Baby Weight Chart in Singapore
Baby weight charts are a helpful tool to monitor and track a child’s growth from birth through their early years. They are based on standardized growth patterns that help parents and doctors assess whether a baby is developing at a healthy rate.
Every baby has a unique height potential determined by genetics, but healthy babies can come in a wide range of sizes[1]. It’s worth noting that children of different stages have different rates of development.
Below is a newborn baby weight chart developed based on the advice of KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), a leading healthcare provider in Singapore, for babies from birth to 18 months of age:
For babies 0-6 months old
| Average height and weight changes* | |
| Height gain (boys & girls) | 10-11 cm in the first 3 months, 5-6 cm in the second 3 months of life |
| Weight gain (boys) | 3 kg in the first 3 months, 1.5 kg in the second 3 months of life |
| Weight gain (girls) | 2.6 kg in the first 3 months, 1.4 kg in the second 3 months of life |
*Among children breastfed since birth
For babies 7-12 months old
| Average height and weight changes* | |
| Height gain (boys & girls) | 7-8 cm from 6-12 months, 25 cm overall in the first year of life |
| Weight gain (boys) | 1.5 kg from 6-12 months, 6 kg overall in the first year of life |
| Weight gain (girls) | 1.7 kg from 6-12 months, 5-6 kg overall in the first year of life |
*Among children breastfed since birth
For babies 13-18 months old
| Average height and weight changes* | |
| Height gain (boys & girls) | 10-12 cm total per year |
| Weight gain (boys & girls) | 2.5 kg total per year |
*Among children breastfed since birth
During this time, the change in your baby’s weight chart week by week is more significant than any single position on a growth chart. To estimate the height percentile your child is likely to reach by around 2 years old and at the end of puberty, you can use the Mid-Parental Height (MPH) calculation[2]:
- Girls: (Father’s height − 13 + Mother’s height)/2
- Boys: (Father’s height + Mother’s height + 13)/2
Mapping Growth – How Much Should a Baby Weight by Age?
Besides measuring your child’s growth rate over time, you might want to know whether they are growing at a healthy rate compared to their peers. Then, let’s look at the Anthropometric study conducted by the Singapore National Healthcare Group Polyclinics.
The percentile curves on the chart illustrate how your child’s growth compares with other children of the same age[3]. For example, the average weight for a 21-month-old female toddler is 10.8 kg (23.75 lbs)[4]. Plotting this on the growth chart above places her in the 50th percentile, indicating that 50% of girls her age weigh more, and 50% weigh less. If this describes your toddler, continue monitoring your baby’s weight chart by month in kg during regular wellness checks. If you have any concerns about your child’s growth, consult with your healthcare provider for more advice.
How to Read Your Baby’s Weight Chart
A baby weight chart should not be read as a pass-or-fail test. Instead, it helps you see your baby’s growth pattern over time.
For example, if your baby has always been around the 25th percentile and continues to grow steadily along that line, this may still be healthy for them. On the other hand, if your baby suddenly drops across several percentile lines or stops gaining weight as expected, it may be worth checking with your doctor.
It is also important not to focus on weight alone. Doctors usually look at several growth measurements together, including:
These measurements give a more complete picture of your baby’s growth and development. Some babies may naturally be smaller in weight but still grow well in height and head circumference.
The most important thing is consistency. One single measurement may not tell the full story, especially if your baby was recently unwell, had a feeding change, or was measured on a different scale.
For Singapore parents, your child’s Health Booklet is also a helpful place to keep track of weight, height, developmental milestones, and well-baby visits. Singapore’s Child Health Booklet records weight, height, developmental milestones and well-baby visits. Parents can use it to discuss their child’s overall growth pattern with a healthcare professional.
Why Might a Baby Not Be Gaining Weight as Expected?
A common issue leading to your baby not getting enough weight is not nursing often enough. If you’re breastfeeding, your newborn should be nursing every 1.5 to 3 hours, aiming for 8 to 12 times a day in the first month[5].
During growth spurts, babies often need to feed more frequently as their bodies require extra calories for rapid development.
