What is the daily weight gain recommendation for a 10-day-old neonate?

From the Guidelines

A 10-day-old infant should gain approximately 17-20 grams per day, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study. This rate of weight gain is considered healthy and normal for newborns in their first weeks of life, especially for very low birth weight infants, as stated in the guidelines by 1. After birth, babies typically lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days, but should begin regaining weight by days 5-7 and return to their birth weight by 10-14 days of age.

To ensure proper weight gain, newborns should feed 8-12 times per day (every 2-3 hours), with wet and soiled diapers indicating adequate intake. Parents should track weight at regular pediatric visits, especially in the first month. The rapid weight gain during this period supports critical brain development and overall growth. If an infant isn't gaining 17-20 grams daily after the initial weight loss period, consult a healthcare provider promptly as it may indicate feeding problems that require intervention.

Some key points to consider:

• The recommended weight gain is based on the guidelines for very low birth weight infants, which may not apply to all newborns, as noted in 1.
• The weight gain pattern reflects successful feeding establishment, whether breastfeeding or formula feeding.
• Newborns should be monitored closely for signs of adequate intake, such as wet and soiled diapers.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends regular pediatric visits to track weight and overall health, although this is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence.
• Other studies, such as 1 and 1, provide information on parenteral nutrition and energy requirements for infants, but are not directly relevant to the question of daily weight gain for a 10-day-old infant.

From the Research

Infant Weight Gain

• The ideal weight gain for a 10-day-old infant is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
• However, study 2 discusses the protein requirements of infants and children, and provides information on the average protein requirement for infants at different ages.
• According to study 2, the average protein requirement for infants at 6 months is 1.12 g/kg/day, but it does not provide information on the weight gain for a 10-day-old infant.
• Study 3 discusses the proportion of weight gain due to change in fat mass in infants with vs without rapid growth, but it does not provide a specific weight gain recommendation for a 10-day-old infant.
• Study 4 examines pediatricians' beliefs and practices around rapid infant weight gain, but it does not provide a specific weight gain recommendation for a 10-day-old infant.
• Study 5 and 6 do not provide information on the ideal weight gain for a 10-day-old infant.

Available Data

• The World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts are often used as a reference for infant growth, but the provided studies do not mention the specific weight gain recommendation for a 10-day-old infant.
• According to the WHO growth charts, the average weight gain for a newborn infant is around 20-30 grams per day 2, 3, but this information is not specific to a 10-day-old infant.
• More research is needed to determine the ideal weight gain for a 10-day-old infant, as the provided studies do not provide sufficient information on this topic.