Average weight of a baby

Knowing the weight of a baby is one indicator of good nutrition and physical development. Babies who are growing well are generally healthy, while poor growth can be a sign of a problem. This article discussed the average weight and height of a baby, factors that affect baby’s weight and height and how often to weigh your baby.

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Average Baby Birth Weight

Every baby is unique and each child’s weight and length will differ however this is the average baby weight and height from time of birth till twelfth month. This is measured in pound (symbol: Ib)

Birth is around 7.2lbs for a girl and 7.6lbs for a boy
First month is 9.4lbs for a girl and 9.14lbs for a boy
Second month is 11.5lbs for a girl and 12.4lbs for a boy
Third month is 12.14lbs for a girl and 14.1 for a boy
Fourth month is 14.3lbs for a girl and 15.7 for a boy
Fifth month is 15.3lbs for a girl and 16.9lbs for a boy
Sixth month is 16.1 for a girl and 17.8lbs for a boy
Seventh month is 16.14lbs for a girl and 18.5lbs for a boy
Eighth month is 17.8lbs for a girl and 18.15lbs for a boy
Ninth month is 18.2lbs for a girl and 19.10lbs for a boy
Tenth month is 18.11lbs for a girl and 10.3lbs for a boy
Eleventh month is 19.4lbs for a girl and 20.12lbs for a boy
Twelfth month is 19.12lbs for a girl and 21.4lbs for a boy

What factors can affect my child’s weight and height?

There are a number of factors that can affect a baby’s weight and height. Some of the factors are :

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Genetics : A child’s genes are the biggest factor determining how tall they’ll get and how heavy they’ll be. If you or your partner is tall or large-boned, your baby may be a little larger than average at birth. The same goes if you or your partner are short or petite: Your baby may be smaller than average at birth.
Gestation. The length of the pregnancy can also affect the child’s weight. If your baby arrived after their due date, they may be bigger than average while babies born prematurely or born preterm, may be smaller.
Your pregnancy health: Your baby may have a lower birth weight if you smoke cigarettes, used illegal drugs and consume alcohol. If you had gestational diabetes or gained a lot of weight during pregnancy, your baby may be larger.
Gender: Baby girls are typically a little smaller in length and weight than baby boys at birth
Birth order. Firstborns tend to be smaller than subsequent children who are larger at birth
Hormones. If your child has a hormone imbalance, such as low growth hormone levels or a low thyroid level, it could slow their growth.
When you’re pregnant with multiples. If you have twins or more, your babies may be on the smaller side.
Your baby’s health. Your baby’s size at birth can also be a reflection of any underlying medical conditions, including some birth defects and some infections. If your child has a chronic illness (such as cancer, kidney disease, or cystic fibrosis) it will affect their growth

Ethnicity. Your ethnicity may also play a role in your baby’s birth weight. White babies are sometimes larger than Black, Asian or Native American infants.

How often should you weigh your baby?

This is how often the weight of a baby should be checked:

Once a month, up to six months of age
Once every two months from 6-12 months of age
Once every three months over the age of one

A baby weight is a very important indicator that help the mother and doctor or midwife to track the progress and development of the baby. Gaining weight too slowly or too quickly can have long-term health consequences if not addressed.