One of the first things you hear after your baby is born is his height and weight. This information is first entered into the child’s medical record, and it is also communicated to friends and relatives. I propose to figure out why exactly these indicators are so important.
Firstly, the height and weight of the child, as well as the circumference of the head and chest, help doctors correctly determine the condition of the newborn, suggest or exclude a number of diseases and pathologies. In the future, as the baby grows, these indicators serve as an indicator of the child’s physical development.
It is by the ratio of height and weight, as well as by the speed of development, that experts determine whether the sleep and rest schedule is correct, how to adjust the diet, and what physical activity will have a beneficial effect on the child’s body.
The importance of height and weight
Baby's height at birth
- The growth of a newborn at a gestational age of 38-40 weeks, as an important anthropometric indicator, can range from 46 to 56 cm. It depends on the blood flow of the placenta, the nutrition of the expectant mother, heredity, as well as the sex of the child
- When assessing the condition of a newborn, short stature is not always a sign of poor development or prematurity of the fetus. For example, if the child’s parents are short, then the newborn may also be small
- In addition, normal indicators also fluctuate for multiple pregnancies, in which children are born shorter and weigh less. However, each case is assessed individually by pediatricians based on general anthropometric indications and the physical condition of the newborn.
- The ratio calculated using the weight/height formula (Quetelet index) is important. For full-term babies, the normal value is 60-70
In the first year of life, given the active development of the baby, height is extremely important for assessing health and nutritional balance. It is believed that the norm is an increase in height of about 25 cm per year. Here is an approximate table of height growth in the first year of a child’s life:
Height and weight gain in the first year of life
In the first six months of a baby’s life, its weight is calculated using the formula: weight of the newborn + 800 * number of months. So, if at birth the child’s weight was 3200 g, then at 4 months the weight should be no less than 3200 + 800 * 4 = 6400 g.
After 6 months the formula becomes more complicated. Now we add 400g for each month from 6 to 12 months. So, take the same data for an 8 month old child: 3200+800*6+400*2 = 8800 - the average weight of the child.
Important: Height and weight are important indicators of a child’s development, and if you have any doubts about your baby’s growth, share them with your pediatrician.
Norms of height and weight of a newborn
How much does a 5 year old child eat?
Paying increased attention to nutrition in infancy, parents often make the mistake of losing control over what their son or daughter eats at a slightly older age. An unbalanced diet is fraught with early childhood obesity, which can cause associated ailments. If a child has become lethargic, apathetic, irritable, then first of all you should reconsider his diet.
At 5 years old, a child is very active, spends a lot of energy and its main source is food.
First of all, you should adhere to this rule: the daily intake of carbohydrates should be 4 times higher than the intake of proteins and fats. All children cannot be measured with the same brush; the norm will be individual for each, but on average the ratio will be as follows: about 300 grams of carbohydrates and 70-75 grams of proteins and fats, respectively.
When choosing a diet for a preschooler, products can be divided into daily and those that will be given once every few days or once a week, but in the full volume necessary for development.
Daily meals should include meat, milk, butter, vegetables, fruits, bread, and various cereals. Sugar should also be in a child’s daily menu, but not necessarily in its usual crystalline form. Several times a week you can treat your baby to cottage cheese, chicken eggs, yogurt, and fish – once every seven days is enough.
Today there is no longer a shortage of products, and on supermarket shelves you can find even the most exotic fruit or vegetable that will diversify your baby’s taste preferences.
For a 5-year-old child, 4 meals a day are enough: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. Between each meal, 3-4 hours should pass - this is exactly how much the baby’s stomach needs to completely digest the food eaten. Of course, just because a child gets hungry early doesn't mean he has to fast until a certain meal. You can give him water, unsweetened tea or fruit juices, as well as berries. But it is better to refrain from sweets and other “harmful” foods.
Often, parents' diet is very uneven, but it should not be transferred to the child - an imbalance will immediately affect his condition.
You should adhere to the optimal daily amount of food:
- breakfast – 25%;
- lunch – 40%;
- afternoon snack – 10%;
- dinner – 25%.
