The first information we receive about a newborn child is gender, weight, height, and general condition. It is this information that we willingly share with relatives, friends and acquaintances when we announce the arrival of a long-awaited baby in the family. And this is not surprising, because height and weight are the first achievements of a baby, as well as indicators of his health. To assess these indicators, tables of norms for height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) are used.
Weight standards
Newborn weight standards
| Weight, kg | Less than average | Average weight, kg | Above average |
| boy | 2,5 – 2,8 | 2,9 – 3,9 | 4,0 – 4,4 |
| girl | 2,4 – 2,7 | 2,8 – 3,7 | 3,8 – 4,2 |
The weight ranges shown in the table (less than average, average, more than average) are the norm. However, it may turn out that a child in the “above average” category may be overweight; this can be clarified by analyzing the body mass index in the norm calculator.
Growth norms
Norms of body length (height) of newborns
| Body length, cm | Below the average | Average height, cm | Above average |
| boy | 46,1 – 47,9 | 48,0 – 51,8 | 51,9 – 53,7 |
| girl | 45,4 – 47,2 | 47,3 – 51,0 | 51,1 – 52,9 |
All body length ranges indicated in this table are considered normal. Moreover, the height of boys up to 55.6 cm, and girls up to 54.7 cm is also not considered a deviation, especially if there are hereditary prerequisites.
Simply assessing a newborn's weight and height is incomplete. The most accurate idea of the nature of a child’s weight is provided by an analysis using the body mass index, which can be performed in our calculator for children.
About deviations from the norms
If the height, weight or BMI of the baby at birth does not fit within the specified norms, then the doctor must find and analyze the reasons in order to exclude diseases that affect growth and development. Most often, short stature or very high height and weight are simply hereditary, in this case there is no reason to worry.
Also, deviations in the height, weight and health of newborns can be caused by heredity, the state of health of the mother during pregnancy, or her lifestyle during this period (excessive or low physical activity, insufficient or excess nutrition, smoking, alcohol).
Healthy babies born outside the norm, as a rule, compensate for the lack or excess weight within several months of life, subject to proper care and proper feeding.
See also reasons for deviations and what to do about them.
Norms at birth
To determine the overall level of physical development, you need to calculate the child's height and weight together. Separately, these two indicators are not very informative. According to WHO, the normal body weight of a healthy newborn child at birth is from 2800 to 4000 g. On the second day after birth, a natural weight loss occurs, reaching a maximum on the fifth day.
The acceptable reduction in body weight in the first week of life for premature babies is up to 14% of the initial value, for full-term babies – up to 8%.
For children under one year of age, weighing is performed before and after feeding to obtain an objective result. This procedure begins in the maternity hospital, and then in the pediatrician’s office at each visit. Based on the history of changes, the doctor will recommend correction of the breastfeeding regimen.
Body length for newborns is from 46 to 56 cm, by the end of the first year it averages up to 80 cm. The growth rate continues throughout the first year of life.
How to calculate the BMI of a child up to one year old
To assess excess weight, the World Health Organization uses BMI - body mass index. This parameter is based on the ratio of height and weight and further calculation of the proportion of fat mass in the child’s body. The author of the method was A. Quetelet.
Height and weight chart for a child
To determine the parameter, you can use the BMI calculator using Quetelet’s formula. Since the child’s body gains in weight and height very rapidly, the child’s BMI can change significantly over a short period of time. Therefore, the standard BMI assessment intended for adults is not suitable for children.
To obtain a correct estimate of BMI, experts studied the height and weight ratio of several thousand children. Thanks to the identified values, it is now possible to compare the BMI of an individual child with the average of a huge number of other children in the same age group. The data obtained when measuring BMI falls into one of the following categories:
- Underweight (BMI is below the 5th average);
- Normal weight (the value is between the 5th and 85th indicator);
- Overweight (the parameter is located in the range between the 85th and 95th value);
- Obesity (the index falls within the range of 95 and above).
