Research-based tools which support decision-making about newborn weight trajectories: Newborn Weight Loss Tool (NEWT), Fenton Preterm Growth Charts, and the World Health Organisation growth charts
Newborn Weight Tool
This tool, abbreviated as NEWT, was developed by Penn State Health and Children's Miracle Network, US. It uses a research sample of weights from more than 160,000 newborns. The nomogram plots a baby's weight percentile at any given time in the first month following birth and compares it with the research population. The results can be used for early identification of infants on a trajectory for greater weight loss, poor weight gain, and related complications, and helps decide when supplementation may be required.
Fenton Preterm Growth Charts
These tools, developed out of research in six countries by the University of Calgary, Canada, are designed for growth monitoring of preterm infants with birth gestational age less than 37 weeks, tracking their weight to 50 weeks gestational age.
https://ucalgary.ca/resource/preterm-growth-chart/preterm-growth-chart
World Health Organisation growth charts
You can locate downloadable copies of the weight charts (female and male infants) in the NDC Resource Hub.
Comments by neonatalogists about newborn weight gain and supplementation
The podcast with Australian neonataologist Dr Freeman, here, is also available in transcript, here. Dr Freeman discusses her approach to deciding whether or not to recommend supplementation.
