Do I need to purchase a baby scale?

In some cases, your child’s pediatrician may suggest that you use a baby scale “to weigh the baby at home so you can regularly send them weights to monitor [your baby’s] progress,” explains Dr. Danser. Some parents may also want to know how much milk their baby is getting at each feeding. According to Brianna Jonsson, CLEC, this can be especially challenging for new caregivers. “There is no way to measure [how much a baby is consuming] unless a mom is pumping and bottle feeding expressed milk or using formula. Baby scales can provide peace of mind if a mom wants to see an increase in weight after a feeding,” she says.

What’s the best way to weigh a baby?

According to Dr. Danser, there are a few steps parents should follow to properly weigh their baby. “Place the baby directly on the (cleaned and disinfected) scale. If [you choose] to put a pad in between the scale and the baby, make sure to zero the scale so that the weight of the pad is not included. Lastly, have the baby fully naked when taking their weight—no clothes or diapers,” says Dr. Danser.

Can you weigh your baby on a regular scale?

According to Dr. Danser, you should only weigh your little one on a baby scale. “Adult scales will not be accurate enough for such small weights,” Dr. Danser says.

How can I know if my baby is eating enough?

Weighing your baby at home does not replace their regular visits to the pediatrician, but it can give you a picture of how much your baby may be ingesting during a feeding or help you determine if they aren’t gaining enough weight. In addition to weighing your baby, there are signs you can look for to determine if they’re getting enough nutrition. Brianna Jonsson, mother of four and certified lactation education consultant (CLEC), explains that the color of your baby’s poop is a big indicator. “While feeding your baby, you can also watch to see if they’re swallowing, have milk in their mouth, and seem satisfied and relaxed,” Brianna says. Caregivers should keep in mind that almost all newborns lose an average of 10% of their weight during their first week of life. After that, they start gaining around an ounce per day and should be back to their birth weight by the time they’re two weeks old. If you’re concerned about your baby’s weight gain, contact your child’s pediatrician right away.

How much is a baby scale?

You can expect to pay around $60-$70 for a good-quality baby scale that will give you pretty accurate readings, but the full price range can be as low as $40 and as much as $150. The higher end of the price range will get you a sleekly designed baby scale with Bluetooth connectivity, an accompanying app, and an insightful analysis of your baby’s weight gain.

The 12 Best Baby Scales to Monitor Your Baby’s Growth at Home

During the first few weeks of your baby’s life, knowing that their weight gain is on track can help give you peace of mind. A baby scale can be a great tool for monitoring your infant’s growth and nutrition intake at home. Historically, baby scales were similar to the scales you see in the produce section of your grocery store. However, today’s baby scales are digital, and many have smart features that can send, collect, and store data right on the device or through a mobile application. When shopping for a baby scale, caregivers should also consider how accurate its measurements are and what types of features it has.

According to Julia Danser, DO, a mother and board-certified pediatrician at One Medical in San Francisco, California, there are a variety of benefits to owning an at-home baby scale. “A baby scale might be useful if in-office appointments are hard to come by,” Dr. Danser says. “They also help monitor your baby’s weight in between doctor’s visits, [provide] peace of mind that your baby is gaining weight well, and can help you catch any potential weight issues so you can ask your baby’s doctor about it.” One important note to keep in mind: When using an at-home scale, it should be placed on a flat surface and calibrated regularly to provide the most accurate readings.

We spoke with a board-certified pediatrician and a certified lactation educator counselor about the benefits of using a baby scale and what to look for when purchasing one. We researched a variety of at-home scales and curated a list of the top 12 recommendations based on accuracy, design, and functionality.

Here are the best baby scales to track your baby’s growth.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad at Amazon

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Best Smart Scale:

Ozeri All-in-One Baby and Toddler Scale at Amazon

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Best Budget:

MomMed Baby Scale at Amazon

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Best Accuracy:

Greater Goods Smart Baby Scale at Amazon

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Best Safety Features:

Salter Baby Scale at Amazon

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Best Features:

Graco Infant to Toddler to Big Kid Scale at Amazon

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Best User-Friendly:

bbluv Kilo Digital Baby Scale at Walmart

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Best With App:

Beurer BY90 Digital Baby Scale at Amazon

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Best Versatility:

Health o Meter Baby Toddler Scale at Amazon

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Best Surface Area:

Smart Weigh Comfort Baby Scale at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Courtesy of BuyBuyBaby

Pros

Comfortable surface
Two baby products in one
App tracks multiple factors

Cons

No display screen

The Hatch Baby Grow is a great product because it serves a dual purpose—in addition to being a baby scale, it’s also a changing pad. Its wipeable foam surface is comfortable for your baby and takes just seconds to clean, which is great considering that babies might need their diapers changed as often as after every feeding.

