Weight and height of children: WHO table. Age tables of normal growth and weight of children

Each reception at the pediatrician in the first 12 months of the baby's life ends with a mandatory measurement of height and weight. If these indicators are within the limits of the norm, then we can say that the child is well developed physically. To this end, the World Health Organization, shortly WHO, has compiled an age table for the rate of growth and weight of children that pediatricians use when assessing the health of babies.

Factors that affect the growth and weight of children. WHO guidelines

Scientists from all over the world are actively studying the factors affecting the growth and weight of people. According to the latest research, the scientists came to the conclusion that the weight indicators, as well as the growth rates of children under five years, depend not only on the genetic predisposition, but also on the quality of life, climatic conditions, the type of feeding in the first two years of life. Thus, children who receive an artificial mixture as their main food gain much more weight than those who are breastfed.

Analyzing the first WHO tables "growth, weight of children up to a year", compiled more than 20 years ago, scientists noticed that the norms are overestimated by 16-20%. This is due, above all, to the fact that in the 1990s, artificial feeding was the most common type of nutrition for children under one year. In modern days, an increasing number of mothers prefer to feed their crumbs naturally. Overestimated standards, according to WHO experts, contribute to the baseless recommendations of pediatricians on the supplementary feeding of infants, which in turn leads to a complete transition to artificial feeding, as well as overfeeding and, as a result, obesity. According to WHO, the norms for assessing the growth of children and their weight have ceased to be true. Therefore, in 2006, adjustments were made and new tables were created that were perfectly suited for assessing the development of modern children.

Weight and height of children. WHO Table (0-12 months)

The WHO table is considered the most "fair" due to the fact that all parameters in it are assessed as "medium", "low" / "high", "below average" / "above average". Thanks to this gradation, it is easy to determine whether the child corresponds to the norms of physical development according to his age.

The table for the growth and weight of a child up to a year, according to WHO, is excellent for assessing the development of children who are both breastfed and on artificial feeding. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that every child is unusual and develops according to its internal plan. Therefore deviation from the average indicators can not be considered pathology. In the assessment of the "norm", in addition to the analysis of height and weight, it is necessary to include their ratio, as well as the monthly increase and lifestyle.

Ratio of growth and weight parameters

Immediately after birth, the weight and height of the children are measured without fail . The WHO table is indispensable for a pediatrician when performing a primary level of development check. In addition to height and weight, the circumference of the chest and head is measured. In other words, doctors assess the proportionality of the baby's body and, as a consequence, his health. For example, a newborn weighs about two and a half kilograms, and his height at the same time 54 cm. Such a child has a pronounced shortage of weight. If you do not make a timely examination and do not prescribe the right treatment, then such a baby can die.

If you measure the weight and height of children, the WHO table helps assess the state of health. When the weight of the newborn enters the table range "average", for example, 3220 grams, and the growth is 53 cm, which is also estimated as the average parameter in the table, this ratio is ideal.

Increase in growth

The first six months of the baby is considered the most intensive period of development. The child is growing up in jumps. It is not surprising that, for example, in the summer months, when a child receives the required amount of vitamin D, the increase in growth will be greater than in the winter. Also, there is a suggestion that children grow faster during sleep.

For an overall assessment of growth, weight gain is considered appropriate. Proceeding from this, the following indicators are usually applied to the norm:

• The period of newborns (the first three months) is an increase of 3-4 centimeters to the previous growth. For example, if a child was born 50 cm, then after three months its growth will be about 53 cm.
• From three months to six months: the average increase varies within 2-3 cm.
• From six months to nine months of age the child grows by another 4-6 cm, adding an average of one to two centimeters per month.
• By the year the child increases his height by another 3 cm.

It turns out that over 12 months the child increases his growth by an average of 20 centimeters.

Weight gain

The mass norm of a newborn child (immediately after the birth) varies between 2500 and 4500 grams. According to WHO, every month the baby should add at least 400 grams. Thus, by the half-year the child doubles his initial weight. In the following months, the minimum increase should be at least 150 grams. However, when assessing the rate of weight gain, it is necessary to build on the original body weight of the baby. For example, the increase may be lower than the norm, provided that the child was born large (over 4 kg), or vice versa, since small children gain weight in the following months more intensively.

Height and weight of boys

In addition to the factors described above, the totality of which helps to determine the norm, it is also necessary to take into account the gender identity that influences the weight and growth of children. The WHO table can display both the average height and weight limits for children of different sexes, and specific indicators for boys and girls. It is believed that boys, unlike girls, grow faster and gain weight more intensively, therefore it is necessary to evaluate their physical development according to the corresponding table.

Height and weight of girls

To describe the physical level of development of girls, there is a separate WHO table "weight, growth of girls". It is believed that girls grow on average to 18 years, unlike boys, whose growth does not stand still until 22 years. In addition, at the age of 10-12 years, girls grow much faster than boys. The growth and weight parameters in the table are averaged. Therefore, in assessing the development of girls, we should not forget about individual characteristics.

Graph of the growth and weight of boys

It is very important for parents to monitor their weight and height. The WHO chart and schedule will help loving mothers and dads understand if everything is alright with their child. If the table gives specific data that is the norm for a certain age, the graph helps to visually see the entire development process.

The graphs below are based on the parameters of weight and height of boys (blue chart) and girls (pink color chart) from birth to 5 years of age. The scale on the left shows the weight or, depending on the schedule, the height of the child. Below is the age. The green line in the center of the chart and marked with the number 0 is considered an indicator of the norm and corresponds to the "average" estimate in the table. The lines of the graph, passing under the numbers -2 and -3, are equivalent to the table indicators "below average" and "low". Consequently, lines 2 and 3 are equated to parameters "above average" and "high".

Graph of the weight of boys (up to 5 years)

The boy's growth chart (up to 5 years)

Graph of growth and weight of girls

For girls, you need to use a separate growth and weight chart. The following graphs describe the rates for girls under 5 years.

Graph of the weight of a girl (up to 5 years)

Graph of girls' growth (up to 5 years)

As you already understood, parents are obliged to assess the weight and height of children. The WHO table in this question will help to determine whether the obtained indicators are the norm. Nevertheless, do not be upset if you notice that the height or maybe your child's weight is low or vice versa high. The main thing is that the weight of your baby corresponds to its growth, but the indicators should not be critically low or high.