On a note. To obtain more accurate data for children under 2 years of age, special charts of height and body weight are used, and a thorough medical examination is performed.
BMI is not a perfect way to check your body fat. Sometimes such studies can be misleading. For example, a teenager with a strong physique and developed muscles may have a high BMI, but not be obese (muscle, not fat, in this case increases body weight). In addition, the index can be difficult to assess during puberty, since at this time adolescents go through stages of active growth and development.
Body mass index, which indicates obesity
There is also a formula for calculating BMI, which includes 3 main steps:
- Measure the baby's height in meters;
- Square this value;
- Divide the child's body weight by the resulting figure.
On a note. The BMI indicator is individual for each person.
At the same time, there are a number of reasons that influence the decrease or increase of this parameter.
Child physical development chart
| Age (months) | Boys' height (cm) | Boys' weight (kg) | Girls' height (cm) | Girls' weight (kg) | Head circumference |
| 0 | 46-54 | 2,5-4,4 | 45-53 | 2,4-4,4 | 35-38 |
| 1 | 51-59 | 3,3-5,7 | 50-58 | 3,1-5,4 | 36-40 |
| 2 | 55-62 | 4,9-6,3 | 53-61 | 4,5-5,9 | 37-41 |
| 3 | 57,5-65,5 | 5-8 | 56-64 | 4,5-7,5 | 37-43 |
| 4 | 60-68 | 5,5-8,5 | 58-66 | 5-8 | 38-44 |
| 5 | 62-70 | 6-9,3 | 60-68 | 5,5-8,5 | 39-45 |
| 6 | 63-72 | 6,5-9,5 | 61-70 | 5,7-9,3 | 40-46 |
| 7 | 65-73 | 7-10 | 63-72 | 6-10 | 40-46 |
| 8 | 66-75 | 7-10,5 | 64-73 | 6,5-10 | 41-47 |
| 9 | 68-76 | 7-11 | 66-75 | 6,5-10,5 | 42-47 |
| 10 | 69-78 | 7,5-11,5 | 68-78 | 7-11 | 42-48 |
| 11 | 70-79 | 8-11,5 | 70-78 | 7-11 | 42-48 |
| 12 | 71-80 | 8-12 | 69-79 | 7-11,5 | 43-48 |
Guidelines for mom
The first month of a newborn's life
Physical development. By the end of the month, body weight gain is on average 600 g; increase in body length - by 3 cm, increase in head circumference - by 1-1.5 cm
Nutrition. The best is breast milk. 6 feedings every 3-3.5 hours. Night break - 6 hours. When artificial feeding - milk formula from 80 ml at the beginning to 100-120 ml at feeding.
Second month of a baby's life
Physical development. The increase in body weight is on average 800 g, the increase in body length is 3 cm, and the head circumference is 1.5 cm.
Nutrition. 6 feedings every 3.5
Third month of baby's life
Physical development. An average increase in body weight of 800 g, an increase in body length - by 2.5 cm, and an increase in head circumference - by 1.5 cm.
Baby nutrition. 6 feedings every 3.5 hours, 130-150 ml
Possible problems. 1. Asks to eat irregularly - more often, less often, in the middle of the night. In the first 4-6 weeks, meet him halfway; when breastfeeding, a healthy baby will develop the desired rhythm by this time. With artificial deviations from the schedule, 20-30 minutes are acceptable.
2. Intestinal colic is a concern. Prevention and assistance: lying on the stomach before meals, stroking the stomach clockwise, warmth on the stomach (warmed diaper), special children's herbal teas with fennel, chamomile; position - vertically in the arms of an adult.
Fourth month of a child's life
Physical development. The average increase in body weight is 750 g, the increase in body length is 2.5 cm. Starting from this month, each subsequent increase in body weight usually decreases by 50 g.
Psychomotor development. He rejoices when he sees his mother, turns his head in the direction where the voice comes from, the sound of a rattle. When treated affectionately by an adult, he perks up, laughs loudly, raises his arms, and waves them.
