Normal Child Weight

Normal weight for a child is based on height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and age. A doctor takes these things into consideration when determining if a child is at his correct weight. When a child falls above or below normal weight ranges, his doctor will discuss options to assist him to gain or lose weight correctly.

Infancy

• An infant's weight is the first indicator of health issues or potential problems. If an infant falls below normal weight ranges, it could be from digestion issues, such as reflux. An infant above normal weight ranges may need reduced feedings. Infants born overweight have the potential of being overweight later in life.

  On average, babies weigh between 5.5 and 10 lbs. at birth. It is normal for an infant's weight to fluctuate during the first few weeks while he adjusts to life outside the womb and to either breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Some infants may lose up to 10 percent of their initial birth weight, but normally gain it back within 2 weeks.

Growth Charts

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a growth chart that is used by nurses and doctors in determining normal weight ranges for children. These charts are not solely to diagnose weight issues, but to provide an overall impression of a child's weight and measurements.

  In determining the normal weight range for children, the CDC takes into consideration age, sex, BMI and other measurements such as head circumference. Children are ranked by percentiles based on the chart.

Weight Ranges

• For 36-month-old toddlers, the CDC provides normal weight ranges from 12 to 18 lbs. for boys, and 11 to 17 lbs. for girls. For children 5 to 10 years of age, the CDC lists normal weight ranges from 50 to 100 lbs. For ages 10 to 15, normal ranges fall between 100 and 170 lbs.

Considerations

• A child's doctor keeps detailed information to determine his normal weight. If his weight increases too fast in relation to height, the doctor may provide information on keeping his weight in a healthy range. By weaning from the bottle or breast and cutting back on beverages and snacks, a child's weight can return to his normal range.

  When a child isn't gaining as a doctor feels he should, additional testing may be needed to determine if an underlying health issue exists. According to babycenter.com, a doctor will give a child a physical and ask questions to help determine a course of action. A doctor may order blood work and urine tests, and monitor feeding if a child's weight falls below 20 percent of his or her ideal weight. Many times feeding problems, gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhea or milk intolerance are reasons for weight loss.

Conclusion

• Keeping a child active and providing healthy food choices help him stay in the normal range for his age and height. William Wilkoff, a pediatric nutrition expert for babycenter.com, writes that it is important to check with a pediatrician to make sure a child is actually considered overweight before changing his diet. Providing growing children with healthy foods and three scheduled meals will help to avoid obesity and other eating issues in adulthood.