Growth of child

Growth of the child refers to increase in size of the body, which is measured in terms of body weight, height (length of the baby) head, and arm and chest circumference. These measures are called ‘anthropometrics’ measurements. These measures are compared with the reference standards to assess whether the measure is within the normal limits or not (+ or – 2 standard deviation). The measures can also be assessed in terms of percentile i.e. percentage of individuals falling below a particular level e.g. 50th percentile limits are considered as 3rd percentile and 97 the percentile. The weight of the children (94%) falling between these two limits considered within normal range.

Pattern of growth: