Understanding Baby's Growth and Other Common New Parent Questions

Jul 15

Written By Nurtured Foundation Doula & Newborn Care

Final of the Series

Hey, amazing parents! 👋

Welcome to the final post in our series answering common new parent questions. It's incredible how quickly your baby changes—one minute they're snoozing in your arms, and the next they're wiggling their way through tummy time. As your little sprout grows, it's natural to have questions about what's normal, what's not, and everything in between.

Let's dig into some of the most common questions we hear from parents right here in Lakewood and the greater Cleveland area.

Measuring Up: Understanding Baby's Growth

"How should my baby be growing in terms of weight, height, and head size?"

Your pediatrician will monitor your baby's growth at every well-child visit, checking their weight, length, and head circumference to make sure everything is on track.

Here's a general idea of what's typical:

Weight: It's normal for newborns to lose 5–10% of their birth weight in the first few days. Most regain it within a week or two. After that, babies usually gain about 0.5–1 ounce per day. By 6 months, many double their birth weight. By 12 months, they often triple it!
Length: Expect around 1 inch (2.5 cm) of growth per month during the first six months.
Head Circumference: In the early months, heads grow about 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) per month to support amazing brain development.

These are just averages, and your baby's unique growth curve may look a little different, especially if they were born prematurely or have a family history of larger or smaller builds.

Want to see those growth charts for yourself? Check out the official CDC Growth Charts used by healthcare professionals.

⚖️ "Is My Baby's Weight Gain Normal?"

This is a question every parent has at some point.

If your baby is gaining steadily along their own curve, that's usually a good sign.
If weight gain is slower than expected, your pediatrician will investigate possible causes, such as feeding difficulties or a medical condition.
If your baby is gaining weight quickly, especially on formula, your doctor can help you determine whether that's within a healthy range.

Pro tip: Keep those regular pediatric visits! They help you catch and address any growth concerns early.

Decoding Diaper Discoveries: What's Normal?

Let's talk poop. Yes—baby poop is totally worth talking about.

First Days: Meconium (black, sticky) is normal.
Days 2–4: Poop becomes greenish-brown and less sticky.
Breastfed Babies: Yellow, seedy, and soft poop is totally normal—sometimes several times a day, sometimes only once every few days.
Formula-Fed Babies: Pasty, more odorous stools, usually 1–2 times a day.

Call your pediatrician if you see:

Black or white stools (after the newborn phase)
Blood
Hard pellets
Watery diarrhea
A sudden change in habits, plus other symptoms

Want visuals? Yep, they exist. Sites like HealthyChildren.org often include poop color charts to help decode what's going on.

Laundry Love: Should I Wash Baby's New Clothes First?

Short answer? Yes. Even those adorable onesies you picked up at a Lakewood baby boutique should get a wash before they touch the baby's skin.

New clothes can carry:

Chemicals from manufacturing
Dust or allergens from shipping
Residual dyes that could irritate the baby's sensitive skin

Use a fragrance-free, gentle detergent—many brands are specially made for babies. For more laundry tips, check out the National Eczema Association's recommendations.

The Power of Play: How Much Should I Interact With My Baby?

You don't need to schedule structured play all day long, but every little interaction matters! Even simple things like talking, singing, or making silly faces help your baby learn and bond with you.

Here are some easy ways to connect:

Talk about your day while changing diapers or doing chores.
Sing songs, even if you're off-key. (Bonus points for Cleveland-themed lullabies!)
Read board books—babies love pictures and hearing your voice.
Tummy time with fun toys encourages movement and motor skills.
Peek-a-boo and patty-cake build early social awareness.

🏡 Lakewood parents, don't forget to check out the Lakewood Public Library for storytime and free baby-friendly events!

👉 For more age-appropriate play ideas, visit Zero to Three—a fantastic resource focused on early childhood development.

You're learning as you go, and that's precisely how this parenting thing works. Every baby is different. What matters most is that you're paying attention, showing up with love, and asking questions.

Remember, your local pediatrician is your teammate—whether you're in Lakewood, Cleveland, or beyond. Keep those checkups, trust your gut, and give yourself grace.

You've got this, parents. 💛

Thanks for following along in this series—we hope it brought you clarity, comfort, and maybe even a few smiles.

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