A growth chart is a tool used to track and assess the physical growth of infants, children, and adolescents over time. It typically displays measurements such as height, weight, head circumference, and body mass index (BMI) in relation to age and sex. Healthcare providers use growth charts to monitor a child’s development and identify potential health issues early on.
Key Components of a Growth Chart
- Percentiles:
- Percentiles on a growth chart represent the relative position of a child’s measurement among children of the same age and sex.
- For example, a child in the 50th percentile for height is taller than 50% of children their age and shorter than the other 50%.
- Percentiles commonly used include the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th.
- Measurements Tracked:
- Weight: Reflects the child’s overall health and nutritional status.
- Height/Length: Length is measured in infants (when lying down), and height is measured in older children (when standing).
- Head Circumference: Measured in infants to monitor brain growth.
- BMI: Calculated using weight and height to assess whether a child is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.