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How Much Should An Infant Weigh?
Question: hello doctor,
my baby grl is 21 days old today
1)she was born at 38 weeks with a birth weight of 2560 grams and her weight today is 2840 grams.is her growth ok?
2)Secondly i noticed her when she is sleeping and saw that her stomach goes up and down near her belly and her breaths are 30 to 35 breathes per minute is it normal?
3)also i noticed that she takes around 5 breaths at a time and then pauses for 2 or 3 seconds and again take breaths...otherwise she looks fine?
i am putting nasal saline water every 6 hours in her nose?
she is breast feeding almost every 3 hours but sometimes she throws out little milk after breast feeding and also breathes fast for a while after breast feeding or taking top feed?
i hope there is nothing to worry about...?
my baby grl is 21 days old today
1)she was born at 38 weeks with a birth weight of 2560 grams and her weight today is 2840 grams.is her growth ok?
2)Secondly i noticed her when she is sleeping and saw that her stomach goes up and down near her belly and her breaths are 30 to 35 breathes per minute is it normal?
3)also i noticed that she takes around 5 breaths at a time and then pauses for 2 or 3 seconds and again take breaths...otherwise she looks fine?
i am putting nasal saline water every 6 hours in her nose?
she is breast feeding almost every 3 hours but sometimes she throws out little milk after breast feeding and also breathes fast for a while after breast feeding or taking top feed?
i hope there is nothing to worry about...?
Brief Answer:
All are normal, except weight gain
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1. The weight gain is only 13.33gm per day where as it should have been 25-30gm per day.
2. Her breathing pattern and rate is normal. You need to worry only if the respiratory rate is more than 60 per minute or if she's grunting.
3. Pausing for 2-3 seconds is normal. You need to worry only if the pause is more than 20 seconds.
4. Put saline nasal drops only if there's nasal block.
5. Feeding every 3 hours is normal and mild fast breathing at the time of feeding is quite Normal.
I suggest you seek your pediatrician's consultation regarding not gaining appropriate weight.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
All are normal, except weight gain
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1. The weight gain is only 13.33gm per day where as it should have been 25-30gm per day.
2. Her breathing pattern and rate is normal. You need to worry only if the respiratory rate is more than 60 per minute or if she's grunting.
3. Pausing for 2-3 seconds is normal. You need to worry only if the pause is more than 20 seconds.
4. Put saline nasal drops only if there's nasal block.
5. Feeding every 3 hours is normal and mild fast breathing at the time of feeding is quite Normal.
I suggest you seek your pediatrician's consultation regarding not gaining appropriate weight.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
actually the weight gain is arpund 25 grams per day as for the first week of birth the weight dropped and then it started going up
should i count those 7 days when the weight dropped?
secondly pausing for 20 seconds i mean how can we check if there is a pause of 20 seconds?
i mean all i check is only the movement of stomach near the belly button ?
is it ok to check there?
should i count those 7 days when the weight dropped?
secondly pausing for 20 seconds i mean how can we check if there is a pause of 20 seconds?
i mean all i check is only the movement of stomach near the belly button ?
is it ok to check there?
Brief Answer:
Suggestions on newborn baby
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX I will tell you how to check the respiratory rate.
Coming to your queries one by one -
1. You are right - initial 7-10 days the babies normally lose 10% of body wright but they regain their birth weight by 10th day. So initial 10 days need not be taken into account. If that is taken off the weight gain seems to be appropriate. But the general calculation is that in the initial 3 months the gain should be 25-30 gm per day. You can wait till a total of 30 days is over and then recheck weight. We will take a call at that time.
2. Counting of respiratory rate is by chest movements and chest raise. Count for a full one minute to know the accurate respiratory rate.
3. What I suggested about assessing the pause of respiration for 20 seconds is called apnea in medical terms. This is the cut off point to say whether it is apnea or not. You start counting the seconds by just saying 1,2,3....likewise from the instance your baby pauses the respiration.... If you have counted more than 20 but still the baby is still in the pause phase of respiration, then its apnea. If this happens you need to take the baby to the nearest pediatrician or emergency room. Hope I am clear.
4. As I have suggested above, you need to check the chest raise and chest movements, not the movements at belly button.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Suggestions on newborn baby
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX I will tell you how to check the respiratory rate.
