group A (Babywise babies) gained weight slightly faster than group B at
each weight category.
- Even when group A began sleeping seven to eight hours at night,
there was no significant change in weight-gain performance. - While breast-feeding initially was the preferred method for both
sets of parents, group B moms gave up breast-feeding significantly
sooner than group A.
You can take comfort in the fact that a basic routine will not detract
from a proper, healthy weight gain. What it will do is facilitate breast-
feeding comfort and success. Even low-birthweight babies do well on a
conservative routine. Although some newborns start off at the low end of
the national norms, they continue to gain weight in proportion to the
genetic potential for stature inherited from their parents. That is, smaller
parents usually give birth to smaller babies, thus weight gain will usually
be proportionately less. Add to these weight-gain benefits for baby the
pleasure of a solid night’s sleep for both parents, and the greater benefits
of PDF become obvious. If you have a low-weight-gain baby, seek your
physician’s specific recommendations as to how often your baby should
be fed.
Normal Weight-Gain Guide
Birth to Two Weeks:
Approximate average: Regain birth weight plus.
Two Weeks to Three Months:
Approximate average: Two pounds per month or one ounce per day.
Four to Six Months:
Approximate average: One pound per month or one-half ounce per day.