An infant growth chart is a tool that helps parents, doctors, and other health professionals track a baby’s growth over time. By recording key measurements, it gives a clear picture of how your baby is developing compared to healthy growth standards.The chart records three main measurements:Length (height)WeightHead circumferenceThese details are plotted so you can see how they change as your baby grows. The vertical axis shows the measurement, while the horizontal axis shows your baby’s age.Growth charts are more than just numbers. They help assess your baby’s overall health and nutrition. Charts differ for boys and girls, as well as for infants and older children. For babies aged 0 to 2 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards are used. From 2 years onwards, most states and territories use growth charts based on the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).You will usually find a growth chart in your child’s personal health record, which may come in different colours depending on where you live. Parents can also register their child for a My Health Record, a digital platform where healthcare providers can upload growth information and other health updates.What Are Percentiles?Percentiles are a common way of showing growth patterns on a chart. They compare your baby’s measurements with those of other babies of the same age.For example:A baby on the 50th percentile for weight is right in the middle. Half of babies the same age weigh less, and half weigh more.A baby on the 5th percentile for weight is lighter than 95% of babies that age.A baby on the 90th percentile for weight is heavier than 90% of babies that age.ALSO READ: 99th Percentile Baby: What It Means, Risks, And What Parents Should KnowEvery baby grows at their own pace. Some are naturally smaller, others naturally bigger. What matters most is that your baby follows a steady growth pattern over time.How Growth Charts Are Used Growth charts help identify whether your baby is following a healthy growth curve. While it is not necessary for a child to match the curve exactly, their growth should generally follow a consistent path.Your baby is first weighed and measured at birth. It is normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first few days, which is why they are often weighed again at two weeks to check if they have returned to their birth weight. After that, regular growth checks are recommended, usually monthly in the first year. Routine health checks continue throughout childhood, with growth charts used until a child turns 18. The timing of these checks may vary depending on your state or territory.Measuring Your BabySpecial infant scales are used for babies up to 20 kilograms. Newborns are weighed lying down, without clothes or a nappy, to ensure accuracy. After the age of 2, children are weighed standing up in light clothing.Head circumference is measured with a tape measure to track brain and skull growth.For babies born prematurely, a corrected age is used until they are 2 years old. This adjustment accounts for the number of weeks they were born early. For example, a 4-month-old baby born one month early would have a corrected age of 3 months for growth chart purposes.When to Seek AdviceA growth chart is a helpful tool, but it is not the only indicator of a baby’s health. Other signs of healthy development include:At least five very wet nappies each dayPale urineSoft, well-sized bowel movementsRegaining birth weight by 14 days oldContentment between feedsMost babies double their birth weight by around 4 months. If weight gain is slower than expected, it could be due to feeding difficulties, illness, or other health issues.If your baby’s growth percentile drops significantly or weight gain remains low, speak to your doctor or child health nurse. They can assess the overall growth trend and investigate if needed.Finally, avoid comparing your baby’s growth to others. Healthy growth looks different for every child, and the goal is steady development through infancy and beyond.
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