From the Guidelines
During the first 2 months, healthy babies typically gain about 5-7 ounces (approximately 140-200 grams) per week, resulting in a total weight gain of around 40-56 ounces (2.5-3.5 pounds). This information is based on general growth patterns and is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts, which are recommended for use in children under 24 months by the CDC 1. The WHO charts describe the growth of healthy children in optimal conditions, with a focus on breastfeeding as the standard for infant feeding. According to the WHO charts, slower growth among breastfed infants during ages 3–18 months is normal, and gaining weight more rapidly than indicated on the charts might signal early signs of overweight 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating a baby's weight gain include:
- Breastfed babies might gain weight slightly differently than formula-fed babies, with some having more rapid weight gain in the first weeks followed by a slightly slower rate
- The most important indicator is that the baby follows their own growth curve consistently
- Parents should expect their baby's birth weight to double by about 4-5 months of age
- Regular pediatric check-ups are essential to monitor this growth, and concerns about weight gain should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as individual babies may have different healthy growth patterns based on their starting size and other factors.
It's essential to note that the CDC recommends using the 2006 WHO international growth charts for children under 24 months, rather than the CDC growth charts, to assess growth in this age group 1. This recommendation is based on the recognition that breastfeeding is the recommended standard for infant feeding, and the WHO charts provide a standard against which all other infants can be compared.
From the Research
Weight Gain in Infants
- The amount of weight gain for infants during the first 2 months is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
- However, a study published in the European journal of pediatrics 2 found that healthy term breast- and adapted formula-fed infants show similar weight gain and weight gain composition during the first months of life.
- Unfortunately, the study does not provide specific information on the amount of weight gain in ounces.
Breastfeeding and Supplementation
- Studies have focused on breastfeeding and supplementation methods, but do not provide direct information on weight gain in ounces during the first 2 months 3, 4.
- A study published in Pediatric research 5 discusses the importance of nutrition for preterm infants, but does not provide information on weight gain for full-term infants during the first 2 months.
- Another study published in Nutrition reviews 6 focuses on complementary feeding for infants 6 to 23 months old, which is outside the scope of the first 2 months.
Conclusion Not Available
There is no direct information available in the provided studies to answer the question of how many ounces a baby needs to gain during the first 2 months.