Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What is the characteristic growth pattern of infants during the first year of life?

1. Rapid weight loss

2. Weight gain of 10-20% per month

3. Weight usually doubles by 6 months

4. Slow and steady weight maintenance

The correct answer is: Weight usually doubles by 6 months

The characteristic growth pattern of infants during the first year of life involves significant weight gain and development milestones that occur within set timeframes. Infants typically double their birth weight by around six months of age, which is an important indicator of healthy growth. This rapid increase in weight reflects the high nutritional needs of infants as they multiply their body mass to support their growing bodies and developing systems. This doubling in weight is consistent with the growth charts and pediatric guidelines that detail the expected growth trajectory for infants. By six months, an infant's body undergoes substantial changes, driven by increased calorie intake from breastfeeding or formula feeding, which supports their overall health and developmental progress during this critical stage. Other patterns do not align with the typical growth expectations for infants. A pattern of weight loss is not characteristic and would be concerning as it indicates possible issues with feeding or health. Similarly, gaining 10-20% of weight per month is excessive since normal weight gain is generally about 5-7 ounces per week, leading to the timeline of doubling weight by six months. Slow and steady weight maintenance would also not reflect the necessary growth patterns expected for infants, as they are in a rapid growth phase during their first year.