1. What is Weight Loss From Birth?

The percentage weight loss from birth is a measure of how much weight a newborn has lost compared to their birth weight. It's an important indicator of neonatal health and feeding adequacy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Weight Loss Calculation

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

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: Most newborns lose 5-7% of their birth weight in the first few days, with 10% being the upper limit of normal.

Q2: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: If weight loss exceeds 10% of birth weight or continues beyond the first week, consult a healthcare provider.

Q3: How often should newborns be weighed?
A: Typically at birth, then at 24-72 hours after birth, and at the first pediatric visit (3-5 days after birth).

Q4: When do babies regain their birth weight?
A: Most babies regain their birth weight by 10-14 days of age.

Q5: Does weight loss differ for breastfed vs formula-fed babies?
A: Breastfed babies may lose slightly more weight initially but typically regain it at a similar rate.