Coming to your queries one by one -
1. You are right - initial 7-10 days the babies normally lose 10% of body wright but they regain their birth weight by 10th day. So initial 10 days need not be taken into account. If that is taken off the weight gain seems to be appropriate. But the general calculation is that in the initial 3 months the gain should be 25-30 gm per day. You can wait till a total of 30 days is over and then recheck weight. We will take a call at that time.
2. Counting of respiratory rate is by chest movements and chest raise. Count for a full one minute to know the accurate respiratory rate.
3. What I suggested about assessing the pause of respiration for 20 seconds is called apnea in medical terms. This is the cut off point to say whether it is apnea or not. You start counting the seconds by just saying 1,2,3....likewise from the instance your baby pauses the respiration.... If you have counted more than 20 but still the baby is still in the pause phase of respiration, then its apnea. If this happens you need to take the baby to the nearest pediatrician or emergency room. Hope I am clear.
4. As I have suggested above, you need to check the chest raise and chest movements, not the movements at belly button.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thanks a lot
i have another question
is it safe for the mother to watch TV after three weeks of delivery as someone told me it damages mothers eye?
is it safe to make the baby sleep after breast feeding without giving the burp?
and after feeding can the baby lie down on back immediately after feeding?
how much milk in mililitres can a 3 weeks old drink at one time?
i have another question
is it safe for the mother to watch TV after three weeks of delivery as someone told me it damages mothers eye?
is it safe to make the baby sleep after breast feeding without giving the burp?
and after feeding can the baby lie down on back immediately after feeding?
how much milk in mililitres can a 3 weeks old drink at one time?
Brief Answer:
Suggestions on TV and feeding
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1. It is safe to watch TV even immediately after delivery or during delivery also. Nothing will happen.
2. Please burp the baby before putting to sleep.... Its essential as while belching out swallowed air sometimes babies tend to aspirate milk into lungs.
3. Baby can be laid down after burping, no problem.
4. How much milk should be decided by the baby and not by us. If the baby refuses after certain amount of feed, do not force feed.
If you are happy with my suggestions, you can rate my answers. Next time if you want my suggestions, you can ask for my suggestions directly.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Suggestions on TV and feeding
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1. It is safe to watch TV even immediately after delivery or during delivery also. Nothing will happen.
2. Please burp the baby before putting to sleep.... Its essential as while belching out swallowed air sometimes babies tend to aspirate milk into lungs.
3. Baby can be laid down after burping, no problem.
4. How much milk should be decided by the baby and not by us. If the baby refuses after certain amount of feed, do not force feed.
If you are happy with my suggestions, you can rate my answers. Next time if you want my suggestions, you can ask for my suggestions directly.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Ok thanks
Sometimes my baby makes sound while sleeping when breathing for 5 to 7 minutes ?
Is it ok or her nose is blocked ?
What should I do when she does that ?
Sometimes my baby makes sound while sleeping when breathing for 5 to 7 minutes ?
Is it ok or her nose is blocked ?
What should I do when she does that ?
Brief Answer:
Suggestions on noisy breathing
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ..
1. Those noises are normal if the baby is sleeping comfortably. They could be due to blocked nose or are due to immature airways which are pliant.... They will get better as the baby grows.... Don't worry.
2. For nose block you can use saline nasal drops 1 drop in each nostril every 4-6th hourly.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Suggestions on noisy breathing
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ..
1. Those noises are normal if the baby is sleeping comfortably. They could be due to blocked nose or are due to immature airways which are pliant.... They will get better as the baby grows.... Don't worry.
2. For nose block you can use saline nasal drops 1 drop in each nostril every 4-6th hourly.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
my baby is taking aroung 30 to 31 breaths per minute in her sleep?
is it normal or less?
secondly since morning today she has been sleeping too much...i mean she slept at 10 in morning and after that she did not wake up...i just gave her breast milk in between but she took that in her sleep...
even i tried waking her up but she just opens eyes and sleeps again...is it ok?
she is 21 days old
also baby has been throwing up after the feed,
just now i woke her and gave her feed after 10 minutes baby has vomited and then crying
her temperature is 98.3
is it normal or less?
secondly since morning today she has been sleeping too much...i mean she slept at 10 in morning and after that she did not wake up...i just gave her breast milk in between but she took that in her sleep...
even i tried waking her up but she just opens eyes and sleeps again...is it ok?
she is 21 days old
also baby has been throwing up after the feed,
just now i woke her and gave her feed after 10 minutes baby has vomited and then crying
her temperature is 98.3
Brief Answer:
Suggested 3 hourly feeds and burping
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ..thanks for your trust in me and my suggestions.
