and during the last six months at least once in two weeks; once a
month during the second year.

[ALL ABOUT BABY 559]

How rapidly should the baby' gain weight during the first year? During the
first week it loses a few ounces, after this it shows a gain of four to
eight ounces a week up to the sixth month, then two to four ounces a week,
up to the twelfth month.

Do bottle-fed infants gain so rapidly? Very seldom during the first month,
but after that with favorable air and circumstances, the gain is quite
regular, and they may gain faster during the latter part of the first
year, because the nursing baby loses weight at weaning time.

Why do they not gain so rapidly at first? Because it takes a few weeks for
the stomach to become accustomed to cow's milk and until this is
accomplished it is necessary that the milk be made very weak or
indigestion will result.

What is a baby's average weight at birth? Seven to seven and one-half
pounds.

How much should it be at different months at this average birth? At three
months it should be twelve to thirteen pounds; at six months fifteen to
sixteen pounds; at nine months seventeen to eighteen pounds; at one year
twenty to twenty-two pounds. A healthy baby will usually double its weight
at five months and at twelve months it will nearly triple its weight.

Should a healthy baby gain steadily in weight during the first year? He
usually does, but not regularly in every week during the year. There are
periods when most infants do not gain any weight. This is most often seen
from the seventh to the tenth month and frequently occurs when the child
is teething and sometimes in the very hot weather.

Is gaining regularly in weight a sure sign that the child is thriving
normally? Not always, some infants' foods produce weight, but not strength
nor development in other respects.

Can the regular gaining in weight guide us as much in the second year? The
gain after the first year is not so continuous; interruptions occur during
change of seasons, sometimes without any apparent cause.

How soon should a child hold its head up? During the fourth, and sometimes
in the third month, as a rule. If the body is supported the head can be
held erect.

How early does a baby notice things? During the second month he shows
pleasure by smiling and will turn his head in the direction of a sound.
They should be kept quiet, or their sleep will be broken.

What will it do at three months? It