Nutrition. 6 feedings every 3.5 hours, 150-170 ml.
Fifth month of baby's life
Physical development. Body weight gain - 700 g, body length increase - 2 cm. Total body weight doubles compared to the original.
Psychomotor development. Freely takes a toy from the hands of an adult, holds it, turns from his back to his stomach, stands straight with support under his arms, hums melodiously, eats semi-liquid food from a spoon.
Nutrition. When feeding on formulas that are as close as possible to breast milk, additionally only juices and fruit purees. According to the latest recommendations, the introduction of yolk and cottage cheese has been postponed to a later date.
Sixth month of baby's life
Physical development. Body weight gain - 650 g, body length increase - 2 cm. Indicators of harmonious development: shoulder width is 1/4 of body length. The chest circumference is greater than the head circumference.
Psychomotor development. Lying on his stomach, he raises his head and shoulders high, rolls over from his stomach to his back, plays with a toy for a long time, transfers it from one hand to another, and begins to pronounce the first syllables.
Nutrition. From the middle of the month - complementary feeding with vegetable puree, gradually increase from a teaspoon to 180-200 g. For a full serving - 5 g of butter or vegetable oil. Juices - up to 50-60 ml in 2 doses, fruit puree - up to 50 g. A variety of juices and purees, start anything new with reduced portions.
From the end of the fifth - beginning of the sixth month, switch to 5 feedings a day every 4 hours. The total volume of food, including juices, is no more than a liter.
Possible problems. Previously unnoticed neurological abnormalities may be revealed: the child lags behind in the development of movements, smiles little or not at all, does not respond to affectionate speech, sharply throws back his head, and when frightened, rolls his eyes so that the pupil is almost invisible. Consultation with a neurologist is necessary.
The fourth month is a typical time for the manifestation of rickets. Its most obvious sign is increased sweating of the head, palms and feet. Necessary measures: increase exposure to fresh air, take a course of vitamin D treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
Seventh month of a child's life
Physical development. Body weight gain - 600 g; increase in body length - 2 cm.
Psychomotor development. He plays with toys for a long time, loves to knock them, wave them, and throw them. He begins to crawl, and by the end of the month he can confidently move on all fours.
Nutrition. 5 feedings every 4 hours. Start gradually introducing the second complementary food - porridge (second morning feeding).
Eighth month of a baby's life
Physical development. Body weight gain - 550 g; increase in body length - 2 cm.
Psychomotor development. He sits down and lies down, gets up, holding onto the barrier, stands, steps over. Fulfills requests: “make some kindness”, “give me a pen.” Drinks from a cup held by an adult.
Nutrition. 5 feedings every 4 hours. In addition to the fourth feeding (at 18:00) - cottage cheese, mashed with milk or fruit puree, starting from one to 3-4 teaspoons. From the middle of the month, add hard-boiled yolk to vegetable puree, starting from crumbs to 1/4
Ninth month of a child's life
Physical development. Body weight gain - 500 g; increase in body length - 1.5 cm.
Psychomotor development. To the question “Where?” finds several familiar objects regardless of their location. Knows his name. Imitating an adult, he repeats syllables after him and reproduces intonation.
Nutrition. 5 feedings every 4 hours. The first and last is breast milk or formula. To the vegetable puree (third feeding at 14:00) add mashed meat puree from lean pork, beef, starting with a teaspoon up to 50 g (serving with vegetable puree - 220-250 g). Give yolk with porridge.
Possible problems. Allergic reactions to any foods introduced into the diet: inflammation, redness of the skin of the cheeks, various rashes, itching, anxiety. Eliminate the most likely allergens - eggs, strawberries, carrots and other red and orange fruits and vegetables, chicken, cow's milk. When finding out what the child cannot tolerate, keep a food diary, write down what he ate and what reactions appeared, and do not give two new foods on the same day.
Tenth month of a child's life
Physical development. Body weight gain - 450 g, body length increase - 1.5 cm.
