When you’re preparing to care for a baby, there are plenty of things you need to track your baby’s health. From thermometers to scales, it can sometimes be overwhelming to find all these items. Scales, in particular, have several different features to choose from.
In the first year of a baby’s life, there are certain weight and height milestones they need to reach. While these numbers are not exact, monitoring a baby’s growth can give parents insight into their baby’s health. While babies usually can’t stay still on a scale, you can find one that’s specifically designed to accommodate a wiggly baby.
Having a baby scale like the Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad reduces the need to go to the doctor’s office for a reading. However, speak to your doctor so you know how often you should bring in your baby for visits.
What to know before you buy a baby scale
Transitional scales
If your home is overflowing with baby items, or you want to find ways to save money on baby expenses, consider a transitional baby scale. These scales have a tray attachment that sits on top of a regular scale and is perfect for weighing babies. As your baby outgrows the scale, you can stop using the tray attachment and put them on the regular scale. Even adults can use the regular scale portion, making it a budget-friendly and space-efficient option.
Smartphone applications
Many baby scales sync up with smartphone apps, which new parents greatly appreciate. These apps track and organize your baby’s weight and height measurements in one easy-to-find place. They can also sometimes send data to your doctor to give them real-time updates on your baby’s growth. Some of these applications also offer new parenting advice, articles and other valuable tools.
Slight variations in measurements
If you notice a slight variation in weight from one day to the next, this is perfectly normal. Simple things impact minor weight changes, such as weather, when your baby ate, when they pooped, genetics and their gender. Like adults, babies tend to have minor weight fluctuations all the time. A sudden, drastic fluctuation is more cause for attention.
Baby scale features
Tare, hold and recall settings
Babies are notorious for moving around at the most inopportune times. So it’s important to have a scale with a hold button, so you can capture the reading. This gives you a chance to read the weight even if a baby is wiggling around. A tare setting is also useful since it allows you to subtract the weight of a baby’s blanket, diaper or other items that might affect the measurements. Recall settings are also convenient since they can pull up old readings. So if you forget to write one down, you can find it in the device’s memory. Some scales can even recall up to 15 readings. If you have multiple babies in the home, you might want a scale that creates individual profiles for each baby.
A variety of readings
It’s helpful to have a scale that offers readings in pounds, ounces, grams and even kilos. It’s also important to have a scale that reports small increments of weight changes. Since babies weigh so little to begin with, it’s important to notice weight changes. Look for how much weight your scale can take, so you do not need to replace it too quickly.
An included ruler
In addition to tracking a baby’s weight, it’s also important to track their height. Many baby scales have rulers on them, making it easy to find your baby’s height while you weigh them. Make sure your scale’s ruler is long enough to track your baby’s growth for several months. Some baby scales have expandable and retractable rulers, which allow you to take measurements for a while.
Baby scale cost
Baby scales typically cost between $35-$55. Scales that include an adult scale will be more expensive.
Baby scale FAQ
How often should I weigh my baby?
A. Medical experts state healthy babies should only be weighed once a month for the first six months (beginning at two weeks). After that, you only need to weigh them once every two months. However, some parents like being able to check their baby’s growth more frequently. There is nothing wrong with weighing a newborn more than once a month.
When should I start weighing my baby?
A. Parents can start weighing their baby at two weeks old. At birth, babies shed extra fluid, which causes them to lose weight. Most newborns lose between 7%-10% of their body weight at birth. Babies regain this weight within two weeks, which is why it’s best to start weighing them at two weeks of age.
Which baby scale should I get?
Best of the best baby scale
Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad: Available at buybuyBaby, Bed Bath & Beyond and Amazon
Our take: This scale doubles as a changing pad, making it a space-efficient pick. It offers reliable readings and a soft surface.
What we like: Syncs up to a smartphone. Easy to clean.
What we dislike: Price is a bit expensive.
Best bang for your buck baby scale
Ozeri Baby and Toddler Scale: Available at Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s and Amazon
Our take: It offers height and weight measurements as well as a tare feature. This scale is a great value for the low price tag.
What we like: Large display screen. Can recall the last 15 readings.
What we dislike: Readings may be inaccurate with squirmy babies.
Honorable mention baby scale
MomMed Multifunction Baby Scale: Available at Amazon
Our take: This scale features a regular scale plus a baby tray, making it a versatile option for the whole family.
What we like: Baby tray snaps on and off easily. Has a hold function.
What we dislike: Very sensitive to movement.
Julia Austin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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