Weight and height standards for children

Weight and height standards for children have long been outdated, pediatricians recommended to parents schemes and standards developed almost forty years ago. Starting in 2003, the standards changed, for more than seven years the World Health Organization conducted specific studies called MIPR - multi-purpose study of development indicators. Since 2006, WHO has been suggesting to determine the dynamics of weight and height gain according to new standards. This is a fairly simple, convenient table, which is used by both doctors and young parents.

The main guidelines by which the child’s weight and height norms are monitored are as follows:

The first month, starting from the day the baby is born.

• Body development – weight increase by 500-600 grams;
• Body growth – 2-3 centimeters;
• Head growth (circumference) – 1-2 centimeters (on average 1.5 cm).

Second month.

• Body development – increase in body weight – 700-800 grams;
• Body height – 2-3 centimeters;
• Head circumference growth is 1-1.5 centimeters.

Third month.

• Body development - weight gain up to 800 grams;
• Growth – increase by 2-2.5 centimeters;
• Increase in head circumference – 1-1.5 centimeters.

Fourth month.

• The body gains 700-750 grams in weight;
• Growth increases by an average of 2-2.5 centimeters;
• Head circumference may not increase, or may increase only slightly.

Fifth month.

• Weight increases by 650-700 grams;
• Growth – increase by 1.5-2 centimeters.

Sixth month.

• The body gains about 600-650 grams in weight;
• Height increases by 1.5-2 centimeters;
• The width of the chest should be greater than the size of the head.

Seventh month.

• Body weight increases by 550-600 grams;
• The body grows by 1.5-2 centimeters.

Eighth month.

• Body weight increases by 500-550 grams;
• The body grows by 1.5-2 centimeters.

Ninth month.

• Weight may increase by 400-500 grams;
• The body grows by 2 centimeters.

Tenth month.

• The body gains 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 increases threefold compared to the first days of life;
• The growth dynamics over the year should be gradual and amount to about 20-25 centimeters for the entire year.

The weight and height norms for children are not absolute standards; in each individual case, deviations from the limits are possible. This is explained by ethnic factors, as well as hereditary ones. WHO has compiled the most average tables for children around the world and does not insist at all that a five-month-old child who has not gained the required 700 grams should be treated immediately.

Immediately after the baby is born, doctors measure its parameters - weight and height, comparing them with the norm of weight and height of children. The boundaries of normal growth of a newborn are 45-56 centimeters, and weight indicators fluctuate from 2700 to 4000 grams. For several days in a row after birth, the child loses his already small weight. This is considered acceptable if the baby "drops" no more than 8% of the original weight. Physiological weight loss is associated with the gradual death of the umbilical cord, which is no longer needed, and the release of urine and meconium. After a week, the child should begin to restore and then gain weight. Also, a special index is calculated in the maternity hospital - the Quetelet index. This is an index of the ratio of weight and length. For example, the baby's weight is 3500 grams, and his height is 51 centimeters. The Quetelet index is: 3500/51 = 68.6. The normal limits 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 with your pediatrician, perhaps it is necessary to review the diet or nutrition regime.

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