How Louisiana’s Largest Baby Measures Against Texas’ Record Holder

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes babies. The birth of a baby boy in Texas in 2011 was one for the record books, according to ABC News. Baby JaMichael entered the world at a whopping 16 pounds, nearly twice the weight of the average newborn. Janet Johnson was told by her obstetrician that they were expecting a 12-13 pound baby, but was in for a surprise when JaMichael arrived 3 pounds heavier than predicted.

"They're calling him 'Moose' up here," JaMichael's father told ABC News' East Texas affiliate, KLTV.

How Louisiana's Largest Baby Stacks Up

Louisiana's largest baby birth ever recorded goes to Herman Johnson III in 1985. Born in Monroe, Louisiana, Johnson would eventually play football for the LSU Tigers on the 2007 National Championship team, and continue in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals and a short stint with the Chicago Bears.

Johnson weighed 15 pounds and 14 ounces at birth, making him the largest baby ever born in Louisiana, and only a few ounces short of the Texas record-holder.

On a related note, the Guinness Book of World Records lists the largest recorded birth of a baby as 23 pounds and 12 ounces to Anne Bates of Canada.

Challenges of large birth weight:

A larger baby can mean a bumpier ride out, increasing the chances of birth injuries like fractures and nerve damage. Babies born to moms with gestational diabetes might struggle with low blood sugar levels right after birth, needing a little extra TLC to stabilize. Big babies might have trouble clearing their lungs post-birth, leading to respiratory issues. In addition, research hints that babies born big might have a higher risk of packing on pounds later in life, setting the stage for obesity and metabolic troubles.