Child’s height vs. age. What is the normal weight of a child

How to Estimate a Child’s Height Based on Parents’ Height (Approximate)

Predicting a child’s final height is possible using simple genetic calculations, though it’s important to remember the result is only an estimate. This method is based on the biological parents’ height and differs for boys and girls: For boys: [(mother’s height + 13 cm) + father’s height] ÷ 2 For girls: [(father’s height – 13 cm) + mother’s height] ÷ 2 Example: If the mother is 165 cm tall and the father is 180 cm:

• Estimated height for son: [(165 + 13) + 180] ÷ 2 = 179 cm
• Estimated height for daughter: [(180 – 13) + 165] ÷ 2 = 166 cm

What Determines How Fast a Child Grows

A child’s growth rate is influenced by many factors:

1. Genetics – accounts for around 60–80% of height determinants
2. Proper nutrition – especially intake of:
   • High-quality protein
   • Calcium and vitamin D3
   • Zinc and iron
3. Sleep – growth hormone is secreted during sleep
4. Physical activity – stimulates growth hormone release
5. Overall health

Child Not Growing at a Proper Rate – Why?

An abnormal growth rate may result from several causes:

1. Hormonal disorders:
   • Hypothyroidism
   • Growth hormone deficiency
   • Calcium-phosphorus metabolism disorders
2. Chronic illnesses:
   • Celiac disease
   • Kidney diseases
   • Malnutrition or absorption disorders
3. Environmental factors:
   • Poor diet
   • Too little sleep
   • Chronic stress

How Much Does a Child Grow Per Year?

Growth rate changes with age: First year of life:

• 0–3 months: about 3.5 cm per month
• 3–6 months: about 2 cm per month
• 6–12 months: about 1.5 cm per month

Preschool and early school years:

• 2–4 years: 8–10 cm per year
• 4–6 years: 5–7 cm per year
• 6–11 years: 4–6 cm per year

Puberty:

• Girls (10–12 years): 8–10 cm per year
• Boys (12–14 years): 9–12 cm per year

These are only approximate values—every child develops at their own pace. It’s important to regularly monitor height and weight during check-ups, so a pediatrician can detect any developmental issues early.

Child’s Height and Weight – From Newborn to Preschool Age

Proper physical development in children follows general norms for height and weight, which serve as a reference for doctors and parents. Remember that each child develops individually, and the given values may vary by 10–15% either way.

Newborn’s Height and Weight

Average measurements for a full-term newborn (38–42 weeks of pregnancy): Height:

• Girls: 46–54 cm
• Boys: 47–55 cm

Weight:

• Girls: 2800–3800 g
• Boys: 2900–4000 g

In the first days of life, a newborn may lose up to 10% of their birth weight—this is normal and should be regained by the end of the 2nd week of life.

Height and Weight of a One-Year-Old

By one year of age, a child usually:

• Triples their birth weight
• Grows about 25–30 cm

Typical parameters: Height:

• Girls: 73–78 cm
• Boys: 74–79 cm

Weight:

• Girls: 8.5–10.5 kg
• Boys: 9–11 kg

Weight gain in the first year:

• 0–3 months: 150–200 g per week
• 3–6 months: 100–150 g per week
• 6–12 months: 70–90 g per week

Height and Weight of a 2-Year-Old

A two-year-old usually:

• Quadruples their birth weight
• Reaches about 50% of their final height

Typical parameters: Height:

• Girls: 84–89 cm
• Boys: 85–90 cm

Weight:

• Girls: 11–13.5 kg
• Boys: 11.5–14 kg

Key developmental indicators at age 2:

• Height increase: about 12–13 cm per year
• Weight gain: about 2–2.5 kg per year
• Head circumference: about 48–50 cm

Important at this stage:

1. Regular meal schedule
2. Diverse diet
3. Age-appropriate physical activity
4. Proper motor development

Pediatricians recommend measuring height and weight every 3 months in the first year, then every 6 months until age 2. Record results in a log or app to track growth and react early to any deviations.

Height and Weight in Preschool and School-Age Children

Height and Weight of a 4-Year-Old

A four-year-old enters a period of stable growth. Typical parameters: Height:

• Girls: 98–106 cm
• Boys: 99–107 cm

Weight:

• Girls: 15–18.5 kg
• Boys: 15.5–19 kg

At this age:

• Weight gain of about 2 kg per year
• Growth of about 5–7 cm per year
• Body proportions become stable

Height and Weight of a 7-Year-Old

A seven-year-old is in a transition between early childhood and the start of school: Height:

• Girls: 115–125 cm
• Boys: 116–126 cm

Weight:

• Girls: 20–26 kg
• Boys: 21–27 kg

At this stage:

• Growth: 4–6 cm per year
• Weight gain: about 2.5–3 kg per year
• Start of baby teeth replacement

Height and Weight of a 9-Year-Old

At age 9, the first differences in growth rates between girls and boys may appear: Height:

