The first few weeks of life are imperative in your baby’s development and growth. One of the most significant changes you will observe in your newborn is an increase in weight. While a baby’s growth is not constant, the amount and type of nutrition you feed your baby affects how fast they will grow. Aside from that, genetics play a role in growth, too.
During the first year, a baby’s growth follows some basic guidelines. Initially, babies tend to gain weight fast and then the process slows down. In the first few months, babies gain about 1 ounce (28 grams) per day. At around 4 months, this slows down to almost 20 grams a day. As your baby turns 6 months old, the average weight gained will be around 10 grams or less per day.
When it comes to breastfed babies, a proper latch plays a huge role in their natural growth and weight gain. If you are breastfeeding, ensure your baby feeds frequently and latches properly. If you notice that your baby’s weight gain is slow or irregular, despite an abundant milk supply, then your baby is most likely not getting enough nutrition.
Since adequate and balanced nutrition is an important issue for a baby’s healthy growth, in this article we will focus on healthy weight gain for babies.
How Does a Breastfed Baby Gain Weight?
We must never forget the primary rule: every baby grows at their own pace. Weight gain varies from baby to baby. Although there are certain developmental milestones that the typical baby should meet, the time it takes for each baby to reach these milestones varies.
However, to a certain extent, babies gain weight following a specific pattern, especially in the first few months.
- Babies usually lose about 10%of their birth weight in the first 5 days.
- Babies regain the weight they lost in about 10-15 days, thus reaching their birth weight again.
- For the next 3 months and beyond, babies continue to gain about 28-29 grams per day.
ALSO READ: Frequency of Breastfeeding by Age
How Much Does A Baby Grow On Average in Their First Year?
The developmental process of each newborn baby is different. Some babies grow slower than others while some develop much faster.
Gaining weight in babies should not be concerning as long as:
- Your diet is nutritious and well-balanced
- Your child receives regular health checks.
However, an important detail that must not be overlooked is that weight gain is the best indicator that a breastfed baby is receiving adequate nutrition.
If a baby is gaining weight more slowly than his or her doctor predicted, it may mean that the baby is not getting enough milk.
If your newborn has not regained their birth weight or is not gaining weight regularly within two weeks after birth, you may be experiencing problems with breastfeeding.
So how do you keep track of whether your baby is gaining weight regularly?
Weighing your baby at home may not provide accurate results. And since, regular doctor check-ups are important in the first year of life, you must ensure that your baby is weighed and their height is measured regularly during your monthly doctor visits.
ALSO READ: Baby Refuses To Breastfeed – What Now?
Why Is My Baby Not Gaining Weight?
There are many reasons why a breastfed baby may not gain weight regularly. Only your family doctor or assigned pediatrician who regularly performs your baby’s checkups can give you specific information regarding your baby.
Below are several reasons that may help you get a better idea about this issue:
Your baby’s breast latch is weak
A strong and correct attachment to the breast means that your baby can draw milk from the breast without getting tired or facing much difficulty. If your baby is not latching on properly or only taking the nipple into their mouth, chances are they are not getting enough milk.
Your baby has irregular feeding times
You should breastfeed your newborn baby every 2-3 hours. This is especially important in the first 6-8 weeks of your baby’s life. Experts say that if a newborn baby wants to feed more frequently in the first weeks, breastfeeding is necessary.
Your breastfeeding sessions are short
A newborn baby should nurse for approximately 8-10 minutes at each breast .
As the baby grows, breastfeeding sessions may become shorter because the baby absorbs the milk it needs for nourishment in a shorter period of time.
In the first weeks after birth, try your best to have the baby actively suckle for as long as possible instead of sleeping at your breast.
Your baby is experiencing pain and discomfort
If your baby is unwell due to any birth complications or an oral infection such as thrush, they may not be able to suckle well enough. Discomfort, pain or illness is a major cause in slow weight gain in your baby.
Low milk supply or delayed milk production
Sometimes, it can take a little while for some moms to start producing enough milk. You might notice a delay in your milk coming in.
But don’t worry—once both you and your baby get the hang of breastfeeding, your body will get the signal to ramp up milk production, and soon enough, your little one will be able to feed fully.
However, for some moms, producing enough milk can be an ongoing challenge. There are a variety of reasons this could happen. If your baby isn’t gaining enough weight or even losing some, it could be linked to how much milk you’re able to provide.
The good news? Boosting milk production is often pretty easy with the right steps! Though it’s rare, sometimes medical issues can be at the root of low milk supply.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you’re worried about your milk production. Don’t skip those check-ups!
ALSO READ: Top Foods for Boosting Milk Production While Breastfeeding
Reasons for Low Baby Weight Gain
Most babies, whether newborns or a bit older, tend to breastfeed and gain weight steadily.
But sometimes, little ones run into feeding challenges, which can cause them to lose weight, gain very little, or not gain at all.
So, what could be the reason your baby isn’t getting enough nourishment? Let’s break it down:
Premature birth
Babies born before 37 weeks often don’t have the energy or strength to get the amount of milk they need for proper growth and nutrition. They might fall asleep quickly at the breast, or sometimes they’re facing medical issues that make nursing tricky.
Oral difficulties
There are generally two types of challenges at play here. One is related to the mom’s breasts, and the other is linked to the baby’s mouth structure.
