There's nothing more distressing than seeing your baby lose weight. It's natural to feel worried and wonder if something’s wrong. Although fluctuations in weight can be normal for babies, consistent weight loss may signal an underlying issue that needs attention. So, when should you be concerned about your baby's weight loss?
Our team has expertise and experience with newborns and parents of newborns, so we’re here to put you at ease. Here at Northeast Pediatric Associates PA, we provide the highest level of newborn care as we walk alongside you during this part of your parenting journey.
Here’s what you should know:
Babies often lose weight shortly after they’re born. This initial weight loss is typically caused by fluid loss and is considered normal. However, your baby should start gaining weight steadily after the first week of life.
By the time they’re two weeks old, they should regain any lost weight and begin to gain weight consistently.
If your baby continues to lose weight beyond the first couple of weeks, make an appointment with our team as soon as possible. We can determine the reason for persistent weight loss, which may include inadequate feeding, digestive issues, or underlying health conditions.
Common causes of weight loss might include:
Though breastfeeding is a great way to nourish your baby, a common cause of weight loss in babies is insufficient breastfeeding. Whether due to latch problems, low milk supply, or inadequate feeding frequency, breastfeeding issues can lead to inadequate calorie intake and result in weight loss.
In such cases, you can work with one of our lactation consultants to help address your breastfeeding challenges and ensure that your baby is getting enough milk.
Another factor to consider is your baby's overall health. Illnesses like infections or gastrointestinal issues can affect their appetite and digestion, leading to weight loss. If your baby shows signs of illness alongside weight loss, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly.
In some cases, babies may experience difficulties with digesting certain types of formula, leading to weight loss or failure to thrive. You may need to switch to a different formula under our guidance to address these issues.
We encourage you to never miss the recommended checkups with our team, so we can monitor your baby's developmental milestones alongside weight loss.
Babies who aren’t gaining weight appropriately may also exhibit delays in other areas of development. If you notice any developmental concerns alongside weight loss, be sure to tell us about them.
Here are some steps you can take to continue the healthy growth of your baby:
Even though weight loss in babies can be concerning, it's essential to approach the situation calmly and seek our professional guidance. We can evaluate your baby's growth, assess any underlying issues, and recommend appropriate interventions.
In the meantime, you can support your baby's weight gain by ensuring that your baby is feeding effectively, whether through breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Monitor your feeding sessions to make sure your baby is getting enough milk, and seek help if you encounter any difficulties.
Another action to practice is prioritizing skin-to-skin contact with your baby and providing frequent feeding sessions to encourage milk production and bonding between you and your baby. Creating a nurturing and supportive environment can do wonders for your baby's overall well-being.
Every baby is unique, and growth patterns can vary. Weight loss can be concerning, but trust your instincts as a parent, and seek our help when needed. With proper support and guidance, your baby can thrive and reach their full potential.
If you have any health concerns about your newborn or if you notice that they don’t seem to be gaining weight or developing properly, call the office nearest you in San Antonio, North Central San Antonio, Schertz, or Castroville, Texas, for an appointment. You can also book online or request telehealth.