• Girls: 128–138 cm
• Boys: 129–139 cm

Weight:

• Girls: 25–33 kg
• Boys: 26–34 kg

Notable aspects:

• Girls may show early signs of puberty
• Muscle mass increases, especially in boys
• Greater need for physical activity

Height and Weight of an 11-Year-Old

An 11-year-old is on the verge of puberty: Height:

• Girls: 140–152 cm
• Boys: 138–150 cm

Weight:

• Girls: 32–42 kg
• Boys: 31–41 kg

Key characteristics:

• Girls often surpass boys in height
• Rapid weight gain
• Noticeable changes in body proportions
• Growth spurt begins in girls

Important at this stage:

1. Regular height and weight monitoring
2. Balanced diet rich in calcium and protein
3. Adequate sleep (9–10 hours)
4. Daily physical activity

Remember: these values are approximate and may vary based on genetics and lifestyle.

When Does a Child Grow the Fastest?

A child’s physical development includes key periods of rapid growth:

1. Infancy (first year of life):

• Fastest growth rate in human life
• Height gain of about 25–30 cm in a year
• Tripling of birth weight

1. Early childhood (ages 2–3):

• Growth of about 12 cm per year
• Stabilization of weight gain
• Development of body proportions

1. Puberty Growth Spurt: Girls (10–12 years):

• Growth of 8–10 cm per year
• Lasts about 2–3 years
• Starts earlier than in boys

Boys (12–14 years):

• Growth of 9–12 cm per year
• Lasts about 3–4 years
• Usually results in greater final height than girls

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains affect around 20–30% of children aged 3–12. Despite the name, they aren’t directly caused by growth. Characteristics:

1. Location:

• Usually calves
• Knee area
• Thighs
• Often bilateral

1. Timing:

• In the evening or at night
• Rarely during physical activity
• Can wake a child from sleep

1. Distinct features:

• Relieved by massage
• No swelling present
• No restriction of joint movement
• Does not cause limping

Relief methods:

• Gentle massage of painful areas
• Warm compresses
• Stretching before bed
• Pain relievers if necessary (consult a doctor)

Until When Does a Child’s Head Grow?

Head circumference grows most rapidly in the early years of life:

1. Newborn stage:

• Head circumference: 32–36 cm
• Growth of about 2 cm per month

1. First six months:

• Growth of about 1 cm per month
• Most intense brain development

1. Second half of first year:

• Growth of about 0.5 cm per month
• Growth rate stabilizes

1. Subsequent years:

• Age 2: ~2–3 cm growth
• Ages 3–6: ~1 cm growth annually
• After age 6: minimal growth

Typical head circumferences by age:

• 12 months: 44–47 cm
• 2 years: 46–49 cm
• 3 years: 47–50 cm
• 5 years: 49–52 cm
• Adult: 54–58 cm

When to be concerned:

1. Too rapid head growth
2. Growth stagnation
3. Asymmetry in head shape
4. Premature closure of the fontanelle

In such cases, consult a pediatrician or pediatric neurologist immediately.

How to Accurately Measure a Child’s Height

Accurate height measurement is crucial for monitoring healthy development. Here’s how to do it properly: Preparation:

1. Stadiometer or wall-mounted measuring tape
2. Flat, hard floor
3. Wall with no baseboards
4. Triangle ruler or book to mark height

Child’s position during measurement:

1. No shoes
2. Upright posture
3. Heels together, touching the wall
4. Shoulder blades and buttocks against the wall
5. Head in the Frankfurt position (line from corner of eye to top of ear parallel to floor)

Measurement frequency:

• 0–6 months: monthly
• 6–12 months: every 2 months
• 1–2 years: every 3 months
• 2–5 years: every 6 months
• Over 5 years: once a year

Common measurement errors:

1. Measuring in shoes or thick socks
2. Not fully pressing back against the wall
3. Uneven measuring surface
4. Incorrect head positioning
5. Measuring at different times of day (can vary by 1–2 cm)

Additional tips:

1. Measure at the same time each day (preferably morning)
2. Record results in a growth journal
3. Note the date of measurement
4. Use the same method consistently
5. For infants, use a special laying-down measuring board

Measuring infants (up to 2 years old):

1. Use an infantometer or measuring mat
2. Baby should lie on their back
3. Head touching the start of the tape
4. Legs extended at the knees
5. Feet perpendicular to the surface

When to consult a specialist:

1. Growth rate is significantly slower or faster than average
2. Height deviates from growth charts
3. Asymmetry in physical development
4. Sudden changes in growth pace

Keeping records:

1. Write down all measurements
2. Note any observations
3. Compare with percentile charts
4. Bring notes to check-ups

Remember:

• Regular measurements help detect potential issues early
• A single measurement is less diagnostic than a series
• Always consult your pediatrician if unsure
• Don’t compare your child’s growth with others – every child grows at their own pace

Proper and regular height measurement is an important element in tracking your child’s development and identifying any issues early on.