Advice History

Breastfed babies tend to gain weight slower than bottle fed babies. According to "What to Expect: The First Year" a breastfed baby should weigh the same as his birth weight within two weeks of his birth. Then gain 6 to 8 ounces a week for the next few months. They probably nurse more often than a bottle fed baby yet gain the weight slower. If your baby is bottle fed but still not gaining weight, look at various factors before thinking the worst. Does he seem to be alert, active and content? Does he have 8-10 wet diapers a day? Is he putting on weight, just slowly? Just like everything else, genetics plays a factor in the size of your baby. Were you or your spouse thin, average or heavy as babies? Look at your size now; it should be somewhat relative to what your baby looks like. Of course, if there is a drastic change in your baby's weight, it is best to see a doctor for medical advice.