1. What is Percentage Weight Loss in Newborns?

Percentage weight loss is a measure of how much weight a newborn has lost compared to their birth weight. It's normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first few days after birth, but excessive weight loss may indicate feeding problems or other health issues.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Birth Weight} \) — The newborn's weight at birth (kg)
• \( \text{Current Weight} \) — The newborn'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 health issues. Most newborns lose 5-7% of their birth weight in the first few days and regain it by 10-14 days.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is normal weight loss for a newborn?
A: Typically 5-7% in the first 3-4 days, with most babies regaining birth weight by 10-14 days.

Q2: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: If weight loss exceeds 7-10% or if the baby isn't regaining weight by 2 weeks.

Q3: How often should newborns be weighed?
A: In the first week, daily weights may be recommended, especially if there are feeding concerns.

Q4: Does this calculator apply to premature babies?
A: Premature babies may have different weight loss patterns; consult your pediatrician.

Q5: What factors affect newborn weight loss?
A: Feeding method (breast vs formula), maternal fluids during delivery, and infant health can all affect weight loss.