Most term newborns gain about 5–7 ounces (150–200 g) per week once birth weight is regained, usually by days 10–14.
New parents weigh a lot more than diapers. You weigh minutes between feeds, how many wet nappies show up, and whether the scale creeps upward. Weekly gain is one of the clearest signals that feeding is going well. Here’s a simple, evidence-based guide to what weekly changes look like in the first months, why the first week can dip, and how to spot patterns that call for a weight check.
Newborn Weekly Weight Gain: What To Expect
After the early days, most term babies average 20–30 grams a day. That adds up to about 150–200 grams a week, or 5–7 ounces. Some weeks run lighter, others surge during growth spurts around week one to two, week three, and week six. Charts track trends across weeks, not single days, so think in seven-day blocks and look for a steady climb.
| Age Window | Typical Weekly Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Days 0–3 | Weight often drops up to 7% | Fluid shift after birth; feeds are ramping up |
| Days 4–7 | Loss slows, then levels | Milk volume rises; wet diapers increase |
| Days 8–14 | Back to birth weight for most babies | Recheck if not trending up by the end of week two |
| Weeks 2–12 | ~150–200 g per week (5–7 oz) | Average gain for many term babies |
| Weeks 12–24 | ~90–150 g per week (3–5 oz) | Rate eases as activity picks up |
Those ranges sit well with pediatric guidance from sources like AAP HealthyChildren, which notes a return to birth weight by about day ten and average gains of 20–30 g per day in the first month. For tracking beyond the first weeks, the WHO weight velocity standards offer reference curves for monthly and weekly movement.
Why Early Weight Drops Happen
That first dip can feel scary. It’s mostly a normal shift in body water after delivery. Babies pass meconium, start feeding, and settle into new fluid balance. A term baby often loses up to 7% of birth weight in the first few days. A 10% slide is a red flag rather than a crisis line by itself, and it should trigger a close look at feeding, latch, and hydration. Once milk transfer improves, the line on the chart turns upward, and by the end of the second week most babies land back at their starting number.
Taking An Aerosol-Free Look At Feeding Type And Weekly Gain
Feeding method shapes week-to-week flow a bit, yet healthy babies on breast milk or formula both track steady lines. Breastfed babies sometimes gain a touch faster at first when feeds are frequent around the clock, then even out in later months. Formula-fed babies may show smoother daily steps because volumes are easier to tally. What matters is effective transfer, not the bottle or breast alone.
Wet Diapers And Feeds: Quick Checks
- By day 5: about six or more wet diapers and at least three yellow stools in 24 hours.
- Feeds: 8–12 times in 24 hours for direct breastfeeding; for bottles, small frequent volumes suited to age, with relaxed pacing.
- After feeds: content for a bit, then active when ready to feed again.
How Much Does A Newborn Gain Per Week On Breast Milk?
A well-latched baby who feeds often usually adds about 5–7 ounces per week after the second week. Weeks with cluster feeding can jump higher as supply adapts. If weights stall, focus first on transfer: a deep latch, active swallowing, and limiting long gaps overnight. Pumped milk can fill short-term gaps while latch work continues.
How Much Does A Newborn Gain Per Week On Formula?
Formula-fed babies often show similar weekly numbers. Offer responsive feeds rather than rigid clocks. Use paced bottle technique, hold baby upright, and pause to watch cues. If intakes are soaring yet gain lags, check nipple flow, burping, and any loss from spit-ups. If intakes are low and baby sleeps through feeds, set gentle alarms, then stretch intervals as wakefulness grows.
Simple Ways To Support Steady Gain
Breastfeeding Moves
- Start skin-to-skin early and often to wake feeding cues.
- Use a deep, asymmetric latch; chin touches first, wide open mouth, lips flanged.
- Switch sides when swallows slow; breast compressions can boost transfer.
- If weight is soft, add 1–2 extra sessions or a short pump after feeds for a few days.
Formula Feeding Moves
- Use paced feeds so baby controls flow and stops when full.
- Mix to label directions; scoops must be level and water added first.
- Try smaller, more frequent volumes if spit-ups cut into intake.
Mixed Feeding
Many families blend both. A small bottle after a breastfeed can top up transfer while supply grows. Keep a steady order, note volumes, and check that bottles don’t replace feeds too early in the day if you’re building milk.