If your baby doesn’t nurse frequently, especially in the early stages, your body may not receive enough stimulation to produce more milk, which can lead to inadequate nourishment for your baby. If this isn’t the case, there are several reasons you should consider:
- Some infants may face challenges with feeding, such as reflux, vomiting, difficulty staying awake during feeds, or trouble swallowing.
- Some children with slower-than-expected growth will use calories more quickly due to increased energy needs. This includes babies who work harder to breathe, were born prematurely, or have specific heart conditions. These children require additional calories to gain adequate weight and support their growth and development.
- Other babies may consume enough calories but still struggle to gain weight as expected. This could be due to issues with food absorption, where the body has trouble utilising the calories ingested. Conditions like Celiac disease, food allergies, or diarrhea can impair the body’s ability to process and use nutrients effectively.
If your little one is experiencing slow weight gain, your doctor or midwife may refer you to a pediatrician.
- For infants up to 6 months, more frequent breastfeeding or formula feeding might be sufficient to provide the extra energy needed for growth.
- From around six months, age-appropriate complementary foods can be introduced alongside breast milk or formula. Focus on varied, nutrient-dense foods rather than simply increasing portion sizes. Major feeding changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially if your baby is not gaining weight as expected.
Parents beginning complementary feeding can read our guide to introducing solids at six months and learn how to build a balanced baby meal.
As your baby begins to eat solid foods, offer different options such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and lean meats. This is the perfect time to introduce a range of flavours and textures before they develop specific preferences.
Feeding and Nutritional Support as Your Baby Grows
Healthy growth depends on genetics, feeding patterns, general health and development. Formula should not be chosen simply to move a baby to a higher percentile. Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition during infancy; when breastfeeding is not possible or has ended, parents should select an age-appropriate feeding option with guidance from a healthcare professional.
The Little Étoile milk formula range includes stage-specific formulations for different periods of development.
For children aged 12 months and above, Little Étoile Premium Toddler Formula Stage 3 is designed as a complementary source of nutrition alongside a varied diet. It is made with grass-fed Australian cow’s milk and contains Lactoferrin, Wellmune® Beta-Glucan, GOS, DHA, EPA, Lutein and other essential nutrients, with no added sucrose.
Parents can also learn how nutritional needs change across formula stages. If your child has feeding difficulties, allergies, digestive symptoms or slower-than-expected growth, consult a healthcare professional before changing their feeding routine.
4 Reasons to Monitor Your Baby’s Weight
There are many reasons to monitor your baby’s weight. Some of them include:
- Healthy growth and development: Regularly tracking your baby’s weight lets you know whether they are growing at a healthy rate. Consistent weight gain is a critical indicator that your baby is developing properly and meeting their growth milestones.
- Nutritional Adequacy: Your baby’s weight is a reflection of their nutritional intake. By tracking their weight, you can assess whether they are getting enough nutrients from breast milk, formula, or solid foods.
- Early Detection of Health Issues: Sudden weight loss or inadequate weight gain can be signs of underlying medical conditions, such as digestive issues, infections, or metabolic disorders. Early identification of these issues enables timely medical intervention and prevents more serious health complications.
- Medical Guidance: Pediatricians rely on accurate weight measurements to make informed decisions about your baby’s care. Regular weight monitoring provides essential data for your healthcare provider to offer personalised medical advice and guidance.
Don’t forget to check out our baby height chart and baby head circumference chart to have the best vision about your little one’s overall growth.
How to Weigh Your Baby at Home
For parents who want to check their baby’s weight between doctor visits, follow these simple steps to do it at home:
- Step 1: Undress your baby (including diaper) and step on a scale while holding them. Write down the combined weight.
- Step 2: Set your baby down and weigh yourself alone. Record the number again.
- Step 3: Subtract your weight from the combined weight to have an estimate of your baby’s weight.
While not as precise as a doctor’s scale, this method can give you a good idea of how much your baby weighs. In the next section, we discuss reasons why your little one is not gaining enough weight and what to do in those cases.
