Growth Chart for Your Child

Doctors will use a growth chart to track a childís growth and monitor how he or she is growing in comparison to other children. While every child is different, and has unique physical characteristics, major differences could be indicative of poor health. Evaluating a growth chart is usually part of a regular check up.

A different growth chart must be used when examining girls instead of boys, since the rates and patterns of growth between genders are very different.

There are two sets of charts that are used throughout a youthís life; first a growth chart started from infancy until 36 months, then another growth chart is used from 2 years to 20 years of age. The growth chart shows the heights and weights of many different children across the country, according to age. It is suggested to go by a doctorís precise growth measurement, as home measurements taken are frequently inaccurate and can lead to faulty conclusions.

For children of ages 0-36 months, a growth chart usually includes his or her height, weight and the head circumference. These measurements are then considered according to the childís age and the national average. For children age 2 to 20, the childís stature and weight are measured. Body mass index (BMI) is also taken in older children as a way of measuring levels of body fat.

Just because a child is gaining weight does not necessarily mean there is a critical issue. For instance during puberty a childís body-fat increases. Thatís why itís best for a doctor to analyze a growth chart. He or she is better qualified to determine if there is a serious problem that needs attention. Your childís doctor will regularly refer to the growth chart to assess your childís physical development.

Although a growth chart is a valuable tool in monitoring a childís health, neither doctors nor parents should be too quick to label a reading (that is, a measurement taken thatís different from the national standard) as a definite problem. The data should be considered a trend to monitor, and relative to other physical symptoms and analyses.

Some companies or clinics offer a free growth chart along with a brochure listing their services, while some websites include a virtual growth card that is viewable online. While these charts might be good to consult for educational purposes they are not a replacement for a doctorís physical check up, nor can they replace a professional analysis of a growth chart.

When your childís health is the issue always consult a doctor when in doubt and never go by just words on a screen or in a brochure. Although a growth chart is a good indicator of your childís progress it is only a tool.