What is the typical range of weight loss considered normal for infants during their first week of life?

The typical range of weight loss considered normal for infants during their first week of life is 5-7%. It is standard for newborns to lose some weight after birth as they adjust to life outside the womb. This weight loss is primarily due to the loss of excess fluids that infants accumulate during gestation.

In the first few days, it’s common for a newborn to lose up to 7% of their birth weight as they adapt to feeding and initiate breastfeeding. This loss is viewed as a normal physiological response, and most babies regain their birth weight by about two weeks of age.

While a weight loss of 10-15% may occur in specific circumstances, it is generally considered excessive and could signal an issue with feeding or health. A weight loss beyond this standard range usually necessitates monitoring and possibly intervention. The rates of 20-25% loss are far outside normal benchmarks and would indicate significant concern for the infant's health.