1. What is Newborn Weight Loss Percentage?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

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

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, with 10% or more loss potentially indicating feeding problems or other health issues requiring 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 of weight lost.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is normal newborn weight loss?
A: Most newborns lose 5-7% of birth weight in first 3-5 days, then regain by 10-14 days. Loss >10% may need evaluation.

Q2: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: Contact your pediatrician if loss exceeds 7% in first 72 hours, 10% at any time, or if baby isn't regaining by day 10-14.

Q3: How often should newborns be weighed?
A: First weight at 24-72 hours after discharge, then as needed based on feeding and weight patterns.

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

Q5: What affects newborn weight loss?
A: Factors include feeding method, maternal fluids during labor, timing of first feeding, and infant health status.