What do my child's growth chart
measurements mean?
They are a general indicator of how your child is developing physically. By comparing your baby's measurements to national averages for children of the same age and sex, and to measurements from previous checkups, the doctor can determine whether he is following an overall growth pattern. Don't get too hung up on your child's results. The National Center for Health
Statistics' growth charts (the ones currently used in the United States) are
badly in need of an update. They were created in 1976 solely on the basis of
data from formula-fed Caucasian children. (Breast-fed babies tend to be slightly
leaner than their formula-fed cousins.) Word has it that the charts are
currently being revised to accurately reflect children of all ethnicities, as
well as those who are formula-fed or breastfed exclusively, but so
far the center hasn't released any new ones. We'll keep you posted. To chart your baby's growth at home, try the growth chart calculator.
Babies tend to go through rapid growth spurts, during which they might put on
half a pound or grow two inches in a month. Other months they may gain only an
ounce or two and grow a mere half an inch. Your doctor will look for an overall
pattern, not at individual peaks and valleys. If your baby hasn't been sick but his growth is slowing, your practitioner may suggest increasing feedings. You may be asked to come in for more frequent visits to make sure that your baby starts gaining weight again and isn't failing to thrive. Generally, doctors will also look more closely at babies who fall in the
extreme percentile ranges — above 95 percent and below 5 percent — in any area.
Some reasons for extreme measurements (such as having tall or short parents) are
harmless, but others, such as obesity or hydrocephalus |