What should an infant's weight be by the end of the first year of life?

By the end of the first year of life, an infant's weight is expected to triple from their birth weight. This dramatic increase is because infants go through rapid growth and development during their first year. Generally, newborns lose a small amount of weight in the first few days after birth but typically regain it by about two weeks of age. Following this, their weight should steadily increase.

The tripling of weight is a reflection of the significant nutritional needs and growth spurts that occur in the first year; this growth is essential for proper development of organs, body systems, and overall health. Tracking weight gain is a critical aspect of pediatric healthcare, as it helps monitor an infant’s growth and can indicate their nutritional intake and overall health status.