Psychomotor development. At the request of an adult, he acts with objects in a variety of ways: he closes and opens a box, puts a bowl into one another, takes it out of a bowl or box, and puts them back. Can grasp a small object with a tweezer-like movement of two fingers - the thumb and the index finger.
Nutrition. At the fourth feeding (at 6 p.m.), gradually replace milk or formula with kefir plus 40 g of cottage cheese. The total amount of juice at this age is 70 g (in two doses), fruit puree is 60 g.
The range of products remains the same. You can diversify the porridge by making an assortment of different cereals, adding fruits to them: apple, banana, berries. Put 5 g of butter in the porridge, and 5 g of vegetable oil in the puree. If you are prone to constipation, plum and peach puree is useful.
Eleventh month of a child's life
Physical development. Body weight gain - 400 g, body length increase - 1.5 cm.
Psychomotor development. Stands on his own, takes his first steps. Upon request, he finds a ball, a watch, a typewriter. He puts on the pyramid rings and takes them off. Knows how to place a cube on a cube. Pronounces the first designation words: “give”, “na”, “av”, “ba”.
Nutrition. When breastfeeding, of the two remaining feedings, replace one (morning) with kefir. Gradually replace the meat puree with a soft meatball, a steam cutlet. If there is no diathesis, by the end of the month, once a week, instead of meat, give fish meatballs or boiled fish puree.
Twelfth month of a child's life
Physical development. By one year, the initial (at birth) body weight triples, the total increase in body length is 25 cm,
Psychomotor development. Recognizes a familiar adult from a photograph. Fulfills instructions - “bring”, “find”, “give”. Easily repeats new syllables after an adult, pronounces up to ten words. Knows the word “impossible.”
Nutrition. For pureed meat or fish, offer a little salad of grated or finely chopped vegetables or vinaigrette. Cottage cheese can also be given in the form of pudding or casserole. Since the child wakes up later, the entire regime shifts 1-1.5 hours forward. Replace the last (fifth) breastfeeding with kefir, and if the baby is sleeping peacefully by this time, cancel it altogether.
Possible problems with the child.
1. The child does not chew, chokes on lumps, and nervous children may develop habitual vomiting. More thorough grinding is not the answer. The main measure: to stimulate the child’s interest in food, his independence and activity, by giving a spoon in the right hand, a piece of bread, carrots (if there is no diathesis), cauliflower, a slice of cucumber, a quarter of a peeled apple in the left.
2. The child does not like to sit on the potty. Check if it is comfortable. Do not be overly persistent - this may increase the protest. Offer the procedure calmly, kindly, at the moment of greatest likelihood of success - after sleep, 15-20 minutes after eating. Do not blame for the lack of results. Wear diapers only for walks.
Overweight
According to WHO, the number of children under 5 years of age who are overweight is constantly growing. In 1990 there were 32 million, in 2021 - 41 million. In childhood, obesity significantly increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
The best way to prevent obesity in newborns is exclusively breastfeeding from birth to six months, with the exception of formula and complementary foods.
To determine the presence of obesity, you need to calculate the ratio of body length for age and body mass index for age.
But there is an important nuance. Many infants exclusively on breastfeeding actively gain weight in the first months of life - up to 2 kg. per month. Sometimes such an active increase worries pediatricians, and they advise mothers to supplement their children with water, limit the time the child spends at the breast, and introduce a strict feeding regimen.
Breastfeeding consultants, guided by WHO recommendations, take a different position. They believe that if a child is fed on demand, he eats exactly as much as his body needs and adds exactly as much as that particular child needs. No special measures need to be taken. Usually, at 3-4 months, the increase slows down, and by the age of one year such babies weigh about the same as the average child.
How to measure
It is important to calm the baby during the examination. If the baby squirms, screams, jerks his legs and arms, it is difficult to get the right results.
To measure weight, you need scales that are installed on a hard, level surface. New scales must be checked and the latest results reset to zero. It is better to weigh the child in the morning after using the toilet, but before feeding, at the same time, preferably without clothes.
