight loss?
A: If loss exceeds 10%, if weight isn't regained by 2 weeks, or if baby shows signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, lethargy).

Q3: How often should newborns be weighed?
A: Typically at birth, before discharge, and at first pediatric visit (3-5 days old). More if concerns exist.

Q4: Does breastfeeding affect weight loss?
A: Breastfed babies may lose slightly more weight initially but should follow similar patterns of regain.

Q5: What factors increase weight loss risk?
A: Prematurity, difficult delivery, maternal medications, or breastfeeding challenges can increase loss.