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See also- Measuring your child at home
Overview
Growth is a continual process, subtle changes in growth occur constantly. These changes are only noticeable when serial (repeated) measurements are performed and recorded. From the moment the child is born they are weighed and measured through childhood, puberty and into adult life. Size and body proportion will matter!
Measurement is how we assess growth. The importance of obtaining accurate regular measurements cannot be over stressed. We will also discuss techniques which may be used both in the home and the primary health care office to provide a basis for observing your child’s growth.
Measuring equipment varies from wall charts and tape measures to sophisticated (and hence expensive) equipment. Any measurement equipment that you choose for your home is very dependant on your budget. Remember, that the measurements you take at home are supplemental to those done in your Doctors office so, if you are going to purchase equipment make it fit your budget.
These sites have an assortment of measuring equipment:
http://www.miami-med.com/Height_Measuring_Devices.htm
http://www.mygrowingchild.com/Personalize.asp
Measurement of length and height - the basics
Infants
Measuring the length of children less than two years of age is performed lying down, this is definitely a two person task, and even then there is room for error. Important for parents to note- there is sometimes a negative difference from a length measurement at birth to the first visit by your health care provider. Your child has not shrunk! This is due to the technique used in many delivery rooms!
Here is a step by step guide to measuring infants:
1. Remove all clothing including diapers, hair accessories and hats (don’t forget to keep your child warm while you are getting ready!
2. Position child on a hard surface or measuring equipment with one person holding the head (the eyes should be pointing straight up). Figure 1
Figure 1
Baby head position
3. The second person then grasps the ankles and applies very gentle traction to the feet – pulling the child to maximum length, (do not lean on the knees or apply too much pressure to the feet). The toes should be pointing upwards and the measurement should be taken at stretch length.
4. The measurement should be recorded by placing a mark on the chart at the appropriate age (use the correct male or female birth to 18 months chart) and by writing a record in your baby book of the date, time and measurement (charts are available through the MAGIC Foundation)
Children from age 2 to 18
A child should be measured standing up as soon as they are able to walk and are steady on their feet. Be prepared to see a difference between the last supine (lying down) measurement and the first standing measurement. This is due to a change in technique as well as spine elasticity in children. Cooperation in the toddler can be a challenge, patience and a second pair of hands is an important aspect getting an accurate measurement. In early childhood all measurements are useful. Do not measure your child too often, every three months is enough, anything more and your child may become agitated by the continued attention to their height.
Step by step guide to measuring children:
1. Prepare the measuring equipment
2. Remove shoes, socks and any hair accessories
3. Position child by placing the heels up against the backboard or wall. Figure 2 (Its useful to have foot outlines on the floor), make sure the buttocks are against the wall or back plate. Figure 3
Figure 2 Figure 3
Good foot position Good back position
4. Ask the child to stand tall (and wiggle their toes if a toddler) The eyes should be pointing forward with lower rim of eye lined up with the ear. (Figure 5)
Figure 4 Figure 5
Poor eye position Good eye position
5. Place a hand below each ear and ask the child to take a deep breath in and totally relax, as the child relaxes and breathes out apply gentle pressure upwards – read the measurement at the highest point. Figure 6
Figure 6
Stretch position
Measurement summary
Accurate measurement requires attention to detail, a second pair of hands adds ease to the procedure. The most important component of child measurement is actually keeping track of the measurements by plotting them on a chart; only by looking at your child’s progress will you be able to identify differences between normal growth, as compared to other children of the same age and an abnormal growth pattern. Abnormal growth patterns include both slow and fast growth. Height measurements should always be assessed in combination with other body parameters for example weight and body composition. If you have any questions about your child’s progress or health you should contact your health care provider. Growth occurs only for a short time, do not hesitate, and contact your health care provider as early as possible if you are concerned about your child’s growth.
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