Premature Or Small Babies: Weekly Targets Differ
Preterm and late-preterm babies have different goals. Care teams often use gram-per-kilogram targets, then switch to daily gram targets as size increases. After initial diuresis, many late-preterm babies aim for about 30–35 grams per day until catch-up finishes. Fortified milk or higher-calorie formula may be used short term to meet energy needs. Plans should match gestational age, medical history, and feeding skills, and they change as the baby grows.
How To Weigh And Track Without Stress
Small changes day to day are normal. Weigh at the same time of day, with a dry diaper, and on the same scale when possible. Weekly checks give a cleaner picture than daily swings. Plot points on WHO curves to watch the slope. A steady climb along any centile band counts as a win.
When To Book A Weight Check
Trust your read on your baby. If the chart stalls or dips, or if feeds feel off, book a check sooner than later. The list below flags patterns that deserve a visit, even if your next well check is close.
| Pattern | Why It Matters | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Not back to birth weight by end of week two | Suggests low transfer or a medical issue | Schedule a same-week weight and feeding review |
| Loss near or past 10% in early days | Higher risk of dehydration | Same-day assessment and plan |
| Fewer than six wet diapers after day five | Low intake or fluid loss | Check hydration and feeds |
| Weak latch, long sleepy feeds, few swallows | Poor milk transfer | Hands-on latch help; weight recheck in 48–72 hours |
| Frequent large spit-ups with slow gain | Loss of intake | Review volumes, flow, and positioning |
| Deep jaundice, dry mouth, listless crying | Possible dehydration or illness | Urgent visit |
Sample Weekly Gain Scenarios
Week Two, All Feeds At The Breast
The scale reads birth weight on day 12. Feeds run 10–12 times, diapers are wet and yellow, and weight adds 6 ounces by the end of the week. That pattern fits the expected line.
Week Three, Mixed Feeds
Baby transfers well at the breast, then takes a small bottle once or twice a day. Weekly gain lands near 7 ounces. As latch strengthens, that top-up can taper.
Week Four, Bottle-Fed
Daily intake holds steady, sleeps stretch, and the chart shows 5 ounces added this week and 7 the next. Swings like that are common; the two-week average still sits near the center of the range.
Answers To Tricky Situations
My Baby Gained Only 3 Ounces This Week
Look at two weeks together. If the next week lands near the higher end, the average can still meet the goal. If both weeks run light, book a check. Bring a feed log and note diaper counts and any spit-ups.
We Hit Birth Weight On Day 15
That’s later than expected for many babies. Ask for a weight plan and a feed assessment. Small changes like waking for one extra night feed or improving latch angles can turn the slope upward.
Growth Spurts Make Feeds Wild
Spurts drive demand. Offer both sides, then switch again if baby wants more. Bottle-feeding families can split the same daily volume into an extra feed for a few days, then return to the usual rhythm once cues settle.
How Much Does Newborn Gain In A Week: Key Numbers At A Glance
- After two weeks: about 150–200 g per week for many term babies.
- First days: weight dips, then turns up as milk transfer improves.
- By the end of week two: most babies match or pass birth weight.
- Late-preterm: may target 30–35 g per day until catch-up.
Using Growth Charts The Smart Way
Centile bands are lanes, not grades. Some babies sit near the 15th; some sit near the 85th. The lane matters less than the slope. A smooth climb along any lane points to good intake and health. If the curve flattens or crosses down more than one lane, bring the chart to your visit and ask for a plan tailored to your baby’s feed pattern and health history.
Practical Weigh-In Tips At Home
- Pick one day a week, same time, same scale, dry diaper.
- Do two measures and take the average if the screen flickers.
- Weigh yourself, then yourself holding baby, and subtract only if a baby scale isn’t available.
- Keep notes on feeds, diapers, and sleep windows to help explain swings.
When Weekly Numbers Surprise You
Newborn life isn’t linear. A busy growth spurt can bring a big jump one week and a smaller step the next. A mild cold or tummy bug can trim gains for a short patch. Look for recovery over the next week. If weight lags for two straight weeks, or if diapers and energy dip, move your check sooner and go over feeding in detail with your pediatric care team.
Bottom Line On Newborn Weekly Gain
Once babies pass the early dip and reach birth weight, many add 5–7 ounces a week through the first months. Feed often, watch diapers and cues, and track the slope over time. When something feels off, a quick weight check plus hands-on feeding help can get growth back on track fast.