To be able to follow the evolution of the baby's weight, it is necessary to check it at least once a month. For this, you must go to your pediatrician, a midwife or you can simply do it yourself at home. In the latter case, all you need is a baby scale and know how to use it. However, handling this device involves being able to ensure the safety of the child and display accurate data. Thus, the choice of a baby scale must meet many criteria. For simplicity sake I will be referring to your baby as “he” to avoid using “his” or “her” throughout this article but please note that whatever reference made to the infant as a boy also applied to baby girls.
Why buy a scale?
Monitoring the weight of a baby is an essential step to ensure his growth, health and to determine if his weight has not stagnated or decreased. It is during the first three months that the growth of a baby increases sharply at a rate of 800 g to 1 kg per month or more.
Having a baby scale, especially at home allows to monitor the weight of the infant, to follow the evolution of his growth. Any parent wishing to monitor the health of their baby must have a scale to be always on the lookout for any changes in the infant.
Is it useful?
The baby scale is necessary to be able to monitor the baby's growth and to watch over his well-being. It gives a precision on the weight and the size of the child. It is also essential for detecting growth abnormalities in children. The latter can be determined from the growth charts that are an important element in monitoring one's health. For example, a child who is gaining too much weight or who is growing too fast, who is losing weight or who is too small, may in this case have a health problem.
The criteria for selecting the best weighing device
Buying a scale for babies requires a few points to be aware of:
Capacity
The capacity of the device refers to the maximum weight that the equipment can carry. It is usually 15 to 20kg, given its use.
Grading
The measurements of the device are generally grade by 10 or 20g if they are 100g for a conventional scale. The grading refers to the readable difference between two measured weight values.
Safety and comfort
It is also important to think about baby's comfort and safety when choosing a weight device. In most cases, the baby is lying naked on the scale. But he can also be placed in a suspended basket for more safety, as sometimes a baby moves a lot and an accident can happen at any time during a tiny moment of inattention.
The type of diet
The frequency of use of the baby scale should be determined in relation to the appropriate type of feeding. It is usually possible to choose between a device that works on battery or also on mains. The latter is suitable for intensive use as in the case of pediatric services.
The medical classification
The medical classification is another point to consider when acquiring a baby scale. Measuring instruments are included in the category of NAWI (Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments). Baby scales are subject to special classifications as defined in Directive 90/384 / EEC. For example, those used in a medical setting to weigh patients under surveillance or for diagnosis must therefore be class III or IV certified.
Functionalities
The features of the scale are also to consider before deciding to buy. Inquire about the different characteristics of the device to know which model suits you best and guide your choice. They can be related to the robustness of the scale, the zero adjustment for accurate weight measurement, anti-tilting of the weighing platform, automatic and manual stabilization, wireless transmission of Data or Wireless, Tare function to weigh the child with a diaper or clothing and optional the presence or not of head restraints and feet. It is even possible with some models to have an option that allows you to have music.
The price
Price is another point that should not be neglected. Each manufacturer has its price which linked to the brand and the characteristics of the scale. There are different types of models depending on their use ie the electronic baby scale, the mechanical model, the suspended mechanical scale or the baby impedance meter.
The best baby scale according to parents' opinions and tests
Health o meter Grow with Me 2-in-1 Baby to Toddler Scale
Health o meter Grow with Me 2-in-1 Baby to Toddler Scale has a profiled weighing surface. Although it is white in color, it is easy to clean. This baby scale has the advantage of being equipped with an automatic and manual stabilizing function also known as a blocking function, which is ideal for weighing babies who can not stop moving.
Its large LCD screen allows the user to easily read information. This equipment also has the calibration function which consists in resetting the weight indicated on the scale.
For example, you can put a towel on the tray and reset the display on the screen. Thus, all the conditions are met so that the weighing of the infant is safe and secure. This device gives information when there is overload, which is necessary since in the case of weighing, the safety of the baby comes first. The use of this scale can greatly help parents who are required to regularly monitor the weight of their child.
Note that it can support up to 27kgs, so it is not necessary to change before the first year of the baby, provided of course that the weight of the latter does not exceed the authorized weight limit.
Mommed Infant Scale
Mommed Infant Scale is an electric scale equipped with a large platform ideal for weighing in sitting or lying position.
Also equipped with the Tare system, this baby scale allows intelligent weighing due to the fact that only the net weight of the baby is taken into account and this, even if he is dressed.
2 x 1.5V AA batteries are required to operate. Baby growth monitoring can be done regularly because the device is equipped with a storage function to memorize all the data. Very easy to maintain, just a sponge or a damp cloth to clean it. It can hold a weigh up to 100kg.
Homeimage Digital Scale
Homeimage Digital Scale is a handy pediatric scale with ergonomic design. It has two ON / OFF buttons that can turn it on and off before and after baby weighing. It has the Tare function that measures the net weight of the baby even if he is dressed or wears other things like a towel or diaper and Memory function to memorize the latest data.
With a capacity of 20kg, it is CE compliant and is guaranteed for 20 years. The platform is curved so that the baby can be comfortable. It is even possible to change it, thanks to the comfortable and spacious surface of the tray. With a precision of 5g, this baby scale is indicated to monitor the growth of newborns, mainly premature babies by displaying an exact and precise weight.
Its biggest advantage is also the fact that it has two different units of measurement, namely Kg and lb. This device is simple, accurate and reliable, and is just as convenient.
Useful for those who can not move to the pediatrician, the baby weighing Homeimage is recognized by the professionals of the health of the child.