“Is my baby putting on enough weight?” is one of the most common new-parent worries — and one of the most misunderstood. Here’s a simple month-by-month weight chart to give you a reference point, along with the thing that actually matters far more than any single number: the trend.
Average baby weight by month
These are approximate average (median) weights from the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards, which India follows. Boys tend to run a little heavier than girls.
| Age | Boys (avg) | Girls (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 3.3 kg | 3.2 kg |
| 1 month | 4.5 kg | 4.2 kg |
| 2 months | 5.6 kg | 5.1 kg |
| 3 months | 6.4 kg | 5.8 kg |
| 4 months | 7.0 kg | 6.4 kg |
| 5 months | 7.5 kg | 6.9 kg |
| 6 months | 7.9 kg | 7.3 kg |
| 7 months | 8.3 kg | 7.6 kg |
| 8 months | 8.6 kg | 7.9 kg |
| 9 months | 8.9 kg | 8.2 kg |
| 10 months | 9.2 kg | 8.5 kg |
| 11 months | 9.4 kg | 8.7 kg |
| 12 months | 9.6 kg | 8.9 kg |
Figures are rounded WHO 50th-percentile medians, for reference only. Your baby being above or below these is usually completely normal.
What actually matters (more than the average)
The single number on a scale tells you very little on its own. Here’s what paediatricians actually look at:
- The trend, not the dot. A baby tracking steadily along the 25th percentile is just as healthy as one on the 75th. Consistency is the goal.
- Regaining birth weight by about 10–14 days (a small dip in the first week is normal).
- Enough wet nappies — at least 6 a day — and a baby who feeds well and is alert.
- Overall picture: length and head growth matter too, not weight alone.
How to keep track at home
Between doctor visits, a home weigh-in can be reassuring. A digital weighing machine works well — either a dedicated baby scale, or weigh yourself holding baby and subtract your own weight. Weigh at a similar time of day, ideally before a feed, for a fair comparison. Don’t obsess over daily wobbles; week-to-week is what counts.
Keep an eye on growth between check-ups
A reliable digital scale makes home weigh-ins quick and accurate. See my picks for family and baby weighing machines in India.
Frequently asked questions
Based on WHO growth standards, average (median) weight rises from about 3.2-3.3 kg at birth to roughly 6 kg at 3 months and 9-9.5 kg at 1 year, with boys typically a little heavier than girls. See the full month-by-month chart above – but remember these are averages, and healthy babies come in a wide range.
In the first 3 months, babies typically gain about 150-200 g per week (roughly 600-900 g a month). Gain then slows: around 450-600 g a month from 4-6 months, and less after that. Steady gain along their own curve matters more than hitting an exact number.
Most babies double their birth weight by around 4-5 months and triple it by about 12 months. It’s a rough guide, not a rule – your paediatrician tracks growth on a percentile curve, which is far more meaningful than any single milestone.
Not necessarily. ‘Average’ is just the middle – plenty of perfectly healthy babies sit below it. What matters is that your baby grows steadily along their own percentile line, feeds well, has 6+ wet nappies a day and is alert. See your doctor if weight gain stalls or drops across percentile lines.
A digital baby scale gives the most accurate reading for little ones. Or weigh yourself holding the baby, then weigh yourself alone and subtract – handy for a quick check between doctor visits. For newborns and any real concern, always confirm with your paediatrician’s scale.
Trust the trend, not the number, mama. ~~ Surabhi
Medical disclaimer: General information for Indian parents, not medical advice. Weight figures are approximate WHO averages for reference only. Every baby grows differently — for any concern about your baby’s growth or feeding, always consult your paediatrician.
