Baby Stay, Weigh and Play

Image of a baby on some scales

We are delighted to offer parents and carers of babies under the age of the 2, the ability to weigh your baby at several locations across Worcestershire and log this in your baby’s Personal Child Health Record (PCHR) Red Book.

Parents and carers can join one of our Stay, Weigh and Play sessions, which take place within our Family Hubs or drop into one of our self-weigh stations, situated within Libraries and other community building across Worcestershire.

If your child is over the age of 2 years old and wish to get them weighed, you will need to book an appointment at one of our Well Child Clinics instead. 

If you have concerns about your baby's weight you can always contact your midwife or health visitor (if in contact) or phone the  Telephone Advisory Service (TAS) : 01905 520032, Mon-Fri 9am-1pm.

Weighing your baby is quick and easy, but if it’s your first time using one of our self-weigh stations or need a little guidance, we have created the below short video and step by step guide:

Step by step guide: 

  1. Wipe down the mat and scales with antibacterial wipes provided

  2. Place a paper towel down on the mat and scales, using the paper towels provided 

  3. Undress your baby and remove their nappy 

  4. Check the scales are turned on and set to zero 

  5. Place your baby on their back on the scales – try to keep them as still as possible and not holding on to anything, as this can affect the weight. If your baby is able to sit unaided, you can sit them on the scales instead

  6. Take note of the weight

  7. Take your baby off the scales and get them dressed again

  8. Record your baby's weight in their PCHR Red Book

  9. Wipe down the mat and scales again with antibacterial wipes,  and put any rubbish in the bins provided

Understanding your baby's growth

Steady weight gain is one of the signs that your baby is healthy and feeding well.

It's normal for babies to lose some weight in the first few days after birth.

Your baby will be weighed during their first 2 weeks to make sure they're regaining their birthweight. Most babies are at, or above, their birthweight by 2 weeks.

A midwife or health visitor will support you if your baby loses a large amount of weight or does not regain their birthweight by 2 weeks.

They'll talk to you about how feeding is going, possibly ask to observe a feed if you're breastfeeding, and look at your baby's health in general.

After the first 2 weeks, your baby should be weighed:

  • no more than once a month up to 6 months of age
  • no more than once every 2 months from 6 to 12 months of age
  • no more than once every 3 months over the age of 1

Your baby will usually only be weighed more often than this if there are concerns about their health or growth.

Your baby's length may also be measured at some of their developmental reviews.

Recording your baby's weight

Recording your baby's weight

At the back of your Red Book you will find a table similar to the below to record your baby’s weight. You should complete this each time your baby is weighed and check your babies weight against the centile chart.

Personal Child Health Record (PCHR) Red Book - Recording your baby's weight
Date Age Weight (kg) Weight (lbs) Other measurements Name/Initials
Add today's date Your babies age Weight in kilograms Weight in pounds You do not need to complete this box Write 'self-weigh'

Understanding your baby's weight chart

Your child's growth will be recorded on centile charts in their  personal child health record (PCHR), or red book .

These charts show the pattern of growth healthy children usually follow, whether they're breastfed or formula fed, or having a mixture of both.

Visit the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health website to see some  examples of baby weight charts .

Boys and girls have different charts because boys tend to be a little heavier and taller, and their growth pattern is slightly different.

Plotting your babies weight

babies weight chart

  1. Find your baby’s weight and follow the line across to age
  2. Find your baby’s age in weeks/months and follow the line up to weight
  3. Mark in pencil with a dot

Remember the blue chart should be followed for boys and pink chart for girls.

For further guidance visit the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health website [opens in new window].

  1. Stay, Weigh and Play Sessions