If mom’s milk ducts are blocked, her breasts can become hard, painful, and sore, making it tough for the baby to latch on. Larger nipples can also be tricky for babies to latch onto properly.
On the flip side, some babies face challenges with their mouth structure that make nursing difficult. For instance, if your baby has a small mouth, a tongue tie (ankyloglossia), or a cleft lip/palate, it can make breastfeeding harder.
Jaundice
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborns where the baby’s skin and eyes appear yellow due to high levels of bilirubin. Babies with jaundice may feel sleepy and lethargic, making it harder for them to breastfeed effectively.
This can lead to less milk intake, which may slow down the process of flushing out bilirubin, creating a cycle of difficulty. Breastfeeding frequently is key to helping babies with jaundice, as it promotes hydration and encourages regular bowel movements, which help eliminate excess bilirubin from the body.
Reflux
Babies with reflux tend to spit up after breastfeeding. When this happens, they lose some of the milk they need for nourishment. Plus, the acid from reflux can irritate their throat and esophagus, making it uncomfortable for them to suckle properly.
State of illness
A baby who is sick or dealing with an infection might struggle with breastfeeding. They could have trouble gaining weight or might even lose some. This is especially true if they’re experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.
Neurological problems
Neurological conditions, such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, can impact a baby’s ability to latch on and feed effectively. Babies with these conditions often have low muscle tone or difficulty coordinating the muscles needed for sucking and swallowing, which are crucial for breastfeeding.
For example, a baby with Down syndrome may struggle to maintain a proper latch due to weaker muscles around the mouth and jaw. This can lead to shorter, less efficient feeding sessions, making it hard for the baby to get enough milk and, consequently, gain weight as they should. Similarly, neurological conditions that affect motor control can make feeding exhausting for the baby, causing them to tire out quickly before they’ve had enough milk.
In these cases, feeding can become a slow and difficult process, often requiring specialized techniques, extra patience, or even the assistance of feeding specialists or lactation consultants to ensure the baby is getting adequate nutrition.
ALSO READ: 8 Essential Breastfeeding Tips For New Mothers
My Baby Is Not Gaining Weight. What Should I Do?
If you think your baby is not gaining weight or is gaining less weight than they should, the first thing you should do is consult your baby’s doctor.
During the examination, your doctor will measure the baby’s height and weight. They will inform you about your baby’s growth and if they detect any differences or irregularities in weight gain, they will guide you on what can be done.
Some helpful strategies you can follow include:
Ensure a proper latch
In those first few days, many babies struggle to latch onto their mother’s breast effectively. Keep an eye on how your little one is doing with this. Don’t hesitate to reach out to breastfeeding consultants or baby nurses—they’re great resources who can provide support and guidance.
Feed your baby frequently
Try to breastfeed your newborn every 2-3 hours, or whenever they show signs of hunger. If you’re unsure about those hunger cues, check out articles that detail what to look for. For babies on formula, they typically feed about every 3-4 hours. But remember, this timeline is different for breastfed babies since breast milk is digested more easily than formula.
Skip the Pacifier for now
If your baby is sucking on a pacifier instead of breastfeeding, they may not get enough breast milk. Plus, using a pacifier can tire them out during those early months, making it harder for them to get the nourishment they need. It’s best to wait until your baby has established a good breastfeeding routine and is gaining weight consistently before introducing a pacifier.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until the first 3-4 weeks before using a pacifier.
Keep your baby awake during feedings
Don’t get the wrong idea here—we’re not suggesting you should keep your baby awake at all costs. What we really mean is encouraging them to suckle and feed properly. Ideally, a newborn should suckle for about 20 minutes at each feeding session. But let’s be real; babies often get tired and drift off to sleep on your chest.
So, what can you do when that happens? Here are a few tips to help keep your little one engaged:
- Gently touch their feet to stimulate them—just a light touch is all it takes.
- Try switching up your breastfeeding position; a new angle might pique their interest.
- Change their diaper to wake them up a bit.
- Hold the baby on your shoulder and give a gentle pat to help them burp
Check your milk flow
If you’ve consulted with your doctor, lactation consultant, or baby nurse and suspect that your baby’s slow or nonexistent weight gain is linked to your milk flow, it might be time to assess ways to boost your milk supply. Here are some suggestions:
- Increase the frequency of your breastfeeding sessions.
- Consider using a pump to express milk between feedings.
- Pay attention to your diet—check out our article: 30 Natural Foods To Increase Breastmilk Supply and Production
- Don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
My Baby Is Not Gaining Weight. Should I Stop Breastfeeding?
It is important to continue breastfeeding as long as it is safe and healthy for your baby.
The World Health Organization recommends continuing breastfeeding for 2 years as long as the mother and baby do not have any health problems.
Keep an eye on your baby’s growth by scheduling regular check-ups with your doctor and paying attention to your own observations. Depending on your situation, you might find it helpful to combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding, so don’t hesitate to consult your doctor about this.
Another option is to mix breastfeeding with formula feeding. With your doctor’s guidance, you can successfully breastfeed while also providing formula that meets your baby’s nutritional needs.
As a parent, ensuring your baby is satisfied and growing healthily is one of your top priorities. If you’re looking for more insights on this topic, check out our article on Satiation in Babies—it’s packed with helpful information!
Sources: webmd.com, healthline.com, whattoexpect.com, babycenter.com, mayoclinic.org, raisingchildren.net.au, kidshealth.org,
