A mother in New York has given birth to a baby weighing 5.9 kilograms, nearly double the average newborn weight in the United States.
The delivery took place on January 31 at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca. Hospital officials say it is the heaviest baby ever born at the facility.
Parents Expected a Big Baby
The parents, Terrica and Shawn, knew their son might be larger than average based on prenatal check-ups.
Still, they were surprised when their baby, Shawn Jr, weighed 5.9 kilograms at birth.
The mother said it felt like she had given birth to a baby who was already several months old.
Skipping Newborn Sizes
Because of his size, Shawn Jr did not fit into standard newborn clothing.
He moved directly into clothes and diapers made for babies aged three to six months.
Hospital staff described the birth as memorable due to the baby’s unusual weight.
A Striking Contrast
On the same day, another baby, Margot, was born at the hospital weighing 1.8 kilograms.
The hospital shared a photo of both newborns side by side. The image showed a clear size difference and quickly gained attention online.
Margot’s parents said the comparison made the day even more special.
Hospital Prepared for All Birth Weights
Robyn Torgalski, System Director of Maternal and Child Health at Cayuga Health, said the team is trained to handle a wide range of birth weights.
She explained that whether a baby weighs 1.8 kilograms or nearly 6 kilograms, the focus remains the same: safe delivery and specialised care for mother and child.
Not a World Record
Although Shawn Jr set a local record in Ithaca, he is not the heaviest baby ever recorded.
According to Guinness World Records, the heaviest newborn was born in Italy in 1955 and weighed 9.97 kilograms.
A Memorable Start
For the family and hospital staff, the birth remains a remarkable moment.
While large babies are uncommon, medical teams are prepared to manage deliveries of different sizes safely.
Shawn Jr’s arrival has now become part of the hospital’s history.
