Weight Gain in Babies

Parents often have questions about their baby's weight gain.

Follow the links below to find information on weight gain and growth from the first few weeks of life right through to early childhood.

Reviewed March 2009

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Systematic Reviews on Weight Gain in Babies
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Links to systematic reviews of the evidence about weight gain in babies.

17 Resources Found
Results 1 to 17 displayed.

Title:   Growth - assessing babies to preschoolers
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Growth and development in babies and young children is assessed using growth charts, height, weight and length measurements and body mass index (BMI) calculations. New World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts for infants and children aged up to five years are based exclusively on breastfed infants from healthy populations. Growth charts are only a guide. See your doctor if you are worried about your baby or child's growth or weight.
Date:   Aug 2009

Title:   Growth charts
Publisher:   Raising Children Network (RCN)
Description:   Babies all develop at different rates, so there is a huge variety between them; percentile chart measurements of length, weight and head circumference are useful guides to understanding your child's growth.
Date:   May 2009

Title:   Babies
Publisher:   HealthInsite Topic Page
Description:   Links to information on health issues such as breastfeeding, immunisation, sleeping problems, weight gain and health checks.
Date:   Apr 2009

Title:   Slow weight gain
Publisher:   The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Description:   Most babies lose some weight in their first week of life, and this is not usually a cause for concern. After this, babies should put on weight at a steady rate.
Date:   Mar 2009

Title:   Attachment
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Attachment is the pattern of relationship between an infant and a caregiver which enables the infant to feel safe and free to learn and explore.
Date:   Nov 2008

Title:   Foetal alcohol syndrome
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Alcohol consumed by pregnant women can harm their unborn babies. Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) refers to a range of features that affect some babies exposed to alcohol before birth. Features in the baby include a low birth weight, flattened face, heart defects and developmental delays. Alcohol can cross the placenta from the mother's blood into the baby's bloodstream. The World Health Organization recommends that pregnant women should avoid alcohol throughout the pregnancy.
Date:   Jun 2008

Title:   Aboriginal children's health
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Aboriginal children can have many health problems. Babies are more likely to be underweight, but most Aboriginal children in Australia are breastfed which protects against some illnesses. Middle ear infections, malnutrition and exposure to cigarette smoke are also problems for Aboriginal children.
Date:   Apr 2008

Title:   Smoking and pregnancy
Publisher:   Queensland Health
Description:   Australian data indicates that approximately 20 per cent of women smoke during pregnancy, although this rate appears to be declining. A woman who smokes while pregnant is at increased risk of experiencing a wide range of problems including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and premature labour. Women who smoke are up to three times more likely to give birth to a low weight baby compared to non-smokers. Low birth weight babies are more vulnerable to infection and other health problems, such as breathing difficulties.
Date:   Apr 2008

Title:   Breastfeeding and your diet
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Breastfeeding means a healthy diet is important. Fluids, especially water, are also important for a good supply of breast milk. Breastfeeding uses a lot of energy and nutrients such protein, calcium, iron and vitamins. A strict diet to lose weight is not recommended while breastfeeding.
Date:   Mar 2008

Title:   Car seats and restraints
Publisher:   Raising Children Network (RCN)
Description:   Car restraints need to be properly installed and adjusted, conform to Australian Standards, and adjusted according to the weight of the passenger. A guide to getting the right car seat for your child.
Date:   Nov 2007

Title:   Your newborn's head
Publisher:   Raising Children Network (RCN)
Description:   A guide to your newborn's head and face; the shape, appearance and structure and what you can expect.
Date:   Oct 2007

Title:   Assisted reproduction technology in Australia and New Zealand 2005
Publisher:   Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Description:   This report presents data on success rates based on live delivery and how they vary by treatment type, women's age and number of embryos transferred. Also included is information on birth outcomes such as multiple birth, gestational age, birthweight, and perinatal mortality.
Date:   Sep 2007

Title:   World Health Organization (WHO) International Child Growth Standards, 2006
Publisher:   Australian Breastfeeding Association
Description:   The article looks at the new infant growth chart standards, released on 27 April 2006. The charts are based on the breastfed child as the biological norm for growth and development.
Date:   Oct 2006

Title:   Smoking: pregnancy and breast feeding - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Smoking while pregnant can affect the baby's growth and development, increasing the risk of low birth weight, premature birth and spontaneous abortions.
Date:   Sep 2006

Title:   Dressing your newborn
Publisher:   Raising Children Network (RCN)
Description:   A guide to choosing baby clothes, dressing a newborn and washing baby's clothes. Includes advice on which sizes and styles to buy.
Date:   Aug 2006

Title:   Low-birth-weight babies - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Babies are considered of low birth weight if they weigh less than 2500 g at birth. Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of physical and mental disabilities.
Date:   May 2006

Title:   Pregnancy: when should you have your next child? - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Many prospective parents wonder what is the 'best' interval between children.
Date:   May 2002
Results 1 to 17 displayed.
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