1. Newborn babies sleep almost 18 hours per day.... Its normal. But it should not be at a stretch. Sleeping at 10am till 6pm is at a stretch 6 hours, which may make babies at this sleep have low blood sugar levels - hypoglycemia. It again makes the baby more sleepy and a vicious cycle starts. So I suggest you wake up the baby atleast 3 hours once by flicking at the heel and feed her breast milk.
But you have just now said she's crying, a hypoglycemic baby cannot cry vigorously, so don't worry.
But if you still feel she's excessively sleepy and not waking up at all, please get her checked by a pediatrician.
2. Respiratory rate of 30/ minute is normal for a newborn baby.
3. Temperature of 98.3F is not fever. Only temperature of more than 100F has to be deemed as fever.
4. Sometimes babies swallow air while feeding rapidly and they tend to get it out as belching or flatus. When they tend to belch it out, sometimes they tend to regurgitate the milk already getting digested in the stomach.
I suggest you burp the baby every time you feed her and put her back to sleep. It is the same thing that I suggested in my last interaction with you. Always burp the baby after a feed and putting her to sleep. But while burping they may regurgitate sometimes, so don't worry.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Suggested 3 hourly feeds and burping
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ..thanks for your trust in me and my suggestions.
1. Newborn babies sleep almost 18 hours per day.... Its normal. But it should not be at a stretch. Sleeping at 10am till 6pm is at a stretch 6 hours, which may make babies at this sleep have low blood sugar levels - hypoglycemia. It again makes the baby more sleepy and a vicious cycle starts. So I suggest you wake up the baby atleast 3 hours once by flicking at the heel and feed her breast milk.
But you have just now said she's crying, a hypoglycemic baby cannot cry vigorously, so don't worry.
But if you still feel she's excessively sleepy and not waking up at all, please get her checked by a pediatrician.
2. Respiratory rate of 30/ minute is normal for a newborn baby.
3. Temperature of 98.3F is not fever. Only temperature of more than 100F has to be deemed as fever.
4. Sometimes babies swallow air while feeding rapidly and they tend to get it out as belching or flatus. When they tend to belch it out, sometimes they tend to regurgitate the milk already getting digested in the stomach.
I suggest you burp the baby every time you feed her and put her back to sleep. It is the same thing that I suggested in my last interaction with you. Always burp the baby after a feed and putting her to sleep. But while burping they may regurgitate sometimes, so don't worry.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What is the normal range of breathing rate of 22 days old baby ?
My baby breathes around 25 to 30 breaths per minute. .
Also she takes 5 to 7 breaths and then pauses for 10 seconds and then again takes ,
Is if normal ?
My baby breathes around 25 to 30 breaths per minute. .
Also she takes 5 to 7 breaths and then pauses for 10 seconds and then again takes ,
Is if normal ?
Brief Answer:
Normal breathing rate for newborn
Detailed Answer:
Hello...
Herewith I am depicting the normal breathing rates for children according to the ages XXXXXXX I observed that in your 1st question you have quoted that as 30-35 and now you are quoting it as 25-30 per minute. This is slightly lower than the normal rate as you can see it from the normal rates range which I am providing below.
Age Breaths per minute
Newborn to 6 months. 30–60
6 to 12 months. 24–30
1 to 5 years. 20–30
6 to 12 years. 12–20
She is a term baby (fully mature), and born with a normal weight and also is gaining weight properly if the initial 10 days is not taken into account (for the loss and gain of 10% body weight physiologically). I feel she's a healthy kid. But as the breathing pattern is troubling you lot, I have 2 suggestions for you -
1. Kindly consult a pediatrician who is nearest to you and let him examine the baby for respiratory pattern and rate. If he feels it is normal, you can be rest assured.
2. Take a full one minute video of the baby and let it be seen by the pediatrician when you consult him as it will be helpful - if the baby cries at the clinic, he will not be able to assess the respiratory pattern and rate.
Please get back if you have any query or doubt.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Normal breathing rate for newborn
Detailed Answer:
Hello...
Herewith I am depicting the normal breathing rates for children according to the ages XXXXXXX I observed that in your 1st question you have quoted that as 30-35 and now you are quoting it as 25-30 per minute. This is slightly lower than the normal rate as you can see it from the normal rates range which I am providing below.
