Many pediatricians refer to an infant growth percentile chart during regular checkups. This percentile chart gives parents a good idea concerning how their baby's developmental progress compares with other babies nationwide of a similar age.
What Is an Infant Growth Percentile Chart?
Your baby's milestones are important to you and your doctor for a variety of reasons. As your baby passes from one developmental stage to the next, you're always at the ready with camera and video recorder on hand to document each discovery. You celebrate her first smile, first laugh and first steps.
Your doctor is just as concerned about your child's growth and development, but for obviously different reasons. A pediatrician often refers to an infant growth percentile chart to document a baby's growth. These growth charts are an easy way for your doctor to keep up with the progress your baby has made from one checkup to the next, and can help compare your infant's growth to other children of the same age. The percentile is based on a detailed chart of national averages, and your baby's statistics are compared to those averages. Typical growth percentiles for infants include the following:
- Length - Until your baby can stand, she'll be measured from head to heel while lying down.
- Weight - Babies are typically undressed before being weighed.
- Head Circumference - Usually a tape measure is placed around the largest area of the head.
The CDC has recommendations about how to use growth charts, and which ones from which organization to use for specific ages and conditions.
LoveToKnow Printable Growth Charts 0 to 36 months
If you need help downloading any of these printables, check out these helpful tips.
For Infants Under Two Years
The CDC recommends that pediatricians use the WHO (World Health Organization) growth charts for children aged 0-2 in the United States. The WHO charts measure typical growth rates for infants who have been breastfed. However, there are growth charts available from the CDC for this period as well.
For Children Two Years and Older
The CDC has a set of growth charts that covers children from age 2 to 19. The methods to create the CDC charts at these ages are similar to how the WHO creates their charts for this age range, so the CDC suggests using its charts to reduce confusion.
There are several different types of charts:
- One set tracks height, weight, and head circumference from the 5th to the 95th percentile.
- Another set measures from the 3rd to the 97th percentile.
There are other types of growth charts for preemies and children with special considerations like Down Syndrome. These children may not develop at the rate as other typically-developing children, so the growth charts have been adjusted for their growth patterns.
Preemies
While specialized growth charts for preemies are available, your pediatrician can use a typical growth chart to track the growth and development of a preemie. The gestational age of a baby, rather than the actual birthday, is used when detailing the development of a premature infant. Don't worry about your baby being compared to full-term babies. Doctors don't expect the same developmental milestones at the same age. Typically, a baby that has been born six weeks early will be compared to full-term babies that are six weeks younger.
Remember, you are with your baby every day, and thus, you may not notice every little change. However, your doctor will want to know each new milestone she has reached, and he'll keep track of those changes on the percentile chart.
Percentile Clues
What happens if your baby's weight or height doesn't fall into the average nationwide percentile of other babies his age? Typically, one measurement that does not fall on the growth curve does not merit significant concern. However, a pattern of abnormal readings may suggest other issues that the pediatrician may want to investigate.
- One of the measurements remains above the 90th percentile or below the 10th percentile after several check-ups
- The head circumference is growing to quickly or too slowly over time
- Any measurement continues to drop from one trend line to another trend line to another between visits.
Each of these changes suggest problems with growth and development and may require more investigation.
Caution with Growth Charts
Many parents worry incessantly about percentages, and for this reason, many doctors don't even refer to babies' percentiles. The main reason some doctors are reluctant to share this information is simple. Your baby is an individual. Each child is different, and just because your baby's weight or height doesn't fall into the average percentile (maybe he is way above or way below) doesn't automatically mean that there is a problem. For the most part, your doctor will let you know if there is some reason to be concerned. Genetics can play a large role in your baby's growth. If your family has a history of large babies, then don't be surprised if your baby's growth is considered off the charts for his age bracket!
Pediatrician as a Resource
Your pediatrician is primarily concerned with making sure your baby is making progress from one visit to the next. You can track your baby's progress at home to some degree, but it probably won't be as accurate as your doctor's records. A recent study showed that showing parents their child's growth chart percentiles can lead to confusion about the growth of the child. To avoid confusion, you should feel free to ask any questions about your child's placement on the chart while you are at the doctor's office. If you have any concerns, however, between visits, by all means set up an appointment to discuss those concerns with your child's pediatrician
Remember though, that a percentile measure is just one tool physician's use when assessing your child's health. Only your pediatrician can determine whether or not your child's percentile is typical or worthy of concern.