However, every parent faces the same problem - children will always prefer not what is healthy for them, but what suits their taste. If a child rejects some foods in every possible way, then it is worth replacing them with others, but which will fully fill the norm with the necessary elements. And sometimes an original presentation of dishes can make even an “unsuitable” product a favorite - it’s all just a matter of the parents’ desire.
When preparing food, it is better to refrain from frequent frying - fried, and especially fatty foods, are better to exclude from the menu of a 5-year-old child. You should also avoid frequent use of microwave ovens. It is most preferable to cook food by stewing, boiling or baking in the oven.
Growth of a premature baby
A baby is considered premature before 38 weeks. Naturally, the height and weight standards for such children are different, and further development also occurs along a different path. For example, the normal growth rate for a premature baby at birth is 35-45 cm.
- Premature babies develop differently. Parents in such a situation should calm down and not rush events.
- If babies with normal weight gain their bulk and height in the first months of life, then a premature baby begins to actively grow, catching up with peers, only after 3 months
- This is due to the fact that the baby needs to gain the weight lost at birth (and it makes up up to 15% of the total weight) and gain weight to normal
The increase in height during the first year of life is about 26-36 cm, in the first six months the increase is 2-5 cm per month Premature babies not only differ in size, they have different physical and mental development, which frightens many parents, because the child begins to hold his head up later, later walk, etc.
Important: Remember, the baby will not lag behind, he will definitely catch up with his peers. Sometimes strengthening massage courses can help him develop.
Growth of a premature baby
What can parents do?
The most common cause of short stature and low weight (or, conversely, too much weight) is still poor nutrition: lack of vitamins, addiction to unhealthy foods and sweets to the detriment of fruits and vegetables, as well as low physical activity.
The following rules will help the timely growth and development of a preschooler.
- Do not reward your child for good behavior or success with sweets. In addition to a bad habit, this will also lead to a consumerist attitude towards parents.
- Don't force you to finish everything on your plate. Children feel full. And food violence will only cause persistent protest.
- Do not completely exclude sweets from your children's diet. The prohibition gives rise to the desire to secretly do something out of spite.
- Encourage your child to be physically active: helping around the house, playing in the yard, and a sports section will help him spend the calories he receives wisely and work up an appetite.
- Limit the time your child spends playing computer games or watching TV. This reduces motor activity and also has a negative effect on the nervous system.
- Don't let your child eat in front of the TV or computer. This way he can absorb much more than he needs. In addition, such food is not always healthy.
- Try to create a balanced, varied menu and follow a diet (eat at approximately the same time).
That, in fact, is all about the physical indicators of a six-year-old child. When comparing them with norms, it is worth exercising prudence: taking into account genetic characteristics, gender, and other factors. If you have doubts, it is better to dispel them with your doctor. Or solve the problem in a timely manner if it is identified.
Child growth chart: growth standards for boys and girls from birth to 18 years
Growth is influenced by many factors - physical development, nutrition, and a properly adjusted sleep and rest schedule is also important. In addition, we should not forget about heredity and the fact that each child develops differently.
Growth chart for children
Anthropometric centile tables will help determine the approximate growth rate for your child. They are compiled based on an analysis of the growth of several million children, as a result of which the average statistical indicator by age is derived.
It is worth noting that growth standards for boys and girls are different. Find the child's age and height in the table and see which column it is in.
Table of height and weight norms for girls
The norms include height, which is indicated in the columns highlighted in red. Everything that is indicated to the left: 10% is below the norm within acceptable limits, 3% is beyond acceptable limits. The situation is the same with the columns to the right, only in the direction of increase.
Important: If your child’s height and weight are in the extreme columns, consult with specialists: pediatrician, endocrinologist, therapist.
Table of height and weight norms for boys
Is the boy developing harmoniously?
Boys grow to be 22 years old on average. At the same time, the average height of the male population of Russia is 178 cm. Particularly intensive increases in the height and weight of boys are observed in the first year after birth and during puberty (from 11 to 18 years). On average, during this time, the guys’ weight increases by 35 kg, and their height by 35 cm. How proportional the ratio of height to weight is can be found using the centile table. The columns indicate the quantitative limits of height and weight for a certain percentage of boys; The interval 25%-75% is taken as average indicators. If a boy’s indicators fall within these corridors, then this is the norm. The columns before and after these intervals are indicators below (10%-25%) and above (75%-90%) the norm. If the boy’s height and weight fall into the extreme corridors, this is a reason to consult a doctor. It is very important that both height and weight are in the same corridor (+/- one column).
