1. What is Neonatal Weight Loss?

Neonatal weight loss refers to the normal physiological weight reduction that occurs in newborns during the first days of life. Most infants lose 5-7% of their birth weight in the first week, with breastfed infants typically losing slightly more than formula-fed infants.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates the percentage of weight lost relative to the original birth weight.

3. Importance of Monitoring Weight Loss

Details: Monitoring neonatal weight loss helps identify excessive loss that may indicate feeding difficulties, dehydration, or other health concerns. Weight loss >10% often requires medical evaluation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter birth weight and current weight in grams. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the percentage weight loss.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is normal neonatal weight loss?
A: Typically 5-7% in the first week, with most infants regaining birth weight by 2 weeks of age.

Q2: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: If loss exceeds 10%, if weight loss continues beyond 5 days, or if the infant shows signs of dehydration.

Q3: How often should newborns be weighed?
A: Daily in the first week if there are concerns, otherwise at each pediatric visit.

Q4: Does the type of feeding affect weight loss?
A: Yes, breastfed infants often lose slightly more weight initially but catch up by 2 weeks.

Q5: What factors can cause excessive weight loss?
A: Inadequate milk intake, feeding difficulties, jaundice, infection, or metabolic disorders.