Weight loss in newborn is a real concern as weight loss below 5% in first week is normal for any bottle fed toddler. Whereas weight loss of 7% is average in first week of breast fed baby, but 10% loss is absolutely not preferred. If your baby losses weight 7% or more during 72 hours of breast fed then consult a doctor for proper technique of breast feed. Baby’s health and stooling pattern govern appropriate weight but still you must go for another two day test for confirmation. Mothers are too worried so they should be reassured by professionals that weight loss is normal and baby will regain his weight soon in 2-3 weeks.

Babies are born with extra weight to sustain the labor and transition from uterine to extra uterine life, store reserve fats as mother milk does not come in sufficiently for 3-5 days. The I.V. fluids in labor causes huge shift of fluid from mother to fetus. In case of maternal gestation diabetes, women who receives large amount of IV fluid in labor, affects baby’s weight due to surplus fluid. Supplying baby water or formula may also lead to weight loss. Mothers must know infant's hospital discharge weight to calculate further fluctuation.