To use the Hatch Grow, you’ll need to set it up on a flat, level surface (ideally, a changing table) and download the free Hatch Baby app, which is compatible with iOS (9 and higher) and Android (Lollipop and higher). And if you ever need to troubleshoot your device, Hatch has a thorough online support system that covers every topic imaginable.

The Grow can take measurements from 0 to 44 pounds and is accurate down to a quarter of an ounce, and it can also track diaper changes, time sleep and feedings, and even compare your baby’s growth to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, some parents dislike that there’s no display on the actual device and that it needs to sync with the app before providing an overall weight reading.

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Size: 29 x 16.5 x 3.5 inches | Weight Range: 0-44 pounds | Accuracy: 0.25 ounces | Batteries: 3 AA batteries}

Amazon

Pros

Automatic shutoff conserves battery
Large memory capacity
Includes measuring tape and growth chart

Cons

Doesn’t sync to an app

As the name suggests, this scale provides a way to measure your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference in one device. While weighing your baby, you can use the sliding measurement board to determine their length, which is computed by the scale and displayed on the LCD screen. Best of all, this scale has net change detection, which means it will display the change in weight and height since your child’s last measurement.

What the Experts Say: “Parents may find it helpful to purchase a scale that stores past weights so they can see a history,” says Brianna Jonsson, CLEC.

This scale can store measurements for eight different children with up to 15 weigh-ins per individual. However, this data isn’t transferred to an app, so parents will need to record the measurements themselves. Although this scale has a weight capacity of 55 pounds, it's better suited for infants since its shape isn’t practical for holding larger children.

Price at time of publication: $48

^{Key Specs:
Size: 24 x 14 x 3.8 inches | Weight Range: 0-55 pounds | Accuracy: 0.1 ounces | Batteries: 4 AAA batteries}

Amazon

Pros

Wide weight range
Easy to assemble
Works for the whole family

Cons

Length measures in centimeters

For a fraction of the cost of other baby scales, you can purchase this three-in-one scale from MomMed that will grow with your child. In addition to weighing and measuring your baby, it can transform into a toddler and an adult scale that can withstand up to 220 pounds.

The scale itself has multiple functions. In addition to a “zero” button to calibrate the scale, you can also use the “tare” feature to compensate for a baby blanket or an item of clothing. This scale has a large, backlit LED display and can switch between ounces, pounds, and kilograms with the touch of a button. Length measurements are only available in centimeters, so you'll need to make the conversion to pounds and ounces.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Size: 15 x 4.6 x 11.52 inches | Weight Range: 0.11-220 pounds | Accuracy: 0.32 ounces | Batteries: 2 AAA batteries}

Amazon

Pros

Large, reverse backlit display
Collapsible tray
Easy to assemble

Cons

Requires four batteries

This scale is a great option for parents who want to track their baby’s weight before and after feedings. Unlike some scales that give a decimal reading for pounds, the Greater Goods scale is incredibly accurate (down to 0.1 ounces) and can provide measurements in pounds with ounces, decimal pounds, or kilograms.

It’s also a good option for families who have multiples or children of different ages because there’s no limit to how many profiles you can make on the Greater Goods Smart Baby app. Seconds after weighing your baby, the app provides detailed information about their weight, including a comparison to national averages and a longitudinal graph displayed over a day, week, month, or all time. This scale can withstand up to 66 pounds, which makes it usable for several years.

