Size and weight

Babies born from 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy are said to be full-term. They usually measure 45 to 55 centimetres (18 to 21 inches) and weigh 2,500 to 4,300 grams (5.5 to 9.5 lb.).

It’s normal for a baby to lose up to 10% of his weight in the first few days of life. He eliminates his meconium and first stools. He also loses water because he was immersed in liquid throughout the pregnancy. And he’s only drinking a little milk at a time. If born at term and in good health, he will be back up to his birth weight 10 to 14 days after birth.