It is very important to monitor your child’s growth in order to assess their health and nutritional status. Analysis of growth charts is usually done by the child’s doctor or pediatrician. In Canada, it is recommended to use the WHO growth charts for Canada.

Even if your baby drinks enough, he can lose 5-10% of his weight in the first week of life. It is around the fourth day that they start to gain weight again. An infant who drinks enough will regain birth weight around 10 to 14 days of life. Weight gain per week for up to three months is between 170 and 280g.

Signs that the baby is drinking enough

• He’s gaining weight
• He seems satisfied after drinking
• He urinates and has adequate bowel movements
• He wakes up alone when he’s hungry
• Drinks well and often (8 or more times per 24 hours for the breastfed baby and 6 or more times per 24 hours for the non-breastfed baby)

Infant growth spurts

Before six months, the baby experiences significant growth spurts manifested by a need to drink more and more often. Its growth spurts usually last a few days and appear around 7-10 days of life, 3-6 weeks, and 3-4 months.

Water

If your baby is breastfeeding exclusively, he or she does not need to drink water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. In this case, boil the water for at least two minutes before offering it to the child. Herbal teas and other drinks are not recommended for children six months and younger.

Sources: Sources: JAE Eun Shim, JUHEE Kim, ROSE Ann, Mathai, The Strong Kids Research Team, “Associations of Infant Feeding Practices and Picky Eating Behaviors of Preschool Children”, JADA, vol. 111, n 9, September Guide Better living with your child. National Institute of Public Health of Quebec. 2013 Edition. Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants. Recommendations from birth to six months. (Accessed April 7, 2013). Health Canada. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca