If you have a newborn baby, chances are you know how important it is to gain proper weight for your baby. Although many babies lose weight within a few days of birth, they will soon become fatter. During the first six months, babies tend to gain weight from 141,748 to 198,447 grams per week. By the time they reach their first birthday, your baby should weigh three times their birth weight. To find out your baby's weight gain, you can weigh it at home or at the doctor's office.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Baby Scales at Home
Step 1. Buy a baby scale
Look for a scale that is sturdy and accurate. The scale should have a tray or groove in which to place the baby securely. In addition, the scale should not have sharp or rough parts that could injure your baby. Look for a scale that can withstand loads of up to approx. 18 kg.
- Make sure the scale can show a difference of as little as 10 grams.
- Scales are sold online (online) at a price of approximately Rp. 600,000.00.
- Baby scales can be digital, colorful, functional, and equipped with accessories such as arm length measurement facilities.
- In some areas, you can rent baby scales. This is a practical option for people with limited funds and space.
Step 2. Make sure the scale is set to 0
Whether the scale is digital or analog, make sure the scale reading is at 0 when the scale is not in use. If when weighing with a digital scale you put the baby in a blanket then the weight is considered invalid. To do it properly, first place a blanket on the scales. As soon as the weight of the blanket is recorded, press the tare key (key to make the pointer return to 0). This will remove the weight of the blanket.
Step 3. Weigh the baby
Lay the baby on the scale, it is better if the baby is not dressed. Keep one hand on top of your baby's body, but not against his chest. You should be able to catch in case the baby slips. Read the baby's weight, then write it down in a notebook. Always know the baby's weight gain or loss. Because weight fluctuations are frequent, it is best to weigh your baby every two weeks to measure whether he is gaining or losing weight over a longer period of time.
- Don't worry too much about short-term weight gain or loss, unless your child looks sick or has eating problems. In such case, consult your doctor.
- If the weather is too cold, weigh the baby's clothes separately. Then put the clothes on your baby before he is weighed. Subtract the weight of the garment from the weight shown on the scale (when the baby is weighed).
- Place the scale on a flat, firm surface. A dining table can act like a hardwood or linoleum floor.
Method 2 of 3: Weigh You and Baby Together
Step 1. Weigh yourself
Stand on the scales. Keep a good record of your weight. Ideally, use a scale that can measure in tenths of a pound (1 pound = 0.4536 kg). This method is less precise when compared to baby scales but is relatively economical.
1/10 pound equals 45.36 grams
Step 2. Hold your baby
It is preferable that you hold an unclothed baby. This will ensure a more accurate size reading. If you want, when you weigh yourself, hold the baby's clothes so that later only the weight of the baby needs to be taken into account when you weigh yourself while holding a clothed baby.
Step 3. Weigh you and your baby together
Record the weight. Then subtract your weight from the combined weight of you and your baby. The result is your baby's weight.
For example: if you weigh 63.50 kg, and your weight plus the baby's weight is 67.95 kg, then your baby's weight is 4.45 kg
Method 3 of 3: Weighing the Baby at the Doctor's Office
Step 1. Schedule a visit
Call your doctor first. Ask if you can stop by to use the scales. Some doctors may require you to make an appointment.
Step 2. Ask a medical professional to weigh your baby
Your doctor or nurse will weigh your baby using a medical baby scale. The nurse will record the baby's weight on the chart. All babies are always weighed at birth. The medical professional will re-weigh your baby during the first week. During the examination period throughout the first year, your baby will also be re-weighed.
Baby medical scales are really very accurate and they are more expensive than home scales. The design may be similar to a house scale with a smooth contoured basin. Some doctors' offices may also have baby scales with a seat like a car seat
Step 3. Perform regular checks
As your child gets older, it's important to weigh them at home in addition to the information you will pass on to the doctor. This way the doctor will get information and feedback about your child's weight gain or loss.
