The paper finds the status of the birth-weight of new-born babies in India and investigates its association with socio-demographic risk factors and maternal factors using the latest national level NFHS-5 data. The regional analysis reveals that the middle belt States of India have very low birth weight on average compared to other States. The linear regression of birthweight and logistic regression of the status of birthweight on the relevant explanatory variables shows that weight, height, age-group, haemoglobin level, and pregnancy duration of mothers along with the sex of the child, wealth index of the household, intake of iron tablet during pregnancy, frequency of intake of meat, etc. have a significant effect on the birthweight of babies. Interaction effects of sex of babies and place of residence reveal that Pregnancy duration is the only variable that interacts with the Sex of the newborn baby as well as place of residence for both linear and Logistic regression models to increase the birthweight of babies significantly.

The health status and pregnancy duration of mothers are the key factors for reducing low birth weight (LBW) of babies. Instead of leading sedentary life, mothers should lead a moderately active life at least during early pregnancy.