All parents are keen to know how their babies are feeding and growing; and growth and weight gain is a good indication of your baby's general health and development. All babies vary in size, just as adults very in shape and size. Your baby will be weighed regularly during the first year of life in routine visits to the clinic and routine well baby checks.
Your baby's weight will be plotted on a special growth chart in their red book. These charts are based on evidence from the World Health Organisation, based on expected rates of growth for healthy babies and they are usable across all ethnic groups.
It's important to be aware that your baby's appetite may vary from day to day and that appetites vary from baby to baby. Therefore it's important as a parent that you respond to your baby's cues. A thriving baby will be alert when they're awake and responsive.
Their skin colour will be good, their muscle tone will be good, they will demand feeds when they're hungry and they will appear satisfied when they've been fed. It's important to be aware, that your baby - if feeding enough - will give plenty of wet nappies. Expect about six wet nappies in twenty-four hours.
If you do have any concerns about the way your baby is feeding and growing, trust your own judgement. You are the person that knows your baby best, and the first to spot any change in their behaviour. If you're worried, or not sure what this means, talk to your health visitor, or your doctor.
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