Written by Laura – Resident Baby Nurse at Choice Pharmacy
Understanding Baby Growth Charts
Baby growth charts or percentile charts are charts used to see how your baby is growing. Each baby is different and it’s a good idea not to compare your little one to others. The most important thing is that your baby is healthy and growing appropriately.
What is a Baby Percentile Chart?
An infant growth chart or percentile chart helps health professionals keep track of how your baby is thriving. There are different charts for boys and girls/infants and older children. They monitor changes in your baby’s weight/length/head circumference. These growth charts are recorded in your baby’s blue book – personal health record.
All babies grow at different rates and these will differ from each child. As long as your baby is healthy and thriving, the growth chart is used as a guide.
How to understand what a percentile chart is?
Infant growth – ages 0-2years, is calculated using World Health Organisation (WHO) growth standard. These charts allow health professionals to compare your baby’s growth.
Like adults, babies differ in all shapes and sizes. The charts are recorded in percentiles. A baby on the 50% percentile is average according to the chart. Some babies will always be small and others be large. The important thing is that they are thriving/growing according to the percentile chart.
How will my baby be measured?
At birth, babies are weighed and measured. These are recorded in the blue book. After a month or so, it’s important to visit a health nurse/ community nurse. These measurements will also be attended at your baby’s immunisation visits. Babies are weighed on scales and often a bare weight is required for accuracy. Their length is measured on a mat where the baby lies down. The head circumference is measured with a tape measure.
When is it time to worry?
Parents often worry if their baby isn’t growing according to their expectations. However, while it’s important to measure a child’s growth it’s also important to see they are healthy and developing. There is unlikely anything to be concerned about if your baby is:-
- Having x5 wet nappies- at least
- Urine is pale/ no odour
- Passes stools regularly
- Good skin colour and muscle tone
- Meeting developmental milestones
Weight gain can be affected if your baby is unwell. Especially with gastro bugs and viruses affecting the baby’s appetite.
If you’re concerned about your baby and they’re not reaching milestones or have poor growth according to their percentiles- definitely seek medical advice.
Remember, all babies are different and will grow at their own pace. Genes play a huge role in their size, too. Percentile charts are just a guide to see how your little one is growing….
You can book our Baby Nurse for in-store consultation online.
Free Baby Nurse Service available at Cameron Park, Colebee, Eastern Creek & North Kellyville Store.