What to Do If Your Baby Is Gaining Weight Slowly
If your baby’s weight gain seems slower than expected, try not to panic. The first step is to look at the full picture, including feeding, sleep, diaper output, illness, activity level, and your baby’s overall behaviour.
For babies under 6 months, your doctor may check whether your baby is feeding often enough, latching well, or taking enough formula. For babies above 6 months, solid foods can also support healthy growth when offered in age-appropriate textures and portions.
Simple ways to support healthy weight gain may include:
- offering feeds regularly
- tracking weight using the same scale when possible
- keeping a simple feeding record for a few days
- choosing nutrient-dense foods once solids begin
- avoiding pressure during mealtimes
- checking with your doctor before making major feeding changes
>> More practical tips to increase weight in kids naturally and healthily.
If your child has a small appetite, this guide on 7 healthy appetite boosters for kids who refuse to eat may also be useful.
Support Your Baby’s Growth with Connection and Care
Supporting your baby’s development doesn’t require a strict routine, but consistency, connection, and care make a big difference. Here are some simple practices to support your baby’s natural growth and development every day:
- Skin-to-skin contact regulates your baby’s heart rate and reduces stress.
- Baby massage improves circulation, sleep, and bonding.
- Tummy time builds core strength and motor skills.
- Use of gentle products helps protect delicate skin and avoid irritation.
- Safe sleep ensures your baby gets enough rest for growth and brain development.
- Gentle play encourages sensory exploration and curiosity.
- Hydration keeps the body functioning properly, especially during growth spurts.
FAQs about Baby Weight
Is it normal for babies to lose weight after birth?
Yes, some weight loss in the first few days after birth can be common. However, your doctor or midwife will monitor this closely and advise you if extra feeding support is needed.
How often should I weigh my baby?
Most babies do not need to be weighed every day at home. Weight is usually checked during well-baby visits. If your baby has feeding or growth concerns, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent checks.
What percentile should my baby be in?
There is no single “best” percentile. A baby in a lower percentile may still be healthy if they are growing consistently. Sudden changes in growth pattern are usually more important than the percentile number alone.
When do babies double their birth weight?
Many babies double their birth weight at around by four to six months. However, growth can vary from baby to baby depending on factors such as birth weight, feeding patterns, genetics, and overall health[6].
Some babies may grow faster during certain months and slower during others. This is why doctors usually focus more on your baby’s overall growth trend, feeding, diaper output, and development instead of just one number on the scale.
Should I use a baby weight chart to diagnose growth problems?
No. A baby weight chart is only a guide. It should not be used to diagnose health conditions or replace medical advice. If you are concerned about your baby’s growth, speak with your healthcare professional.
Reference
- Baby Growth (Newborn to 18 Months) (2019). Healthxchange.sg. https://www.healthxchange.sg/children/baby-0-24-months/baby-growth-newborn-to-18-months
- Lipman, T. H., Cousounis, P., Grundmeier, R. W., Massey, J., Cucchiara, A. J., Stallings, V. A., & Grimberg, A. (2016). Electronic Health Record Mid-Parental Height Auto-Calculator for Growth Assessment in Primary Care. Clinical pediatrics, 55(12), 1100–1106. https://doi.org/10.1177/0009922815614352
- HEALTH BOOKLET. (n.d.). https://www.cfps.org.sg/assets/1-Circular-for-GPs/6-CDS-Guidance-Annex-D-Child-Health-Booklet-2014.pdf
- Weight-for-age GIRLS Birth to 5 years (percentiles). (n.d.). Retrieved December 24, 2024, from https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/child-growth/child-growth-standards/indicators/weight-for-age/wfa-girls-0-5-percentiles.pdf
- Brody, B. (2015, July 22). Baby Feeding Schedule. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-feeding-schedule
- Slow Weight Gain in Infants and Children | Boston Children’s Hospital. (2026). Childrenshospital.Org. https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-treatments/slow-weight-gain-infants-and-children
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose health conditions or make changes to medical treatments. Always consult with your healthcare professional for advice.