Price at time of publication: $68

^{Key Specs:
Size: 5.22 x 4.82 x 1.22 inches | Weight Range: 0-66 pounds | Accuracy: 0.1 ounces | Batteries: 4 AAA batteries}

Amazon

Pros

Large LCD display
Collapsible design
Easy to assemble

Cons

Buttons can be sticky

Many caregivers will appreciate that this scale’s tray has a more concave shape than most. The curved edges provide extra support for your baby and can help them feel more secure while being weighed. The scoop design may also help prevent them from rolling from one side to the other, enabling parents to obtain a more accurate weight. The tray also has a swivel lock feature to ensure it stays put at all times.

As a toddler scale, this product has a low weight capacity. However, it does come pre-assembled and only requires you to snap on the infant tray. When using the “tare” and “hold” buttons or switching from pounds and ounces to kilograms, you may notice that the buttons can be a little sticky. While not a major flaw, it can impact the “hold” feature if you’re trying to weigh a wiggly baby.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Size: 21.5 x 10 x 10 inches | Weight Range: 0-44 pounds | Accuracy: 0.5 ounces | Batteries: One 9-volt battery}

Amazon

Pros

Determines amount of milk consumption
Measures infants and big kids
Easy to clean

Cons

Adult scale can feel flimsy

A unique feature of this Graco baby scale is that it has three modes of operation: normal, milk intake, and baby and mommy. With the milk intake mode, parents can determine how much milk a baby consumed, while the baby and mommy mode calculates the infant’s weight while in their parent’s arms. This particular scale is also a good choice for families as it can be used for infants, toddlers, and adults.

Another helpful feature is its rotating LCD screen, which makes it easy to read your child’s weight while they’re on the scale. The removable infant tray has slightly curved edges to cradle your baby and can also measure their length in inches or centimeters. When it’s time to measure your toddler, you can download Graco’s animal-themed growth chart and use the included leveler tool to get a precise measurement.

Price at time of publication: $79

^{Key Specs:
Size: 13.7 x 6.65 x 25 inches | Weight Range: 0-220 pounds | Accuracy: ± 1% | Batteries: 3 AAA batteries}

buybuy Baby

Pros

Simple and slim design
Straightforward, easy to use
Accurate to three decimal places

Cons

Doesn’t store previous readings

Parents won’t find any complicated bells and whistles on this scale. With its simple design and easy-to-use interface, the Bbluv Digital Scale can detect your baby’s weight in seconds with an accuracy of 0.17 ounces. Measurements are displayed on a large LED screen, and the scale will automatically shut off to conserve its battery.

Weight can be measured in both pounds and kilograms on this scale, and there’s a “tare” button to subtract the weight of a diaper, blanket, or item of clothing. There’s also a “hold” function to capture the weight of a moving baby. This scale will also warn you if its battery is running low or you’ve reached its maximum weight capacity.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Size: 22 x 13 x 6.5 inches | Weight Range: 0-44 pounds | Accuracy: 0.17 ounces | Batteries: One CR2032 battery}

Amazon

Pros

Stores up to 10 previous readings
Includes a built-in measuring tape
App tracks a variety of milestones

Cons

Surface may be uncomfortable for baby

The Beurer BY90 provides two ways for parents to track their baby’s weight: on the scale itself or through the free Beurer BabyCare app. After downloading the app, it syncs with the scale via Bluetooth and can track your baby’s weight, height, food intake, and behavior. By having this information in one place, caregivers can easily access and share relevant health information with their child’s pediatrician.

The plastic surface on the scale is easy to clean, but it doesn’t have any cushioning. If you need to place a blanket on the scale to help your baby feel more comfortable, be sure to use the “tare” function to subtract the weight of the blanket or extra item of clothing.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Size: 22 x 13 x 1.9 inches | Weight Range: 0-44 pounds | Accuracy: 0.2 ounces | Batteries: 2 AA batteries}

Amazon

Pros

Baby tray locks firmly in place
Cute teddy bear design on toddler scale
Track multiple milestones with included chart

Cons

On the heavy side

This particular scale is a great option for growing families. In addition to functioning as a baby scale, it can also transform into a toddler scale by removing the infant tray. The toddler scale is shaped like a teddy bear and can withstand up to 60 pounds. While the LCD display gives the option of either pounds or kilograms, the scale only measures in 0.5-ounce increments, which may not be precise enough for parents who are tracking their infant’s weight before and after feedings.

