Norms of weight and height of children
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Norms of weight and height of children for a long time were obsolete, pediatricians recommended to parents the schemes and standards developed almost forty years ago. Since 2003, the standards have changed, for more than seven years the World Health Organization has carried out specific studies called MIPR, a multi-purpose study of development indicators. Since 2006, WHO proposes to determine the dynamics of weight gain and growth according to new standards. This is a fairly simple, convenient table, which is used by both doctors and young parents.
The main benchmarks for monitoring the weight and height of a child are as follows:
The first month, starting with the birthday of the baby.
- The development of the body is an increase in weight by 500-600 grams;
- Body height - by 2-3 centimeters;
- Head growth (circumference) - 1-2 centimeters (average 1.5 cm).
Second month.
- Development of the body - increase in body weight - 700-800 grams;
- Body height - 2-3 centimeters;
- The growth of the head circumference is 1-1.5 centimeters.
The third month.
- Development of the body - adding up to 800 grams in weight;
- Growth - an increase of 2-2.5 centimeters;
- The increase in the circumference of the head is 1-1.5 centimeters.
Fourth month.
- The body adds to the weight of 700-750 grams;
- Growth increases by an average of 2-2.5 centimeters;
- The circumference of the head may not increase, or slightly increase.
Fifth month.
- Weight increases by 650-700 grams;
- Growth - an increase of 1.5-2 centimeters.
The sixth month.
- The body adds about 600-650 grams in weight;
- The growth is increased by 1.5-2 centimeters;
- The width of the chest should be larger than the size of the head.
Seventh month.
- Body weight increases by 550-600 grams;
- The body grows by 1.5-2 centimeters.
The eighth month.
- Body weight increases by 500-550 grams;
- The body grows by 1.5-2 centimeters.
The ninth month.
- Weight can increase by 400-500 grams;
- The body grows by 2 centimeters.
The tenth month.
- The body adds about 400-450 grams in weight;
- The body grows by 2 centimeters.
The eleventh month.
- Weight increases by 350-400 grams;
- The body grows by 1.5-2 centimeters.
The twelfth month.
- Body weight is tripled compared to the first days of life;
- The dynamics of growth for the year should be gradual and is about 20-25 centimeters for the whole year.
Norms of weight and height of children are not absolute standards, in each individual case deviations from borders are possible. This is explained by ethnic factors, and hereditary as well. WHO compiled the most averaged tables for children all over the world and does not insist that a five-month-old child who does not have the prescribed 700 grams be immediately treated.
Immediately after the appearance of the baby, doctors measure his parameters - weight and height, comparing with the norm of weight and height of children. The limits of the normal growth of the newborn are 45-56 centimeters, and the weight ranges from 2700 to 4000 grams. For several days after birth, the child loses his already light weight. This is considered acceptable if the baby "drops" no more than 8% of the original mass. Physiological weight loss is associated with the gradual withering away of an unnecessary umbilical cord and the release of urine, meconium. In a week the child should start to restore, and then and to type weight of a body. Also, even in the maternity hospital a special index is calculated - the Quetelet index. This is the ratio of weight to length. For example, the weight of the baby is 3,500 grams, and the height is 51 centimeters. The Quetelet index is: 3500/51 = 68.6. The normal boundaries of the index are from 60 to 70 units.
In any case, the norms of weight and height of the child should not serve as a "Procrustean bed" for the baby and his parents. If you are concerned about the slow dynamics of weight gain or height, consult a pediatrician who is treating you, you may need to revise your diet or diet.
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