A weight curve is a graphical representation of the weight gain that one desires and expects for a baby. However, there is a significant difference in the starting weight of the baby, and therefore it is very normal for the baby to follow 'its own curve'. Here, we look more at the percentage increase in weight, and this is completely normal.
A weight curve is divided into percentiles, which is a division into hundredths, very similar to dividing into percentages. So if your baby is at the 50th percentile of the curve at birth, it should approximately follow this curve and continue to stay at this percentile.
WHO's weight curves
WHO (World Health Organization) has developed some weight curves that you can view and possibly print from their website. Here, there are curves for both genders, but also for 3 age groups.
What should I do as a parent?
You can easily keep an eye on your baby's weight from home by buying a scale and weighing the child at regular intervals. This will give you a clear picture of whether the baby is growing as it should.
Your starting point should be the baby's birth weight, which is the starting weight you should refer to on a weight curve. If you have printed the weight curve, you can place a dot at the start, and then at each weighing, find the relevant week and go up in the chart to the current weight, and then place a dot.
Over time, a weight curve will form that belongs specifically to your child, and it should ideally follow the shape of the weight curves already on the sheet.
Trust your instincts
It is very important to remember that the weight curves from WHO are made based on babies who have been bottle-fed. Bottle-fed babies often experience only a small weight loss after birth, whereas breastfed babies often lose quite a bit right after birth and only return to their birth weight after about a week.
Therefore, one should not be alarmed if one's baby has not gained weight in the first week, because if breastfeeding, this could very well be the reason. Follow your instincts, and consult with a midwife, hospital, your own doctor, or other professionals if in doubt.
If the baby is not gaining enough weight, you can try to increase the amount of food. This may require some adjustment for both parent and baby, but it can be very beneficial in the long run to have pushed a little.
