Test Weights with an Electronic Scale

Important information:

Weighing your baby before and after breast/chestfeeding allows us to know exactly how much milk your baby eats from the breast/chest. By performing weights before and after your baby breast/chestfeeds, we can measure how much milk your baby drinks.

Instructions:

1. Have your baby dressed in the clothes or blankets they will wear while breast/chestfeeding. For test weights to be correct, you must weigh your baby in exactly the same diaper, clothes and blankets before and after breast/chestfeeding. Remember if your baby has a pacifier, hat, or booties during the “before-weight,” they will be needed for the "after-weight”. When done correctly, the baby’s milk intake will be the only difference between the two weights.

2. Make sure the scale is on a flat surface and is not touching the wall or anything else. You may place a blanket or blue chux or pad on the scale. Do not let the blanket or chux drape over the edges of the scale.

3. Turn the scale on. Ensure the scale is measuring in grams (gm) not pounds and ounces. The scale should read “0.” Swaddling your baby can be helpful to make sure the weight is correct.

4. If your baby has an IV or other attachments, the nurse will help you with test weights.

5. Right before breast/chestfeeding, place your baby on the scale to measure the before-weight. The scale will beep when the weight is complete. Write this number down. You may use the Test Weight Milk Intake Worksheet below.

6. Breast/chestfeed your baby. If your baby wets or stools while breast/chestfeeding, do not change the diaper.

7. After breast/chestfeeding, place your baby back on the scale to get the after-weight. Write this number down.

8. Subtract the before-weight from the after-weight. The answer is the amount of weight your baby gained and the amount of milk your baby ate.

9. Keep a record of the weights so that you and your nurse can monitor breast/chestfeeding and enter it in the electronic medical record.

Example
Before breast/chestfeeding, the baby weighs 2400 grams (g).
After breast/chestfeeding, the baby weighs 2430 g.
Subtract the before-weight from the after-weight
2430 - 2400 = 30 gm
30 gm equals 30 ml

Test Weight Milk Intake Worksheet

If you have questions about doing test weights, ask to speak with a provider who specializes in lactation support.

Reviewed June 2024 by Lauren Davidheiser, MS, RDN, IBCLC, LDN and Meghan Devine, BSN, RN, IBCLC