1. What is Percent Weight Loss in Infants?

Percent weight loss in infants is a measure of how much weight a newborn has lost compared to their birth weight. It's a critical indicator of feeding adequacy and hydration status in the early neonatal period.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

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

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 helps identify potential feeding problems, dehydration, or other medical issues. Excessive weight loss (>10%) may require medical evaluation and intervention.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both weights in kilograms (kg). Ensure accurate measurements taken at the same time of day using the same scale for best results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is normal weight loss for newborns?
A: Most newborns lose 5-7% of birth weight in first few days, with formula-fed infants typically losing less (3-5%).

Q2: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: Consult a pediatrician if loss exceeds 7-10% or if infant shows signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, lethargy).

Q3: How often should weight be measured?
A: Daily in first week for high-risk infants, every 2-3 days for healthy term infants until birth weight is regained.

Q4: When should birth weight be regained?
A: Most infants regain birth weight by 10-14 days of age with adequate feeding.

Q5: Does this calculator work for preterm infants?
A: While the calculation is the same, interpretation differs - preterm infants often have greater fluid shifts and different expected weight patterns.