Growth Charts for Infants
Want to keep track of your child’s growth? Log the weight and height of your child from birth to 3 years of age. The perfect resource for your next healthcare professional checkup.
What is a growth chart?
A growth chart for infants helps you and your healthcare professional monitor the progress of your baby's growth. A percentile growth chart can give you an indication of your baby’s overall health and nutrition. These WHO Growth Standard charts reflect typical growth patterns of infants and children aged 0-3 years. Plotting your baby's growth on these charts allows you to compare their growth against other babies of the same age. These measurements are documented on the chart and let you see how your baby grows over time.
What are percentiles on a growth chart for newborns?
Babies come in all shapes and sizes. Growth charts use ‘percentiles’ to represent growth trajectories of different groups of children. For example, a baby on the 50th percentile line for height or weight are exactly ‘middle sized’ for that age. There will be 50% of babies bigger and 50% smaller than them.
How do I measure my baby or use a baby weight chart?
After birth, your healthcare professional will use baby scales to weigh your baby with no clothes on, and a tape measure or measuring bed to record their length. You can continue to use these types of scales and measuring beds at check-ups or some pharmacies also have them. When recording on your baby weight chart, it’s more accurate to weigh your baby with minimal clothes and no nappy. Use the baby growth calculator below to plot your baby’s growth pattern on the baby weight chart.
When should I be worried?
It’s recommended to measure your baby’s growth to make sure that they are growing and developing along their growth chart correctly. With newborn babies it is common to lose weight in the first week after birth which they usually regain by their second week. Growth charts for newborns allow for this. Every baby will grow at different rates and these percentile growth charts are only one way of monitoring healthy growth and development. If you are worried about how much your baby is drinking, eating, or their weight gain, contact your healthcare professional. It is particularly important to contact your healthcare professional if you notice that your baby's growth changes dramatically to make sure that there is no underlying conditions affecting their growth and development.
Add weight and height information into the infant growth calculator:
Weight curve
Height curve
Add the Growth tracker to your profile and start tracking your baby growth
Frequently asked questions about growth charts for infants
What is the normal growth rate for infants?
The normal growth rate for infants varies, but on average, they tend to double their birth weight by around 6 months and triple it by their first birthday. Height also increases during the first year, with steady growth typically observed. However, every child is unique, and growth patterns can differ. If you are tracking your baby’s growth, make sure you’re using a growth chart for infants and consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and interpretation of the growth charts.
What is a good percentile for baby growth?
Percentiles are used to track a baby's growth in relation to other babies of the same age. There is no specific "good" percentile as growth patterns vary between babies. As long as your baby is steadily following their growth curve, whether it's on the 10th or 90th percentile, it is considered normal and healthy. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and to ensure your baby's growth is on track for them.
Are baby growth charts accurate?
Growth charts for infants are valuable tools used by healthcare professionals to monitor a baby's growth and development. A trained healthcare professional will be able to accurately interpret and assess your baby’s health using these growth charts. While they provide useful information, it's important to remember that every child is unique and these percentile growth charts are only one way to measure whether your baby is growing healthily. Growth charts offer a general guideline, but individual factors such as genetics and health can influence a baby's growth.
When should I worry about my baby's growth?
If you notice a significant deviation from your baby's growth curve, such as a sudden drop or plateau in weight or height, it may be a good idea to talk to your healthcare professional about it. Additionally, if your baby consistently falls below the 5th percentile or above the 95th percentile. Every baby is different so it may not be a cause for worry, but it’s worth getting checked out by a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
Related articles
Sources:
- Pregnancy birth and baby Website. Accessed at https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/understanding-baby-growth-charts
- Raising Children Website. Accessed at https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/development/understanding-development/growth-charts