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Baby Weight Percentages
What Percentile Is Your Child In, and Does It Matter?
By Lisa A. Goldstein
Your friend recently bragged that her son was in the 90th percentile for weight. But at your son's recent checkup, the doctor said he was in the 10th percentile. Why are you feeling competitive all of a sudden, and does the difference really matter? Indeed, new parents often can't wait to have their baby weighed so they can see what percentile he or she is in. But what do baby weight percentages really mean? This is a weighty issue – no pun intended.
To know what percentile your baby is in, use our Baby Weight Percentile Calculator.
These numbers are based on data that has been collected on kids' growth in the United States through the National Center for Health Statistics since the 1960s. The first growth charts were developed for use in the late 1970s, and later revised in 2000, based on updated height and weight data that was collected. Nowadays, Body Mass Index (BMI) growth charts are also used. BMI is a way of monitoring growth and can help to predict future high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity – major health risks to today's society. The size of an infant's head is also monitored when looking at growth and development.
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Comments
Found 15 comments
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Baby Weight Percentages by Anonymous on 11/02/2009 11:03AM
My daughter was exclusively breastfed from birth to 6 months. After that we added cereal. She is 7 months now and still breastfeeding. At 6 months she was 20 lbs and 28 inches. That is over the 95th%. She has had two ear infections and 3 colds. Yes, breastfeeding is good, but it obviously does not prevent babies from being large. Breastfeed if you can and be thankful we live in a world with formula those who cannot.
Baby Weight Percentages by Leanne on 10/27/2009 02:10PM
Wow, I am just happy to get through the day with a healthy baby. My other child died at 3 months. I breastfeed, it works for me. I wish women were a little kinder to each other, this job is hard enough as it is without having to defend our positions or attack people that do it differently.
Baby Weight Percentages by Anonymous on 10/22/2009 07:14AM
My baby is 5 months old and weighs 13 pounds.is it okay?her weight is stagnant for the last 15days.
Baby Weight Percentages by Anonymous on 10/20/2009 01:54PM
my baby is 4 month old and he weigh 20lb and 1 ounce , 27.5 tall is it normal?
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Re: Baby weight percentiles by L on 11/08/2009 10:28PM
Before considering comparing a child with another child, common sense should certainly be factored in. First off, it's important to consider weight and height together, secondly it's imperative to consider a child's genetic background as well. If a child is in the 75th percentile for weight AND for height, then the child is most likely completely proportionate at the time