Infant Growth Percentile Chart
From LoveToKnow Baby
Many pediatricians refer to an infant growth percentile chart during regular checkups. This percentile chart gives parents a good idea concerning how their baby’s developmental progress compares with other babies nationwide of a similar age.
What Is an Infant Growth Percentile Chart?
Your baby’s milestones are important to you and your doctor for a variety of reasons. As your baby passes from one developmental stage to the next, you’re always at the ready with camera and video cam on hand to document each new discovery. You celebrate her first smile, first laugh, and first steps. Your doctor is just as concerned about your child’s growth and development, but for obviously different reasons. A pediatrician often refers to an infant growth percentile chart to document a baby’s growth. These growth charts are an easy way for your doctor to keep up with the progress your baby has made from one checkup to the next.
Remember, you are with your baby every day, and thus, you may not notice every little change. However, your doctor will want to know each new milestone she has reached, and he’ll keep track of those changes on a percentile chart. The percentile is based on a detailed chart of national averages, and your baby’s statistics are compared to those averages. Typical growth percentiles for infants include the following:
- Length-Until your baby can stand, she’ll be measured from head to heel while lying down.
- Weight-Babies are typically undressed before being weighed.
- Head Circumference-Usually a tape measure is placed around the largest area of the head.
Preemies
While of course an infant growth percentile chart is important to use for all infants, they are especially useful when documenting the growth and development of a preemie. Because the gestational age of a baby, rather than the actually birthday, is used when detailing the development of a premature infant, doctors often used special growth charts specially designed for preemies. Don’t worry about your baby being compared to full-term babies. Doctors don’t expect the same developmental milestones at the same age. Typically, a baby that has been born six weeks early will be compared to full-term babies that are six weeks younger.
Percentile Clues
What happens if your baby’s weight or height doesn’t fall into the average nationwide percentile of other babies his age? Many parents worry incessantly about percentages, and for this reason, many doctors don’t even refer to babies’ percentiles. Sometimes, parents have to ask their doctors to give them the results of the percentile charts. The main reason some doctors are reluctant to share this information is simple. Your baby is an individual. Each child is different, and just because your baby’s weight or height doesn’t fall into the average percentile (maybe he is way above or way below) doesn’t mean there is a problem. For the most part, your doctor will let you know if there is some reason to be concerned. Genetics can play a large role in your baby’s growth. If your family has a history of large babies, then don’t be surprised if your baby’s growth is considered off the carts for his age bracket!
Your pediatrician is primarily concerned with making sure your baby is making progress from one visit to the next. If he sees a drop in birth weight, he may become concerned, especially if your baby is an infant. In the same respect, a large weight gain may indicate the need for dietary changes in your baby’s nutrition. You can track your baby’s progress at home to some degree, but it probably won’t be as accurate as your doctor’s records. If you have any concerns, however, between visits, by all means set up an appointment to discuss those concerns with your child’s pediatrician.
Online Percentile Charts
Still curious about your child’s growth percentages? Check out the following online growth charts. You can input your child’s data and find out her approximate growth percentage.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 45,042 times. This page was last modified 04:33, 31 May 2007.
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