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Parents / Kevin Liang
Worrying about your baby's well-being is inevitable, but there are a few simple tools that can help ease some of the anxiety. A baby scale, for example, can confirm that their weight gain is on track and give you some peace of mind regarding their nutritional intake at home.
According to Julia Danser, DO, a mother and board-certified pediatrician, there are a variety of benefits to owning an at-home baby scale. It “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...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.
Today’s baby scales are very easy to use. They're all digital, and many have smart features that can send, collect, and store data right on the device or through a mobile application. We considered these key features, in addition to accuracy, of course, when creating our list of the best baby scales to help you track their growth at home.
To narrow down our selection, 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 this list of the top 12 recommendations based on accuracy, design, and functionality.
Our Favorites
- Best Overall: Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad
- Best Budget: MomMed Baby Scale
- Best Accuracy: Greater Goods Smart Baby Scale
- Best Safety Features: Salter Baby Scale
- Best Features: Graco Infant to Toddler to Big Kid Scale
- Best User-Friendly: bbluv Kilo Digital Baby Scale
- Best With App: Beurer BY90 Digital Baby Scale
- Best Versatility: Health o Meter Baby Toddler Scale
- Best Surface Area: Smart Weigh Comfort Baby Scale
- Best for Small Spaces: AccuMed Baby Scale
Best Overall
Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad
Why We Like It
The Hatch Baby Grow 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 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 up to 44 pounds and is accurate down to a quarter of an ounce. You can also use it to track diaper changes, time sleep and feedings, and even compare your baby’s growth to data from the World Health Organization (WHO).
But Take Note
One of the biggest drawbacks we noticed is that there’s no display on the actual device, Likewise, the scale needs to sync with the app before providing an overall weight reading. Finally, while the Hatch Baby Grow is a sleek scale that will fit in with virtually any nursery decor scheme, it's a pricier option.
The Details:
- Size: 29 x 16.5 x 3.5 inches
- Weight range: 0–44 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.25 ounces
- Batteries: 3 AA batteries
Best Budget
MomMed Baby Scale
Why We Like It
For a fraction of the cost of other baby scales, this three-in-one scale from MomMed is designed to grow with your child and can be used by the whole family. Along with weighing and measuring your baby, it transforms into a toddler and adult scale that can withstand up to 220 pounds when you remove the baby adapter.
The scale also features key functions that make it intuitive and improve accuracy. In addition to a “zero” button to calibrate the scale, you can also use the “tare” function to enhance measurement precision by removing the weight added by a baby blanket or clothing. Plus, the large backlit LED display makes it easy to read measurements and allows you to switch between ounces, pounds, and kilograms with the touch of a button.
But Take Note
There's no denying that this is an incredibly affordable scale that's designed to last for years to come. However, it's a bit odd that length measurements are only available in centimeters, so you'll need to convert them to inches and feet. Also, note that this scale's accuracy range is 0.32 ounces.
The Details:
- Size: 15 x 4.6 x 11.52 inches
- Weight range: 0.11–220 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.32 ounces
- Batteries: 2 AAA batteries
Best Accuracy
Greater Goods Smart Baby Scale
Why We Like It
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 features accuracy down to 0.1 ounces and provides measurements in pounds with ounces, decimal pounds, or kilograms.
The Greater Goods Smart Baby Scale is also ideal for households with multiple children 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. You can also view the baby's weight on the large, reverse backlit display.
With its two-in-one design, this scale can withstand up to 66 pounds, which makes it usable well into the elementary school years (you just need to remove the collapsible tray to use it with older kiddos).
But Take Note
The Greater Goods Smart Baby Scale scale requires four AAA batteries to function. Also, the scale may struggle to provide more accurate measurements if you have a particularly active baby who doesn't settle down on the tray.
The Details:
- Size: 5.22 x 4.82 x 1.22 inches
- Weight range: 0–66 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.1 ounces
- Batteries: 4 AAA batteries
Best Safety Features
Salter Baby Scale
Why We Like It
One of our favorite features of this scale is its concave shape: The curved edges provide extra support for your baby and can help them feel more secure while being weighed. The scoop design also helps prevent them from rolling from side to side, enabling caregivers to obtain a more accurate weight. The tray also has a swivel lock feature to ensure it stays put at all times.
We appreciate that this scale arrives mostly pre-assembled and all you need to do is snap in the infant tray to begin using it. There are also tare and hold buttons. The hold button extends the display time for measurements.
But Take Note
As a toddler scale, this product has a low weight capacity of just 44 pounds. When using the “tare” and “hold” buttons or switching from pounds and ounces to kilograms, we found 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. And compared to some of the other models we reviewed, the 0.5-ounce accuracy is lower.
The Details:
- Size: 21.5 x 10 x 10 inches
- Weight range: 0–44 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.5 ounces
- Batteries: One 9-volt battery
Best Features
Graco Infant to Toddler to Big Kid Scale
Why We Like It
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 (up to 220 pounds).