The scale itself weighs slightly more than 8 pounds, making it one of the heavier scales we researched. However, the baby tray features a security lock to ensure it stays firmly in place, which will give you peace of mind that it’s secure enough to hold your baby. In addition to the scale, you’ll also receive a detailed growth chart on which to track your child’s weight and height against national averages, as well as a tooth loss timeline and shoe size chart.

Price at time of publication: $76

^{Key Specs:
Size: 12.6 x 9.06 x 23.03 inches | Weight Range: 0-60 pounds | Accuracy: 0.5 ounces | Batteries: One 9V battery}

Amazon

Pros

Slim design makes it easy to store
Automatically shuts off
Curved platform cradles baby

Cons

Hard surface may require extra padding

This lightweight scale weighs less than 4 pounds and has all the basic functions you need to monitor your baby’s weight. It’s also more spacious than other scales, which may be convenient for weighing a wiggly baby, and can be stored under a crib or in a closet thanks to its slim design.

In addition to a “hold” button to accommodate wiggly babies, it has a “tare” button that allows you to subtract the weight of a blanket or an item of clothing placed on the scale. With the touch of a button, it can switch between decimal pounds, pounds and ounces, and kilograms, giving you plenty of options for weighing your bundle of joy.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Size: ‎21.57 x 12.8 x 1.42 inches | Weight Range: 0-44 pounds | Accuracy: 0.35 ounces | Batteries: 3 AAA batteries}

Amazon

Pros

Sleek, minimal design
Large, bright LED display

Cons

Tray is on the shorter side

The AccuMed Baby Scale is a good option if you’re looking for something that is easy to assemble and store away when needed. To build the scale, you’ll only need to follow two steps: Snap the tray together, then slide it into the slot on the scale. Taking the scale apart and storing it is just as easy because there are only three pieces, and they’re all relatively thin and flat.

Another bonus is its clean, all-white design, which is bound to complement any home or nursery. With the touch of a button, it can switch between pounds and kilograms and give parents the option to “hold” for movement and “tare” to compensate for extra items. While the length measurement feature is a plus, the tray doesn’t extend beyond 23 inches. Since the average baby will reach this length after only two to three months, the long-term use of this scale may be limited.

Price at time of publication: $54

^{Key Specs:
Size: 13.86 x 13.74 x 4.69 inches | Weight Range: 0.22-200 pounds | Accuracy: 0.32 ounces | Batteries: 2 AAA batteries}

Amazon

Pros

Weighs less than 3 pounds
Cushioned surface
Includes soft measuring tape

Cons

App can be tricky to navigate

The Hubble Grow is another changing pad/scale combo, but it’s much lighter than the Hatch Grow. Wherever you use the Hubble Grow, just be sure to place it on a flat, level surface at all times.

It’s easy to calibrate this scale—just push the “tare” button to reset it to zero. There’s also a “hold” button to compensate for movement and an LCD screen that clearly displays your baby’s weight. You can track your baby’s growth history on the HubbleClub app, which also stores data on their height, feedings, diaper changes, and mom’s pumping sessions. The Hubble Grow comes with a hypoallergenic changing pad cover that can be cleaned as needed in the washing machine.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Size: 21.1 x 13 x 3.4 inches | Weight Range: 0-44 pounds | Accuracy: 0.32 ounces | Batteries: 4 AAA batteries}

How We Selected the Best Baby Scales

When researching the best baby scales, we spoke with a board-certified pediatrician and a certified lactation education consultant about the benefits of having a baby scale and what to look for when purchasing one. We applied their feedback to our search criteria and analyzed dozens of baby scales. Upon selecting our recommendations, we prioritized those that are accurate, user-friendly, multi-functional, easy to assemble and clean, and have smart capabilities.

What to Look for in Baby Scales

Accuracy

Quite possibly, the most important factor of any scale is its accuracy, or how close it comes to detecting your baby’s actual weight. The scales we selected range from an accuracy of 0.1 ounces to 0.5 ounces, each with its own design and set of features. The most accurate of our picks are the Ozeri All-in-One Baby and Toddler Scale and the Greater Goods Smart Baby Scale, both of which can provide readings with a margin of error of 0.1 ounces.

Digital scales are more accurate than mechanical scales, but they still need to be calibrated regularly and placed on a hard, level surface—ideally, the same one—every time they're used. “Most [at-home scales] are pretty accurate,” says Dr. Danser. “Consistency is key, so be sure to weigh the baby on the same scale each time.”