Age Breaths per minute
Newborn to 6 months. 30–60
6 to 12 months. 24–30
1 to 5 years. 20–30
6 to 12 years. 12–20
She is a term baby (fully mature), and born with a normal weight and also is gaining weight properly if the initial 10 days is not taken into account (for the loss and gain of 10% body weight physiologically). I feel she's a healthy kid. But as the breathing pattern is troubling you lot, I have 2 suggestions for you -
1. Kindly consult a pediatrician who is nearest to you and let him examine the baby for respiratory pattern and rate. If he feels it is normal, you can be rest assured.
2. Take a full one minute video of the baby and let it be seen by the pediatrician when you consult him as it will be helpful - if the baby cries at the clinic, he will not be able to assess the respiratory pattern and rate.
Please get back if you have any query or doubt.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hello doctor
I keep touching my baby when she is asleep and most times when I touch her she suddenly shakes ?
Is it normal and safe for baby?
I mean someone told me it causes shaking baby syndrome which is dangerous ..is it true?
N what exactly is shaking baby syndrome and what causes it ?Also sometimes I shake my baby by keeping my left hand under her neck and right under her body when she us crying and it makes her stop crying
I hope that would mig gave harmed her as I did not know it's nit good for her
Is there any symptom of this problem ?
I keep touching my baby when she is asleep and most times when I touch her she suddenly shakes ?
Is it normal and safe for baby?
I mean someone told me it causes shaking baby syndrome which is dangerous ..is it true?
N what exactly is shaking baby syndrome and what causes it ?Also sometimes I shake my baby by keeping my left hand under her neck and right under her body when she us crying and it makes her stop crying
I hope that would mig gave harmed her as I did not know it's nit good for her
Is there any symptom of this problem ?
Brief Answer:
Startle response - Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1. What your quoting about - sudden shakes while touching during sleep is called startle response and is quite normal.
2. It is not dangerous.
3. Please don't worry. This is not shaken baby syndrome (SBS). SBS is a crime committed by adults on babies by abusive shaking to injure the baby. Self shaking of body parts by the baby is not shaken baby syndrome.
4. You carrying the baby is not all going to harm her and especially keeping a hand under the neck of the baby is good actually as it will support the baby's neck.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Startle response - Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1. What your quoting about - sudden shakes while touching during sleep is called startle response and is quite normal.
2. It is not dangerous.
3. Please don't worry. This is not shaken baby syndrome (SBS). SBS is a crime committed by adults on babies by abusive shaking to injure the baby. Self shaking of body parts by the baby is not shaken baby syndrome.
4. You carrying the baby is not all going to harm her and especially keeping a hand under the neck of the baby is good actually as it will support the baby's neck.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for the reply...
my baby is not able to sleep since 12 noon today is continuously hungry...
she sleeps for 10 to 30 minutes and again gets up .
what is the reason behind it?
is it normal for baby to be awake for 5 to 6 hours?
my baby is not able to sleep since 12 noon today is continuously hungry...
she sleeps for 10 to 30 minutes and again gets up .
what is the reason behind it?
is it normal for baby to be awake for 5 to 6 hours?
Brief Answer:
Its natural - Don't worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi...its common for kids of this age to occasionally be awake till 5-6 hours.
If the feeding pattern is good and urination is normal.....don't worry.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Its natural - Don't worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi...its common for kids of this age to occasionally be awake till 5-6 hours.
If the feeding pattern is good and urination is normal.....don't worry.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Since the last 24 hours my baby has not passed stool
Is it normal ?
I ve been breast feeding her
Can I do something about it ?
Is it normal ?
I ve been breast feeding her
Can I do something about it ?
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi...nothing to worry. At this age, it is quite common for babies not to pass motion even for 4-5 days at a stretch. But as you said, you can continue breast feeding. This cannot be counted as constipation.
Unless the abdomen is distended or green colored bilious vomiting or the baby has stopped feeding - nothing to worry.
If the feeding pattern is good and urination is normal.....don't worry.
If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help. You can approach me at the following link. Please find the link below.
www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-sumanth-amperayani/67696
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi...nothing to worry. At this age, it is quite common for babies not to pass motion even for 4-5 days at a stretch. But as you said, you can continue breast feeding. This cannot be counted as constipation.
Unless the abdomen is distended or green colored bilious vomiting or the baby has stopped feeding - nothing to worry.
If the feeding pattern is good and urination is normal.....don't worry.
If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help. You can approach me at the following link. Please find the link below.
www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-sumanth-amperayani/67696
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Can camera flash in 1 month olds eye be dangerous?
