An infant's current weight at 6 months is 13 lb, up from 6 lb 8 oz at birth. What should the nurse tell the mother?

• A. Tell the mother to decrease the daily number of feedings because the weight gain is excessive
• B. Tell the mother that the infant's weight is increasing as expected
• C. Tell the mother that semisolid foods should not be introduced until the infant's weight stabilizes
• D. Tell the mother that the infant should be switched from breast milk to formula because the weight gain is inadequate

Answer: (B)

Infants typically double their birth weight by about six months. This baby weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces at birth (about 6.5 lb) and is about 13 pounds now, which is exactly double the birth weight. That pattern fits normal growth, so the nurse should reassure the mother that the weight gain is expected and appropriate.

There’s no need to reduce feedings or switch to formula, since the gain is not inadequate. Introducing solids is generally considered around six months based on readiness, not waiting for weight stabilization, so the timing here can be appropriate as the infant approaches readiness for solids.