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  • With Mayo Clinic emeritus consultant

    Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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Mayo Clinic Health Manager

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Question

Infant growth: What's normal?

How much should I expect my baby to grow in the first year?

Answer

from Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

Healthy infants come in a range of sizes. Doctors typically monitor infant growth at well-baby exams using standard growth charts, which compare a baby's weight, height and head circumference with those of other babies who are the same sex and age.

Consider these general guidelines:

  • From birth to age 6 months, a baby may grow 1/2 to 1 inch (about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters) a month and gain 5 to 7 ounces (about 140 to 200 grams) a week. Expect your baby to double his or her birth weight by ages 5 to 6 months.
  • From ages 6 to 12 months, a baby may grow 3/8 inch (about 1 centimeter) a month and gain 3 to 5 ounces (about 85 to 140 grams) a week. Expect your baby to double his or her birth height and triple his or her birth weight by age 1.

If you're worried about infant growth, consult your child's doctor. Keep in mind, however, that many healthy babies go through brief periods when they stop gaining weight or even lose a little weight. A doctor would likely be concerned only if an otherwise healthy baby doesn't gain weight from one well-baby exam to the next.

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References
  1. Clinical growth charts. National Center for Health Statistics. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/major/nhanes/growthcharts/clinical_charts.htm. Accessed May 18, 2009.
  2. Growth and development. In: Ball JW, et al. Pediatric Nursing: Caring for Children. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall; 2008:83.
  3. Development in infancy. In: Thies KH, et al. Growth and Development Through the Lifespan. 2nd ed. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2009:120.
  4. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 29, 2009.

AN01654

Aug. 21, 2009

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