It's easy to use:
- In the “Height” table, in the left column we find the boy’s age, and horizontally from this number - his height.
- In the same way, we determine the boy’s weight using the “Weight” table.
estimate the ratio of a boy’s age, height and weight using the following tables:
| Age | Height | ||||||
| 3% | 10% | 25% | 50% | 75% | 90% | 97% | |
| very low | short | below the average | average | above average | high | very tall | |
| newborn | 46,5 | 48,0 | 49,8 | 51,3 | 52,3 | 53,5 | 55,0 |
| 1 month | 49,5 | 51,2 | 52,7 | 54,5 | 55,6 | 56,5 | 57,3 |
| 2 months | 52,6 | 53,8 | 55,3 | 57,3 | 58,2 | 59,4 | 60,9 |
| 3 months | 55,3 | 56,5 | 58,1 | 60,0 | 60,9 | 62,0 | 63,8 |
| 4 months | 57,5 | 58,7 | 60,6 | 62,0 | 63,1 | 64,5 | 66,3 |
| 5 months | 59,9 | 61,1 | 62,3 | 64,3 | 65,6 | 67,0 | 68,9 |
| 6 months | 61,7 | 63,0 | 64,8 | 66,1 | 67,7 | 69,0 | 71,2 |
| 7 months | 63,8 | 65,1 | 66,3 | 68,0 | 69,8 | 71,1 | 73,5 |
| 8 months | 65,5 | 66,8 | 68,1 | 70,0 | 71,3 | 73,1 | 75,3 |
| 9 months | 67,3 | 68,2 | 69,8 | 71,3 | 73,2 | 75,1 | 78,8 |
| 10 months | 68,8 | 69,1 | 71,2 | 73,0 | 75,1 | 76,9 | 78,8 |
| 11 months | 70,1 | 71,3 | 72,6 | 74,3 | 76,2 | 78,0 | 80,3 |
| 1 year | 71,2 | 72,3 | 74,0 | 75,5 | 77,3 | 79,7 | 81,7 |
| 1.5 years | 76,9 | 78,4 | 79,8 | 81,7 | 83,9 | 85,9 | 89,4 |
| 2 years | 81,3 | 83,0 | 84,5 | 86,8 | 89,0 | 90,8 | 94,0 |
| 2.5 years | 84,5 | 87,0 | 89,0 | 91,3 | 93,7 | 95,5 | 99,0 |
| 3 years | 88,0 | 90,0 | 92,3 | 96,0 | 99,8 | 102,0 | 104,5 |
| 3.5 years | 90,3 | 92,6 | 95,0 | 99,1 | 102,5 | 105,0 | 107,5 |
| 4 years | 93,2 | 95,5 | 98,3 | 102,0 | 105,5 | 108,0 | 110,6 |
| 4.5 years | 96,0 | 98,3 | 101,2 | 105,1 | 108,6 | 111,0 | 113,6 |
| 5 years | 98,9 | 101,5 | 104,4 | 108,3 | 112,0 | 114,5 | 117,0 |
| 5.5 years | 101,8 | 104,7 | 107,8 | 111,5 | 115,1 | 118,0 | 120,6 |
| 6 years | 105,0 | 107,7 | 110,9 | 115,0 | 118,7 | 121,1 | 123,8 |
| 6.5 years | 108,0 | 110,8 | 113,8 | 118,2 | 121,8 | 124,6 | 127,2 |
| 7 years | 111,0 | 113,6 | 116,8 | 121,2 | 125,0 | 128,0 | 130,6 |
| 8 years | 116,3 | 119,0 | 122,1 | 126,9 | 130,8 | 134,5 | 137,0 |
| 9 years | 121,5 | 124,7 | 125,6 | 133,4 | 136,3 | 140,3 | 143,0 |
| 10 years | 126,3 | 129,4 | 133,0 | 137,8 | 142,0 | 146,7 | 149,2 |
| 11 years | 131,3 | 134,5 | 138,5 | 143,2 | 148,3 | 152,9 | 156,2 |
| 12 years | 136,2 | 140,0 | 143,6 | 149,2 | 154,5 | 159,5 | 163,5 |
| 13 years | 141,8 | 145,7 | 149,8 | 154,8 | 160,6 | 166,0 | 170,7 |
| 14 years | 148,3 | 152,3 | 156,2 | 161,2 | 167,7 | 172,0 | 176,7 |
| 15 years | 154,6 | 158,6 | 162,5 | 166,8 | 173,5 | 177,6 | 181,6 |
| 16 years | 158,8 | 163,2 | 166,8 | 173,3 | 177,8 | 182,0 | 186,3 |
| 17 years | 162,8 | 166,6 | 171,6 | 177,3 | 181,6 | 186,0 | 188,5 |
| Age | Weight | ||||||
