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General health information

Child growth

A child's growth is assessed through repeated measurements of weight, standing height or length while lying down, and head circumference in young children. One measurement tells little: the pattern on a suitable growth chart, the parents' build, gestational age, nutrition, development and health together give it meaning. Sudden weight loss, growth that has stopped, dehydration or an unwell child needs timely assessment.

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  • Growth is monitored through repeated weight and height or length measurements. Head circumference may also be measured in babies and young children. Age, sex and corrected age for premature children matter when interpreting the results.
  • The position of one point on a growth chart is not automatically good or bad. A healthy child may naturally be short, tall, light or solidly built. The direction and rate of growth over time provide more information.
  • Measurement errors are common because of clothing, a different scale, posture or rounding. An unexpected result is therefore carefully measured again before conclusions are drawn.
  • Faltering growth may relate to nutrition, illness, swallowing, nutrient absorption, hormones, genetic factors or psychosocial circumstances. Sometimes there is no illness and the child grows in keeping with the family pattern.
  • A growth chart supports but does not replace a discussion and physical examination. Do not greatly restrict or enrich the child's diet on your own initiative.

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Further reading

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A
A child with low weightA child with low weight or poor growth needs careful assessment. Some children are naturally small, but inadequate intake, feeding problems, illness, psychosocial stress or neglect may be involved. Children under 3 years particularly need prompt medical assessment.
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Hip dysplasiaHip dysplasia means that the ball and socket of the hip do not fit together properly, or that the socket is still too shallow. It is often a developmental hip condition that is present at birth or develops early in life. Early recognition matters because treatment is often simpler at a young age. Signs vary with age: a baby's hip may be unstable without causing pain, while an older child may limp or have difficulty spreading their legs.
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A child with overweightA child can have excess weight without this reflecting willpower or parenting. Growth, inherited traits, sleep, food, stress, medicines and environment all contribute. Assess growth charts and behaviour rather than blame. Young children and those gaining weight quickly need a low threshold for medical assessment.