1. What is Percent Weight Loss?

Percent weight loss in infants is a measure of the weight an infant has lost since birth, expressed as a percentage of the birth weight. It's an important indicator of neonatal health and feeding adequacy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( \text{birth\_weight} \) — Infant's weight at birth (kg)
• \( \text{current\_weight} \) — Infant's current weight (kg)

Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage of the birth weight has been lost by comparing the current weight to the birth weight.

3. Importance of Monitoring Weight Loss

Details: Monitoring weight loss in newborns is crucial as excessive loss (>10%) may indicate feeding problems, dehydration, or other health issues that require medical attention.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both weights in kilograms (kg). For accuracy, use the same scale for both measurements if possible. Weights should be measured to at least 3 decimal places (grams) for precision.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is normal weight loss for a newborn?
A: Most newborns lose 5-7% of birth weight in first few days, with breastfed babies often losing up to 10%. Loss >10% may warrant evaluation.

Q2: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: Contact your pediatrician if loss exceeds 10% of birth weight, if weight loss continues beyond 5 days, or if baby shows signs of dehydration.

Q3: How often should I weigh my newborn?
A: Typically weighed at birth, 24-72 hours after birth, and at first pediatric visit (3-5 days old). More frequent weighing may be needed if concerns exist.

Q4: Does this calculator work for premature infants?
A: The calculation method is the same, but interpretation differs as preemies may have different expected weight loss patterns.

Q5: When should birth weight be regained?
A: Most term infants regain birth weight by 10-14 days of age. Delayed regain may indicate feeding issues.