1. What is Baby Weight Loss Percentage?

The baby weight loss percentage calculates how much weight a newborn has lost compared to their birth weight. It's an important metric for assessing newborn health and feeding adequacy in the first days after birth.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the weight loss percentage formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Birth weight} \) — Baby's weight at birth (lbs)
• \( \text{Current weight} \) — Baby's current weight (lbs)

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

3. Importance of Monitoring Weight Loss

Details: Newborns typically lose 5-7% of birth weight in first few days, but losses >10% may indicate feeding problems or other health issues requiring medical evaluation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter birth weight and current weight in pounds (lbs). Both values must be positive numbers. Current weight should be less than birth weight for meaningful results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is normal weight loss for a newborn?
A: 5-7% loss is typical in first 3-5 days, with most babies regaining birth weight by 10-14 days.

Q2: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: Consult a pediatrician if loss exceeds 7% in first 72 hours or 10% at any time.

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

Q4: Does weight loss percentage differ for breastfed vs formula-fed babies?
A: Breastfed babies may lose slightly more initially but patterns should be similar.

Q5: What if my baby continues losing weight after first week?
A: Persistent weight loss after first week requires immediate medical evaluation.