Some babies will always be small and others will always be large. A baby on the 90th percentile weights more than 90% of other babies that age. A baby on the 5th percentile weighs less than 95% of other babies of that age. A baby on the 50 th percentile for weight, for example, is right in the middle of the normal range: 50% of babies their age are lighter, and 50% are heavier. The growth charts show this by using 'percentiles'. Like adults, babies come in all shapes and sizes. Most states and territories use charts from the US Centers for Disease Control to measure growth and weight in children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years.

Infant growth charts allow health professionals to compare your baby's growth with that of all other babies of the same age. Infant growth (aged 0 to 2) is usually calculated using the World Health Organization's (WHO) growth standards. As long as your baby continues to grow, is responsive and is healthy, there's usually no need to worry about the trend on the growth chart. Your child and family health nurse or GP may also keep a birth chart for your baby.Īll babies grow at different rates, and 'normal' growth ranges a lot. There will probably be a growth chart in your child's personal health record (often called the blue, red or green book, depending on which state you live in). On the vertical (up-and-down) axis is the measurement on the horizontal (side-to-side) axis is the baby's age. These measurements are marked down on the chart so you can see how they change over time. Growth charts record changes in your baby's length, weight and head circumference. There are different charts for boys and girls, for infants and for older children. What is an infant growth chart?Īn infant growth chart helps you, your doctor and other health professionals keep track of how your baby is growing. The most important thing is that your baby is healthy, happy and growing appropriately. It's important not to compare your baby's size with that of other babies since this may be misleading. As the name suggests, baby or infant growth charts indicate how your child is growing.

Age progression chart