Smart Capabilities

These days, most people probably have at least one smart product. In many ways, they can make life easier and be integrated with other devices we own. In terms of a baby scale, having one with smart capabilities allows parents to manage their child’s data with ease and even access or share it from their smartphone.

Some smart baby scales, like the Ozeri All-in-One Baby and Toddler Scale, may be able to measure your baby’s length and head circumference, compute how much they’ve grown since using the scale last, and manage measurements for multiple children at once. Other scales that connect with an app can compare your child’s weight to national or worldwide averages and incorporate other data, such as the number of diaper changes during any given day.

Multi-Functional

From bibs and bottles to toys and clothes, it’s easy to accumulate excess items when you’re a new parent. Babies are constantly growing, and they need larger or more age-appropriate things, leaving many parents wondering how they’ll ever find space for yet another baby product. Using items that serve a dual purpose can help caregivers with this challenge by saving them money, time, and space.

For example, instead of purchasing a baby scale and a changing pad, parents can invest in a Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad, which allows them to weigh their baby while changing their diapers. Other scales, like the MomMed Baby Scale, have removable trays so that the scale can be used by the whole family. If a baby scale can be used for other purposes or by other people, it makes the purchase of one much more worthwhile.

Design

Baby scales vary in design, so it’s important to find one that fits your space and lifestyle. Before purchasing a scale, you may want to measure your baby’s nursery to determine how much space you have to fit one. If you intend to put the scale away when it’s not in use, you may want to choose a collapsible model like the Greater Goods Smart Baby Scale. Alternatively, some scales are thin and sleek, such as the AccuMed Baby Scale, while the Salter Baby Scale has high edges to help prevent your baby from rolling side to side while on the scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to purchase a baby scale?

In some cases, your child’s pediatrician may suggest that you use a baby scale “to weigh the baby at home so you can regularly send them weights to monitor [your baby’s] progress,” explains Dr. Danser.
Some parents may also want to know how much milk their baby is getting at each feeding. According to Brianna Jonsson, CLEC, this can be especially challenging for new caregivers. “There is no way to measure [how much a baby is consuming] unless a mom is pumping and bottle feeding expressed milk or using formula. Baby scales can provide peace of mind if a mom wants to see an increase in weight after a feeding,” she says.
What’s the best way to weigh a baby?

According to Dr. Danser, there are a few steps parents should follow to properly weigh their baby. “Place the baby directly on the (cleaned and disinfected) scale. If [you choose] to put a pad in between the scale and the baby, make sure to zero the scale so that the weight of the pad is not included. Lastly, have the baby fully naked when taking their weight—no clothes or diapers,” says Dr. Danser.
Can you weigh your baby on a regular scale?

According to Dr. Danser, you should only weigh your little one on a baby scale. “Adult scales will not be accurate enough for such small weights,” Dr. Danser says.
How can I know if my baby is eating enough?

Weighing your baby at home does not replace their regular visits to the pediatrician, but it can give you a picture of how much your baby may be ingesting during a feeding or help you determine if they aren’t gaining enough weight.
In addition to weighing your baby, there are signs you can look for to determine if they’re getting enough nutrition. Brianna Jonsson, mother of four and certified lactation education consultant (CLEC), explains that the color of your baby’s poop is a big indicator. “While feeding your baby, you can also watch to see if they’re swallowing, have milk in their mouth, and seem satisfied and relaxed,” Brianna says.
Caregivers should keep in mind that almost all newborns lose an average of 10% of their weight during their first week of life. After that, they start gaining around an ounce per day and should be back to their birth weight by the time they’re two weeks old. If you’re concerned about your baby’s weight gain, contact your child’s pediatrician right away.
How much is a baby scale?

You can expect to pay around $60-$70 for a good-quality baby scale that will give you pretty accurate readings, but the full price range can be as low as $40 and as much as $150. The higher end of the price range will get you a sleekly designed baby scale with Bluetooth connectivity, an accompanying app, and an insightful analysis of your baby’s weight gain.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Laura Lu is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. She’s also a mother of two young children and dutifully relied on a baby scale to weigh her son and track his breastmilk intake.

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