| 3% | 10% | 25% | 50% | 75% | 90% | 97% | |
| very low | short | below the average | average | above average | high | very tall | |
| newborn | 2,7 | 2,9 | 3,1 | 3,4 | 3,7 | 3,9 | 4,2 |
| 1 month | 3,3 | 3,6 | 4,0 | 4,3 | 4,7 | 5,1 | 5,4 |
| 2 months | 3,9 | 4,2 | 4,6 | 5,1 | 5,6 | 6,0 | 6,4 |
| 3 months | 4,5 | 4,9 | 5,3 | 5,8 | 6,4 | 7,0 | 7,3 |
| 4 months | 5,1 | 5,5 | 6,0 | 6,5 | 7,2 | 7,6 | 8,1 |
| 5 months | 5,6 | 6,1 | 6,5 | 7,1 | 7,8 | 8,3 | 8,8 |
| 6 months | 6,1 | 6,6 | 7,1 | 7,6 | 8,4 | 9,0 | 9,4 |
| 7 months | 6,6 | 7,1 | 7,6 | 8,2 | 8,9 | 9,5 | 9,9 |
| 8 months | 7,1 | 7,5 | 8,0 | 8,6 | 9,4 | 10,0 | 10,5 |
| 9 months | 7,5 | 7,9 | 8,4 | 9,1 | 9,8 | 10,5 | 11,0 |
| 10 months | 7,9 | 8,3 | 8,8 | 9,5 | 10,3 | 10,9 | 11,4 |
| 11 months | 8,2 | 8,6 | 9,1 | 9,8 | 10,6 | 11,2 | 11,8 |
| 1 year | 8,5 | 8,9 | 9,4 | 10,0 | 10,9 | 11,6 | 12,1 |
| 1.5 years | 9,7 | 10,2 | 10,7 | 11,5 | 12,4 | 13,0 | 13,7 |
| 2 years | 10,6 | 11,0 | 11,7 | 12,6 | 13,5 | 14,2 | 15,0 |
| 2.5 years | 11,4 | 11,9 | 12,6 | 13,7 | 14,6 | 15,4 | 16,1 |
| 3 years | 12,1 | 12,8 | 13,8 | 14,8 | 16,0 | 16,9 | 17,7 |
| 3.5 years | 12,7 | 13,5 | 14,3 | 15,6 | 16,8 | 17,9 | 18,8 |
| 4 years | 13,4 | 14,2 | 15,1 | 16,4 | 17,8 | 19,4 | 20,3 |
| 4.5 years | 14,0 | 14,9 | 15,9 | 17,2 | 18,8 | 20,3 | 21,6 |
| 5 years | 14,8 | 15,7 | 16,8 | 18,3 | 20,0 | 21,7 | 23,4 |
| 5.5 years | 15,5 | 16,6 | 17,7 | 19,3 | 21,3 | 23,2 | 24,9 |
| 6 years | 16,3 | 17,5 | 18,8 | 20,4 | 22,6 | 24,7 | 26,7 |
| 6.5 years | 17,2 | 18,6 | 19,9 | 21,6 | 23,9 | 26,3 | 28,8 |
| 7 years | 18,0 | 19,5 | 21,0 | 22,9 | 25,4 | 28,0 | 30,8 |
| 8 years | 20,0 | 21,5 | 23,3 | 25,5 | 28,3 | 31,4 | 35,5 |
| 9 years | 21,9 | 23,5 | 25,6 | 28,1 | 31,5 | 35,1 | 39,1 |
| 10 years | 23,9 | 25,6 | 28,2 | 31,4 | 35,1 | 39,7 | 44,7 |
| 11 years | 26,0 | 28,0 | 31,0 | 34,9 | 39,9 | 44,9 | 51,5 |
| 12 years | 28,2 | 30,7 | 34,4 | 38,8 | 45,1 | 50,6 | 58,7 |
| 13 years | 30,9 | 33,8 | 38,0 | 43,4 | 50,6 | 56,8 | 66,0 |
| 14 years | 34,3 | 38,0 | 42,8 | 48,8 | 56,6 | 63,4 | 73,2 |
| 15 years | 38,7 | 43,0 | 48,3 | 54,8 | 62,8 | 70,0 | 80,1 |
| 16 years | 44,0 | 48,3 | 54,0 | 61,0 | 69,6 | 76,5 | 84,7 |
| 17 years | 49,3 | 54,6 | 59,8 | 66,3 | 74,0 | 80,1 | 87,8 |
Boy's height, cm
| Age, years/months | Short | Below the average | Average | Above average | High |
| 2/0 | 80,7 | 84,1 | 86,5 | 88,8 | 92,2 |
Boy's weight, kg
| Small | Below the average | Average | Above average | Big |
| 10,6 | 11,8 | 12,7 | 13,6 | 15,2 |
The main factors that influence the height and weight of boys are:
- good nutrition;
- sufficient night sleep;
- regular sports and physical exercise;
- genetic predisposition.