I mean I keep clicking baby pic and now concerned about camera flash from my apple I phone?
I mean I keep clicking baby pic and now concerned about camera flash from my apple I phone?
Brief Answer:
Please take snaps without flash
Detailed Answer:
Hi...the powerful camera flash is the same as daylight.
Actually infants have more protection from a flash than adults since they are usually not interested in being photographed and do not look right at the camera. Also, they typically have smaller pupils. This means less light reaches the retinas.
While it probably does not cause much harm, if any, there are ways of taking photographs which do not need flash, and these would be the safest way of taking photos.
I suggest you take the snaps but with good external lighting and without flash.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Please take snaps without flash
Detailed Answer:
Hi...the powerful camera flash is the same as daylight.
Actually infants have more protection from a flash than adults since they are usually not interested in being photographed and do not look right at the camera. Also, they typically have smaller pupils. This means less light reaches the retinas.
While it probably does not cause much harm, if any, there are ways of taking photographs which do not need flash, and these would be the safest way of taking photos.
I suggest you take the snaps but with good external lighting and without flash.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks sir
1) is swaddling the baby tightly at night with hands inside the wrapping sheet safe for the baby ?
Someone told me it causes SIDS ? Is it true
2)Also my baby sometimes doesn't burp and sleeps and then vomits while sleeping ? Hope it's not dangerous ?
3) my baby girl breast is swollen and has some discharge while pressing ? Is it ok should I keep pressing it ?
1) is swaddling the baby tightly at night with hands inside the wrapping sheet safe for the baby ?
Someone told me it causes SIDS ? Is it true
2)Also my baby sometimes doesn't burp and sleeps and then vomits while sleeping ? Hope it's not dangerous ?
3) my baby girl breast is swollen and has some discharge while pressing ? Is it ok should I keep pressing it ?
Brief Answer:
Do gentle swaddling, don't press breast of baby
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
1. Now your baby is 35 days old. It is advisable to swaddle the baby till 2 months of age, but by proper technique and not too tight swaddling at the legs. Correctly done, swaddling will make the sleep cozy for the baby.
Too tight wrapping is not recommended. SIDS cases are not reported with normal gentle swaddling.
2. When the baby vomits during sleep, immediately turn her to onedside so that the vomiting comes out and is not aspirated. But as per science a neurologically normal baby should not aspirate as the protective mechanism of gag reflex sets in.
3. Please do not keep pressing the breast of the baby. It is harmful. The mild breast engorgement and discharge you are noticing is due to maternal hormonal effects and will become normal in due course. If you press it will cause even more engorgement and sometimes infection.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Do gentle swaddling, don't press breast of baby
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
1. Now your baby is 35 days old. It is advisable to swaddle the baby till 2 months of age, but by proper technique and not too tight swaddling at the legs. Correctly done, swaddling will make the sleep cozy for the baby.
Too tight wrapping is not recommended. SIDS cases are not reported with normal gentle swaddling.
2. When the baby vomits during sleep, immediately turn her to onedside so that the vomiting comes out and is not aspirated. But as per science a neurologically normal baby should not aspirate as the protective mechanism of gag reflex sets in.
3. Please do not keep pressing the breast of the baby. It is harmful. The mild breast engorgement and discharge you are noticing is due to maternal hormonal effects and will become normal in due course. If you press it will cause even more engorgement and sometimes infection.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Whenever my baby drinks breast milk she sleeps and doesn't take burp..
And when I lay her down she vomits or she spits
What should I do ?
And when I lay her down she vomits or she spits
What should I do ?
Brief Answer:
Please wait till she burps
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ..sometimes babies can take prolonged times to burp even 30-60 minutes. Sometimes they fall asleep on the shoulder while you are patting them to burp.
Occasional vomiting after laying her does is OK. But if she is vomiting every time you put her to sleep, then you need to wait in the upright posture till she burps. The best way is to wait till she burps.
But if the wait gain is appropriate, then you need not worry at all. This means that only excess milk is coming out and the required amount is being retained.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Please wait till she burps
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ..sometimes babies can take prolonged times to burp even 30-60 minutes. Sometimes they fall asleep on the shoulder while you are patting them to burp.
Occasional vomiting after laying her does is OK. But if she is vomiting every time you put her to sleep, then you need to wait in the upright posture till she burps. The best way is to wait till she burps.
But if the wait gain is appropriate, then you need not worry at all. This means that only excess milk is coming out and the required amount is being retained.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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