What Is Percentile Baby Growth & Should It Concern Me?īaby growth charts are developed using data gained from weighing and measuring thousands of kids to create percentiles. Weight will be measured in pounds to the closest ounce.

Weight: The doctor or nurse will ask you to undress your baby, removing any clothing for a more accurate reading.

Some doctors use a flexible mat with a moveable headboard and footboard for more accurate results as babies tend to wiggle and move.

Length: Your baby will be measured while they lay flat on a table, head to the soles of their feet.

This measurement is important as it correlates to brain growth. They are measuring the largest circumference of your baby’s head.

Head circumference: The doctor or nurse will use a flexible measuring tape just above the eyebrows and ears, around the back of the head.

During each baby checkup the doctor will be measuring a few things: The size and growth of your baby will become a routine part of each doctor’s visit. How Will My Baby’s Measurements be Taken? To explore each of the World Health Organization (WHO) baby growth charts and print copies for your own at-home use, download them here. The WHO baby growth charts include baby boy growth charts and baby girl growth charts, and two chart types in each category. By looking at the line between data points on the baby growth chart, your baby’s rate of development can be tracked against these percentiles.īMI-a screening tool to figure out weight category-will not be measured until your little one is over 2 years old.

Baby’s head circumference compared to age (an indicator of brain growth)īy comparing one measurement against another, that will create a data point that falls along a grid onto which several percentiles have been defined.

Baby’s weight compared to height/length.

First, let’s demystify what, exactly, baby growth charts actually measure: You’ve likely seen baby boy and baby girl growth charts during visits to the doctor, but if your physician hasn’t explained them to you, you may find them confusing to read.

Age progression chart