To measure the height of a child under one year old, a stadiometer mounted on a horizontal surface is required. And we must try to ensure that the legs are straightened, the heels and the top of the head are located on the same straight line in the middle of the stadiometer. Additionally, the child's skull and chest circumference measurements also help assess his physical development. All parameters are taken into account by the pediatrician and recorded in the child’s medical record.
Shortage
If your baby weighs much less than the lower limit in his age group and is not gaining weight, you should pay attention to his health. Hypotrophy is noticeable already from the first months of life and is manifested by a low level of subcutaneous fat - the baby’s characteristic “chubby cheeks” are absent, and the appearance of the body is also different.
Breastfed babies often gain weight more slowly than formula-fed babies, but the gain is constant.
To avoid underfeeding, pediatricians recommend feeding the baby on demand. The frequency and duration of meals is determined by the newborn himself.
What determines the increase in height?
The normal height of a newborn is considered to be between 46-56 cm. During the first year of life, the child makes a colossal leap in growth, increasing it by approximately 27 cm, that is, by more than 50%. As a rule, growth parameters are determined genetically. With short and small parents, the child will be just as miniature.
If growth delays are caused by pathological processes, for example, a lack of growth hormone, then the deviation in development will be noticeable immediately from birth, and can even be detected in the prenatal period. Many pathologies can be easily corrected, and with timely treatment, the child will not differ from his peers. To do this, the endocrinologist will prescribe drugs based on growth hormone, which should be periodically injected into the child.
Height, unlike weight, is difficult to influence by changing lifestyle or diet. If a child eats more, but the excess nutrients are not used to produce energy, it will be stored as fat deposits. However, this will not add extra centimeters in height.
After the first year of life, a strong jump in the child's growth will occur during puberty. Many children who were short in kindergarten or school during puberty catch up and even surpass their peers.
Pediatricians also evaluate growth not only in absolute terms, but also in dynamics. The height of a child over 2 years old should increase by at least 4 cm per year. In the first two years of life, this happens 2-3 times more actively.
My child is short, what should I do?
If your child’s weight is much lower than normal, do not rush to draw conclusions, because it is possible to influence growth until the growth zones have closed.
Important: Before taking any steps on your own, consult your doctor - insufficient centimeters in some cases can be a symptom of glandular failure.
Factors that can affect a child's growth:
- Nutritious food
- Healthy sleep, properly regulated sleep and rest patterns
- Sports loads
- Favorable psycho-emotional environment
Physiological weight loss in the baby. Possible reasons
In the first days of life, a newborn can lose up to 150-200 g of its weight. This is normal, don’t be scared, it’s just physiological weight loss. Fluid from the child’s body evaporates during breathing and does not have time to be replenished in the required quantity. Once the baby starts receiving breast milk, his weight usually returns to normal. This usually happens within 5-7 days. In the maternity hospital, doctors strictly control this process, and if the mother does not have enough milk, they select the right mixture. At the same time, breastfeeding cannot be stopped; over time, the milk will come, and the baby will receive all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from mother’s milk. Remember, nothing increases and protects a child’s immunity like breast milk. A mother and child can be discharged only when his weight stabilizes and returns to normal. But what if the baby is not gaining weight well, or even continues to lose it? This situation indicates a congenital pathology and metabolic disorders. Then it is necessary to establish the cause and begin treatment immediately. If the baby does not have enough milk, the mother should try to establish lactation and consult an experienced doctor.
Infant weight gain
Children grow most actively until they are one year old. In the maternity hospital, doctors constantly monitor the mother and baby, but at home, parents are required to independently monitor the child’s weight. What should you pay special attention to? Weight gain is one of the important indicators of the proper development of a child. That is why you need to visit the district hospital monthly so that the doctor monitors this indicator. By 4 months, the baby’s weight should increase approximately 2 times, and by one year it should triple. It is very convenient to have a baby scale at home. This is especially important for premature babies. After each feeding, you can perform a control weighing and see if the baby is getting enough milk. And also monitor your weight gain monthly.
