Young children are weighed when lying on a scale. Wait until the child lies still before recording the weight to the nearest 10 g. Always weigh the child undressed or wearing only a vest. Always remove the nappy before weighing. Older children are weighed standing up. Record the weight to the nearest 100 g (0.1 [...]
The best method to assess growth is to measure the child’s size (e.g. weight) and then to repeat the measurements a few months later. The increase in size is due to growth. The greater the increase, the faster the child is growing. If there is no increase, the child is not growing. For this reason [...]
Weight should be measured and recorded every month for the first year of life, as young children grow fast. Children should be weighed every 6 months between 1 and 5 years. Height should be measured every year. Head circumference is not routinely measured unless there is a good reason. In addition, a child’s weight should [...]
It can be difficult to the measure head circumference accurately. Use a measuring tape and record to the nearest 1 mm. Measure the largest circumference of the head (occipito-frontal circumference) with the tape across the forehead and then around to the back of the head (occiput).
Height must be measured with the child standing barefoot. Keep both heels on the floor with the child’s back pressed against a wall. The child should stretch as tall as possible with the arms kept at the side while looking straight ahead. Move a square block of wood or a book down against the wall [...]
The following 3 measurements of body size are commonly used in children: Weight: This is the most commonly used measure of body size as it is easy and accurate to weigh a child. Height or length: This is a very useful measure of size, especially in older children. However, it is more difficult to measure [...]