You should not try to adjust the height and weight of boys using surgery or hormonal drugs - this can seriously affect your health. If these parameters do not correspond to the norms, but pathologies are not diagnosed, perhaps it is worth looking at this from a positive side? A unique child is growing in your family, who, in addition to physiological characteristics, will certainly demonstrate other abilities and talents!
How to calculate a child's height based on the parents' height: formula
Naturally, it is impossible to determine exactly how tall the baby will be, but it is still possible to make an assumption based on the hereditary factor. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the most popular formulas for calculating the height of boys and girls.
| Folk | Formula by Dr. J. Hawker from the Mayo Clinic | Formula of G. Gorbunov | Formula of V. Karkus | Narodnaya 2 | |
| Girls | (mother’s height + father’s height) * 0.51 - 7.5 | (mother’s height + father’s height): 2 – 6.4 | (mother’s height + father’s height - 12.5): 2 ± 8 | (mother's height + father's height * 0.923): 2 | height at 1 year + 95cm |
| Boys | (mother’s height + father’s height) * 0.54 - 4.5 | (mother’s height + father’s height): 2 + 6.4 | (mother's height + father's height + 12.5): 2 ± 8 | (mother's height * 1.08 + father's height): 2 | height at 1 year + 100cm |
Any of the above formulas helps determine the ideal weight of a child, referring to the genetic factor. You can also use an online height calculator to calculate.
Child growth formula based on parents' height
Physical development
The child is already independent - he confidently moves around the rooms, knows his toys, knows how to run and kick a ball or throw it up. The arms, which previously had to be spread apart to maintain balance, are now lowered along the body, the gait is stable.
Other abilities of a 1.5 year old child include:
- the ability to go around or step over obstacles;
- walk along a slightly inclined surface;
- climb onto the sofa without adult help;
- pull a toy on a string;
- dance to music;
- try to climb the stairs with a side step.
Among everyday skills, a one-and-a-half-year-old child can:
- hold a spoon, eat liquid food and some solid food;
- drink from a mug;
- ask to go potty.
Height and weight ratio in children, tables
- Of no less importance is the ratio of height and weight in a child, which reflects his physical development. Monitoring indicators over time will help prevent the baby from falling behind or developing obesity.
- Even if your child is a couple of centimeters taller or shorter than his peers, or his height or weight does not fit into the age norms, you should pay attention to their ratio
Height to weight chart for boys
Table of height and weight ratio for girls
Based on the above tables, you can make an approximate conclusion about the anthropometric indicators of your child.
