1. What is Newborn Weight Loss?

Newborn weight loss refers to the normal physiological weight reduction that occurs in the first few days after birth. Most newborns lose between 5-10% of their birth weight in the first week before regaining it by 2 weeks of age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Birth Weight} \) — The weight of the newborn at birth (kg)
• \( \text{Current Weight} \) — The current weight of the newborn (kg)

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

3. Importance of Monitoring Weight Loss

Details: Monitoring newborn weight loss helps identify excessive weight loss (>10%) which may indicate feeding difficulties, dehydration, or other health concerns requiring medical attention.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter birth weight and current weight in kilograms. Both values must be valid positive numbers. The calculator will show the percentage of weight lost.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered normal weight loss for a newborn?
A: 5-7% weight loss is typical, up to 10% may be normal, but losses >10% should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Q2: When should a newborn regain birth weight?
A: Most babies regain their birth weight by 10-14 days of age with adequate feeding.

Q3: How often should newborns be weighed?
A: In the first week, daily weights may be recommended for breastfeeding infants. After that, weekly checks may be sufficient.

Q4: What causes excessive weight loss in newborns?
A: Common causes include inadequate milk intake, breastfeeding difficulties, or medical conditions affecting feeding or absorption.

Q5: When should I be concerned about my baby's weight loss?
A: Contact your pediatrician if weight loss exceeds 10%, if baby is lethargic, has <6 wet diapers/day, or shows signs of dehydration.