5 Ways to Know Your Baby Is Growing Well (Without a Scale)

When you're a new parent, it’s easy to fall into the trap of checking growth charts and percentiles obsessively.

"Is my baby gaining enough weight?"
"Is she hitting milestones fast enough?"
"Should I be worried if she’s not rolling yet?"

The truth? You don’t need a baby scale to know if your little one is growing well. You just need to know the right signs to look for—and most of them show up in everyday routines.

Here are 5 simple, research-backed ways to know your baby is developing on track—without ever stepping on a scale:

1. Wet Diapers = Feeding Success
Babies who are feeding well will produce at least 5–6 wet diapers per day. That’s a strong sign they’re getting enough breast milk or formula and staying hydrated.

2. Increased Alertness During Awake Windows
A baby who’s curious about their surroundings, tracks your face, or looks around the room during awake time is developing awareness—and that’s growth you can see.

3. Emerging Social Smiles and Cooing
Around 6–8 weeks, many babies begin smiling on purpose or cooing in response to you. These are key early social-emotional milestones—and great indicators of brain development.

4. Steady Motor Progress
Even if your baby isn’t rolling yet, subtle progress like stronger head control, kicking, or reaching for objects is a sign their motor skills are strengthening.

5. More Predictable Feeding Patterns
Feeding starts to feel less chaotic and more rhythmic over time. You might notice shorter, calmer feeds with longer stretches between them.

Every baby develops at their own pace, and not all progress can be tracked in an app.

That’s why learning how to observe your baby—through diaper output, behavior, and interaction—can give you a clearer picture than a growth chart ever could.

You don’t need to feel unsure every week. With the right tools and insight, you can learn to read your baby’s cues like a pro.

Want more baby development signs broken down by age?
I’ve put together a full 0–12 month baby growth and milestone guide so you always know what’s coming next (and what’s completely normal). Find it in the [link in bio/store/resources].