By what age does an average infant's weight typically double?

An average infant's weight typically doubles by around 6 months of age. This milestone is part of normal growth and development in infancy. During the first six months, infants usually gain weight rapidly, averaging about 5 to 7 ounces per week for the first few months. This rapid weight gain reflects their need for energy to support growth, development, and the demands of increased feeding. By six months, many infants will have doubled their birth weight, marking a significant developmental milestone.

In pediatric practice, monitoring weight is crucial as it provides insight into an infant's growth patterns and nutritional adequacy. If an infant has not doubled their birth weight by six months, it may warrant further evaluation to ensure there are no underlying health concerns affecting growth. Understanding these growth benchmarks is essential for healthcare providers to support the healthy development of infants.