Except for unusual circumstances (eg neurologically impaired baby being sent 
home on gavage feedings for a certain time period), the usual criteria are:
1. Gaining weight consistently on breast, bottle, cup, finger-feeding, etc or 
any combination of feeding methods
2. Able to keep body temp in normal range in an open crib in normal baby 
clothes (usually happens around 1500 gm -3.5 lbs - but sometimes sooner or later)
3. Remembers to breathe ALL the time -ie no stimulation-requiring apnea or 
significant bradycardia for 4-5 days prior to discharge.

Weight is NOT a criteria.  I have discharged infants (usually SGA) as small 
as 1200gm who met the above criteria and not discharged 5 kg infants who did 
not meet the criteria.

Nancy E. Wight MD, IBCLC, FABM, FAAP
Neonatologist
Medical Director, Lactation Services
Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women
San Diego, CA USA
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