A 6-month-old infant's birth weight was 8 pounds 2 ounces. The nurse would expect the current weight to be at least how many pounds?

A 6-month-old infant's birth weight was 8 pounds 2 ounces. The nurse would expect the current weight to be at least how many pounds?

• A. 12
• B. 16
• C. 20
• D. 24

Answer: (D)

Infants grow quickly in the first year, and by about 6 months they typically weigh about twice their birth weight. Here, the birth weight is 8 pounds 2 ounces (8.125 pounds). Doubling it gives roughly 16 pounds 4 ounces (16.25 pounds). So the current weight would be expected to be at least about 16 pounds. The option around 24 pounds would reflect roughly triple the birth weight, a milestone more typical closer to 12 months.

Infants grow quickly in the first year, and by about 6 months they typically weigh about twice their birth weight. Here, the birth weight is 8 pounds 2 ounces (8.125 pounds). Doubling it gives roughly 16 pounds 4 ounces (16.25 pounds). So the current weight would be expected to be at least about 16 pounds. The option around 24 pounds would reflect roughly triple the birth weight, a milestone more typical closer to 12 months.