Rules of Thumb for Growth

Question 1

Baby’s weight changes in the first few days?

Answer 1

Weigh loss of 5-10% of birthweight

Question 2

Baby’s return to birthweight?

Answer 2

7-10 days of age

Question 3

Double birthweight?

Answer 3

4–5 months

Question 4

Triple birthweight?

Answer 4

1 year

Question 5

Daily weight gain for first 3–4 months?

Answer 5

20–30 g

Question 6

Daily weight gain for rest of the first year? (After first 4 months)

Answer 6

15–20 g

Question 7

Baby’s average length at birth?

Answer 7

50 cm (20 in)

Question 8

Baby’s average length at 1 year

Answer 8

75 cm (30 in)

Question 9

Average height at 4 years?

Answer 9

Double birth length or 100 cm (40 in)

Question 10

Baby’s average HC at birth?

Answer 10

35 cm (13.5 in.)

Question 11

Baby’s increase in HC for the first 3 months?

Answer 11

2 cm per month (6 cm total)

Question 12

Baby’s increase in HC for the second 3 months?

Answer 12

1 cm per month (3 cm total)

Question 13

Baby’s increase in HC for the second 6 months?

Answer 13

0.5 cm per month (3 cm total)

Question 14

Baby’s increase in HC for the first year?

Answer 14

1 cm per month (12 cm total)

Question 15

Midparental height for girls?

Answer 15

(Paternal height + Maternal height)/2 - 6.5 cm

Question 16

Midparental height for boys?

Answer 16

(Paternal height + Maternal height)/2 + 6.5 cm