Weighing is usually done on electronic scales with a cradle attached for the baby to lie in, which is lined with a disposable cloth or baby blanket for warmth and hygiene. The baby's weight is done as a bare weigh (no clothes) and in Australia is recorded metrically for example 3,600 grams or 3.6kg. The scales may come with a conversion option to show pounds and ounces or your caregiver may have a conversion chart to show both metric and imperial measures.
If you want to convert kgs / gms to lbs / ozs, or visa versa, use our:
BIRTH weight conversion guide
The average weight of babies born at term (37 to 42 weeks) is about 3,300 grams or 7lb 4 1/2oz, but it is normal for a baby's weight to range from 2,800grams to 4,500grams (approx. 6lb to 10lb).
Head circumference is recorded in centimetres. It is normal for a newborn's head to have a degree of moulding after birth, making their head circumference slightly less, by up to 1cm or so. This original measurement is still recorded. However don't be concerned if your baby's head is larger on re-measuring a few days later. This is just the baby's head-shape becoming more rounded after birth. The average head circumference of a newborn is about 35 centimetres, but can range from 33 to 37 cms. This measure is not usually converted to inches.
Image 10-21 shows a baby being measured.
Image 10-22 shows a measuring board that can be used to measure the baby's length.
Length is measured in centimetres from the crown of your baby's head to their heels. Your baby may be measured while lying on their side, with the caregiver trailing a measuring tape down their back and leg, or be done by placing your baby on a special measuring board. The caregiver could ask your partner or another carer to gently hold your baby's legs straight while the measure is being done, as newborns prefer to be in a fetal position and generally not keen on straightening their legs.