A newborn weighs 3250 g at birth and 2990 g at discharge on day 2. At the current visit the weight is 3080 g. What is the recommended action?

A newborn weighs 3250 g at birth and 2990 g at discharge on day 2. At the current visit the weight is 3080 g. What is the recommended action?

• A. Follow up at the 2-month checkup
• B. Refer to a lactation consultant
• C. Schedule a weight check in 1 week
• D. Supplement with formula if needed

Answer: (C)

Newborns commonly lose weight in the first days after birth, but they should start gaining again and return to birth weight within about 10–14 days. Here, the baby lost about 8% of birth weight by discharge (from 3250 g to 2990 g), which is within the expected range. The current weight of 3080 g shows that the infant has begun to regain weight (up 90 g since discharge) and is only about 5% below birth weight. This pattern indicates adequate feeding so far, but continued monitoring is important to ensure the weight trend stays upward and the birth weight is eventually regained. Scheduling a weight check in a week provides a safe, next-step monitor to confirm ongoing gain. If future measurements show failing to gain, or persistent dehydration or feeding difficulties, then lactation support or other interventions would be considered.

Newborns commonly lose weight in the first days after birth, but they should start gaining again and return to birth weight within about 10–14 days. Here, the baby lost about 8% of birth weight by discharge (from 3250 g to 2990 g), which is within the expected range. The current weight of 3080 g shows that the infant has begun to regain weight (up 90 g since discharge) and is only about 5% below birth weight. This pattern indicates adequate feeding so far, but continued monitoring is important to ensure the weight trend stays upward and the birth weight is eventually regained. Scheduling a weight check in a week provides a safe, next-step monitor to confirm ongoing gain. If future measurements show failing to gain, or persistent dehydration or feeding difficulties, then lactation support or other interventions would be considered.