1. What is Percentage Weight Loss?

Percentage weight loss calculates how much weight a baby has lost relative to their birth weight. This is an important metric in neonatal care to assess feeding adequacy and identify potential health issues.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Monitoring Weight Loss

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both weights in grams (1 kg = 1000 grams). Ensure accurate measurements for reliable results. Typical newborns lose 5-7% of birth weight in first few days.

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 3-5 days, regaining birth weight by 10-14 days.

Q2: When should I be concerned?
A: Consult a pediatrician if weight loss exceeds 10% or if baby isn't regaining weight by 2 weeks.

Q3: How often should weight be measured?
A: First weight should be at birth, then daily for first week if concerns exist, otherwise at pediatric visits.

Q4: Does breastfeeding affect weight loss?
A: Breastfed babies may lose slightly more weight initially but catch up as milk supply establishes.

Q5: Are there other factors affecting weight?
A: Birth fluids, meconium passage, and feeding type all influence early weight changes.