Growth monitoring is a regular measurement of a child’s growth (such as weight, height, and head circumference) to assess their overall health, nutritional status, and development. This practice is crucial for early detection of growth abnormalities and ensuring that a child is growing according to expected patterns for their age and sex.
Key Objectives of Growth Monitoring
- Early Detection of Health Issues:
- Identify children at risk of malnutrition, obesity, or other growth-related health problems.
- Detect and address growth faltering or failure to thrive early, allowing for timely intervention.
- Tracking Development:
- Monitor the child’s growth over time to ensure they are following an appropriate growth trajectory.
- Assess the effectiveness of health interventions, such as nutritional supplementation or medical treatments.