Final answer:
The average weight for a healthy newborn in the United States is approximately 7.5 pounds, with expected weight fluctuation in the first few weeks after birth before a steady increase in weight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average weight for a healthy newborn in the United States, with an initial length of 18 to 22 inches, falls within the range of 5.5 to 10 pounds. Specifically, the average birth weight is approximately 7.5 pounds for a well-nourished, full-term infant. In the weeks following birth, it is normal for a newborn to lose a small amount of weight before starting to gain weight rapidly. Growth is a key indicator of health in infancy, where the typical newborn's weight will double in six months and triple by their first birthday.