Conclusion
Please note that you can also use a calculator to quickly calculate the ratio of a child's weight and height. You just need to enter your age, height and weight to determine your body mass index and developmental level.
Mental and emotional development
Children at one and a half years old begin to move away from their mother, show independence, and explore the world around them. They are interested in everything: what is in the closet and on the shelves, hidden in a drawer or hung on the wall. The first conscious emotions appear - the baby gets upset when parting with loved ones, learns to empathize and feel sorry.
The child has a strong sense of ownership. It applies to everything: toys, mother, personal belongings. Good development of speech skills allows you to copy the speech of adults and animal sounds. The baby helps himself with gestures and facial expressions, tries to pronounce 2-3 words in a row.
In the second year of life, children understand requests and requirements, know family members, relatives and pets.
What can a baby do?
Children's games and activities become more difficult at the age of one and a half years. The baby distinguishes the size, shape and color of objects, enjoys scribbling on paper with a pencil, collecting pyramids and building houses.
A 1.5 year old child should be able to express feelings. He is impulsive, therefore he experiences unreasonable sympathy or antipathy towards strangers.
The baby’s speech development consists of the ability to respond to his name, respond to familiar sounds, name parts of the body and favorite toys.
The vocabulary should be 30–40 simple words, which the child uses when necessary.
Useful video with games for speech development in a 1.5-year-old child
How to develop
Reading fairy tales, playing together, singing and listening to children's songs, and learning rhymes helps develop the psycho-emotional sphere.
To develop speech and enrich vocabulary, you should name all unfamiliar objects, explain what they do and why they are needed, or comment on the actions performed by the child. Repeating words after adults gives a good effect.
Periods of intense growth in children: growth spurts
In the first year of a newborn’s life, approximately 5 so-called growth spurts are observed:
- 1-3 weeks
- 6-8 weeks
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
During growth, your baby may become whiny and will likely have a significantly increased appetite and require more time and food to satisfy his desires. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you may feel like you are not getting enough milk. The main thing is not to worry and continue feeding. Your body will do everything for you.
- It is worth noting that in infants growth spurts do not last long - on average 2-3 days. In addition to increased appetite, you may notice increased anxiety during these periods, the emergence of new skills
- Sometimes a growth spurt may be indicated by sudden sleep disturbances - the child wakes up more often or does not sleep at all, or, on the contrary, may fall asleep unusually soundly and for a long time
Growth spurts in children under one year old
After a year, the child gains weight and grows more steadily. The next noticeable growth spurt occurs at approximately 6-7 years.
- You need to understand that at this age extremely important changes occur in the child’s body, among which the first place is the formation of the musculoskeletal system and strengthening of the skeleton
- Pay attention to the child’s posture; this is the time when problems with the spine can develop. The average height increase is about 8-10cm per year
Important: During the period of 6-7 years, it is difficult for a child to maintain one position for a long time or to remain motionless.
The next major growth spurt occurs during adolescent puberty. In this case, it is impossible to guess at what age it will happen. In girls, puberty occurs at 10-12 years of age, but in boys it is usually 1-3 years later. Growth per year can reach 8-10 cm, sometimes more.
- A growth spurt is accompanied by hormonal changes in the child’s body, and secondary sexual characteristics appear
- Moreover, the child’s body often negatively experiences rapid growth and weight gain.
- A teenager may begin to experience seizures, headaches, and dental problems.
- Hormonal changes affect the child’s behavior: he may become whiny or aggressive, get tired quickly
During this period, it is important for you to ensure that your child receives all the necessary substances and vitamins. Please note that during a growth spurt, fluid requirements may increase by up to 20-30%.
Growth spurts in children
Medical issues
At the age of one and a half years, the child must be vaccinated against all diseases. Starting from 18 months, revaccination is carried out. The baby will have to get a second DTP vaccination against hemophilus influenzae, polio, tetanus, whooping cough and diphtheria.
Before administering the serum, you need to visit a pediatrician and take blood and urine tests. A more extensive examination is carried out at 2 years. At the request of the parents, you can approach a neurologist, dentist, ophthalmologist or other specialist.
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
