The first few years of a baby’s life is all about ensuring that they are growing well, and one way to do that is to track their weight. Weight gain is the best indicator of growth and development in young children.
That is why pediatricians require parents to take their newborns to the clinic two weeks after for a checkup and then once a month up to six months of age. This way, they can monitor if the baby is gaining a healthy weight.
However, due to the pandemic, many parents are hesitant to take their babies out for a checkup. If you’re wondering whether or not you can weigh your newborn on a normal scale, read on.
Can You Weigh a Baby on Normal Scales?
Generally, yes. You can weigh a baby on normal scales, such as a bathroom scale or a kitchen scale. Check out here for the different types of home scales available today that you can purchase and consider using.
Before you weigh your baby, there are some things you need to know. In addition, there are some preparatory steps to do so that you can weigh them properly and safely using a normal scale.
The Exception
Home scales have varying sensitivity levels, so make sure to choose a highly accurate scale.
If your baby is under a month old, it’s best to use a baby scale with a sensitivity level of 0.1 ounces or three grams. Scales with an accuracy ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 ounces would be fine, especially if you gave birth to a healthy newborn. If tracking the weight of a preemie, go for a specialty scale with the highest sensitivity level.
Scale sensitivity matters when tracking a baby’s weight because it allows you to recognize minor changes in your baby’s weight as they grow and develop. In their first month, babies can gain about an ounce per day. Thus, an adult scale may not be suitable if you’re trying to track progress in a very young infant.
If you have the budget, a specialty scale is recommended. Nonetheless, baby scales aren’t too expensive. You can buy a good one for $100 or less.
How To Weigh a Baby on Normal Scales
If your bub is six months or older or their weight gain is highly noticeable, you may use a normal scale. The steps you need to take when weighing your baby will depend on the type of scale that you’ll use.
Kitchen Scale
Yes, you can weigh your baby using a kitchen scale. Kitchen scales are highly accurate, so you’re likely to get the right reading of your baby’s weight.
Place a big bowl on top of the scale and then cover it with a light cloth to weigh your child. Put the scale on a solid, smooth, flat surface, such as a table or counter.
Be very careful when weighing your baby. Never, ever leave your baby unattended on the weighing scale.
Bathroom Scale
You can also weigh your baby using a bathroom scale. The best way to do this is to weigh yourself first and then hop back onto the scale with your baby.
Record the two measurements and then subtract your weight alone from the combined weight. The resulting number is your baby’s weight.
However, do note that many bathroom scales aren’t very accurate, although you still get a general idea of how much your baby weighs. This method is best for larger babies.
Essential Tips When Weighing a Baby at Home
Since you’ll be using not usually used for taking body weight, follow these tips to get a more accurate reading on the scale:
- Set the scale on a sturdy, flat surface. For safety reasons, it’s best to set it on the floor.
- Set the baby on the scale, preferably naked. If the weather is too cold, weigh your baby’s clothes separately, then dress them for the weigh-in.
- If using a kitchen scale, don’t forget to press
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