How Much Should My Baby Weigh?
Babies grow at their own pace. Here’s what doctors usually see:
- At 6 months: Most babies weigh about 16 pounds (boys) or 15 pounds (girls)
- At 12 months: Most babies weigh about 21 pounds (boys) or 20 pounds (girls)
That means babies usually gain about 3-5 pounds between 6 and 12 months. That’s about as heavy as a bag of apples!
The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “Each baby grows at their own rate. Your doctor looks at your baby’s growth over time, not just at one visit.” [1]
How Tall Will My Baby Get?
Babies also grow taller (or longer) during this time:
- At 6 months: Most babies are about 26 inches long
- At 12 months: Most babies are about 29-30 inches long
That’s about 3-4 inches of growth – almost as long as a crayon!
The CDC notes, “Most babies grow about 1/2 inch each month during their first year.” [2]
What About My Baby’s Head?
Your baby’s head will also grow as their brain develops:
- At 6 months: Head size is about 17 inches around
- At 12 months: Head size is about 18 inches around
Dr. Jennifer Shu explains, “Your baby’s brain grows a lot in the first year. That’s why doctors measure head size at check-ups.” [3]
Growth Spurts: When Babies Grow Fast!
Sometimes your baby might grow a lot in a short time. These are called growth spurts. During a growth spurt, you might notice:
- Your baby is extra hungry
- Your baby sleeps more than usual
- Your baby is fussy or cranky
- Clothes suddenly don’t fit!
Growth spurts often happen around:
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
How Much Should My Baby Eat?
As babies grow, they need the right amount of food:
- At 6 months: Breast milk or formula plus starting solid foods
- At 9 months: Breast milk or formula plus more solid foods
- At 12 months: Breast milk, formula, or cow’s milk plus lots of different foods
The World Health Organization says, “Between 6-12 months, solid foods become more important but breast milk or formula is still the main food.” [4]
How to Know If Your Baby Is Growing Well
Your baby is probably growing well if:
- They are gaining weight over time
- They are growing out of their clothes and diapers
- They have wet diapers 4-6 times a day
- They seem happy and active
- Your doctor says their growth chart looks good
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor if:
- Your baby doesn’t gain weight for a month
- Your baby seems too hungry all the time
- Your baby won’t eat or drink
- You’re worried about your baby’s growth
Remember: Every Baby Is Different!
Some babies are naturally bigger or smaller. What matters most is that your baby follows their own growth pattern. The best way to make sure your baby is growing well is to go to all check-ups with your doctor.
Sources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). “Physical Growth of Infants.” HealthyChildren.org.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). “Growth Charts.” CDC.gov.
- Shu, J. (2022). “Baby’s First Year: What to Expect.” American Academy of Pediatrics.
- World Health Organization. (2023). “Infant and Young Child Feeding.” WHO.int.