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.
But Take Note
We love that this scale lets you weigh the baby while in your arms, but it can feel a bit flimsy when you step on it.
The Details:
- Size: 13.7 x 6.65 x 25 inches
- Weight range: 0–220 pounds
- Accuracy: ± 1%
- Batteries: 3 AAA batteries
Best User-Friendly
bbluv Kilo Digital Baby Scale
Why We Like It
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 and three decimal places. 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. Another useful feature is that this scale will warn you if its battery is running low or you’ve reached its maximum weight capacity.
But Take Note
Unfortunately, this isn't a scale that syncs with an app or stores previous readings. So, if you choose to go the bbluv route, be prepared to keep a notebook or your phone's notepad open so you can record measurements.
The Details:
- Size: 22 x 13 x 6.5 inches
- Weight range: 0–44 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.17 ounces
- Batteries: One CR2032 battery
Best With App
Beurer BY90 Digital Baby Scale
Why We Like It
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 scale features an easy-to-clean plastic surface and a "tare" function to subtract the weight of blankets or extra clothing. You'll also appreciate that the scale can store up to 10 previous readings and comes with a built-in measuring tape to measure height.
But Take Note
While the plastic tray is convenient to clean, it's not the most comfortable. A blanket can make it a little more comfortable for your baby when you lay them down on the scale.
The Details:
- Size: 22 x 13 x 1.9 inches
- Weight Range: 0–44 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.2 ounces
- Batteries: 2 AA batteries
Best Versatility
Health o Meter Baby Toddler Scale
Why We Like It
This particular scale is a great option for growing families. In addition to functioning as a baby scale, it can 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.
But Take Note
While this scale is fairly durable, some parents may find the heavier design inconvenient, especially if they have to move it around after every weigh-in. This isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but something to be mindful of as you choose a baby scale.
The Details:
- Size: 12.6 x 9.06 x 23.03 inches
- Weight range: 0–60 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.5 ounces
- Batteries: One 9V battery
Best Surface Area
Smart Weigh Comfort Baby Scale
Why We Like It
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. This scale also has an auto-shutoff function.
But Take Note
The one thing this scale is missing is padding, so you may want to add a little something extra to keep your little one's head protected when you weigh them.
The Details:
- Size: 21.57 x 12.8 x 1.42 inches
- Weight range: 0–44 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.35 ounces
- Batteries: 3 AAA batteries
Best for Small Spaces
AccuMed Baby Scale
Why We Like It
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. Once your baby ages out of needing the tray, this scale transforms into a bathroom scale that works for adults with a maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds.
But Take Note
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.
The Details:
- Size: 13.86 x 13.74 x 4.69 inches
- Weight range: 0.22–200 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.32 ounces
- Batteries: 2 AAA batteries
Best Light Option
Hubble Connected Hubble Grow+
Why We Like It
The Hubble Grow is another changing pad/scale combo, but it’s much lighter than the Hatch Grow (it weighs less than 3 pounds!). 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, cushioned changing pad cover that can be cleaned as needed in the washing machine.
But Take Note
There's a lot to love about the Hubble Grow, but the app can be tricky to navigate. You don't have to use the app to use the scale, however. So, if you find it too frustrating, you can just rely on the display panel on the scale.
The Details:
- Size: 21.1 x 13 x 3.4 inches
- Weight range: 0–44 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.32 ounces
- Batteries: 4 AAA batteries
Our Review Process
To find 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.
Our Experts
- Julia Danser, DO, a mother and board-certified pediatrician at One Medical in San Francisco, California
- Brianna Jonsson, mother of four and certified lactation education consultant in Orange County, California
Factors to Consider
- Accuracy: The most important factor of any scale is its accuracy in 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 is the Greater Goods Smart Baby Scale, which can provide readings with a margin of error of 0.1 ounces. For the best accuracy, scales should be placed on a hard, level surface—ideally, the same one every time. “Consistency is key, so be sure to weigh the baby on the same scale each time,” says Dr. Danser.
- Smart Capabilities: Baby scales with smart capabilities allow parents to manage their child’s data with ease and even access or share it from their smartphone. Some smart baby scales also record and analyze your baby’s length, head circumference, and growth since the last measurements. Others connect with an app to compare your child’s weight against national or worldwide averages, or incorporate other data like daily diaper changes and feedings.
- Multi-Functional: Dual-purpose scales can help caregivers save money 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. Other scales have removable trays so that the whole family can use them, which is a very useful feature.
- Design: Baby scales vary in design, so it’s important to find one that fits your space and lifestyle. Measure your baby’s nursery to determine how much space is available. Consider collapsible models if you want to put the scale away when it’s not in use.
Your Questions, Answered
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,” he says.
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,” he 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. Jonsson 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,” she 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 2 weeks old. If you’re concerned about your baby’s weight gain, contact your child’s pediatrician right away.
Who We Are
Laura Lu is an experienced health writer for Parents who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. 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.