Your Baby’s Physical Growth in Year 1
Let’s get physical! Babies grow more in year 1 than at any other time. Activity and nutrition can make a real difference.
Physical growth vs physical development: what’s the difference?
During the first year, you’ll hear or read much about your baby's growth and development. Growth is defined as physical increases in his length and weight. Development includes changes in coordination and thought.Your baby’s physical growth and development will change a lot in year 1, along with the development of their cognitive, social, emotional, and language skills.
What to know about your baby's physical growth
No surprise, but all infants are unique from one another and will grow at different rates. While there are general guidelines as shown here, there’s typically no reason to worry if your baby is above or below the average for their age.
YEAR 1 PHYSICAL GROWTH | |
|---|---|
From birth to 6 months | From 6 to 12 months |
You can expect your baby to grow in length ½ to 1 inch per month and gain 5 to 7 oz of weight per week.1 By 5 to 6 months of age, it’s not unusual for your baby to double their birth weight. | You can expect your baby to grow in length ⅜ inch per month and gain 3 to 5 oz of weight per week.1 By 12 months of age, they may actually triple their original birth weight.
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It’s worth noting that your baby’s exact length and weight are less important than their steady rate of growth.
Your little one counts on you for everything, including the important parts you play in supporting their physical growth. Here are just a few of them:
Keep them active.
Interactive play with your baby—which, in the first few months, could be as simple as laying them on their stomach—can encourage movement and bonding, as well as critical strides in their development.
Ensure enough rest.
Infants need more sleep than older children, so be sure to alternate learning activities with nap times. Learn to recognize your baby's cues that sleep is needed.
Maintain balanced nutrition.
From pregnancy through your baby's first year, the nutrition you and your baby get is top priority. When you have questions about your needs or your baby’s nutrition needs, discuss this with your baby's pediatrician or call the Similac® Feeding Expert line, which offers live, one-on-one feeding support at 1-800-896-8800.
Ask plenty of questions.
No matter how minor, ask your healthcare professional about anything you’re unsure of or concerned about.
Reference: 1. How much should I expect my baby to grow in the first year? Mayo Clinic website. Accessed March 13, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/infant-growth/faq-20058037
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