What Makes An Accurate
Toddler Growth Chart?

Your toddler's growth has two aspects, physical and mental. Physical growth refers to the increase in height and weight and other physical attributes of your toddler. Mental growth refers to the increase in your toddler's mental development including the capacity to think, imagine, analyze, judge wrong and right.

So for those who do not quite understand what I am talking about, allow me to explain. So what exactly is a growth chart? A growth chart is a tool that your pediatrician uses to keep track of your child’s “physical” growth. At your toddler’s check ups, the doctor will measure their height, weight and head circumference. The numbers will then be plotted on a toddler growth chart.

These numbers on the chart are of National Averages for Children of the same sex and age. Your pediatrician will then tell you the percentile your child is among the average of other toddlers. For example, if your doctor tells you your 12 month old is in the 75th percentile for weight, then 75% of the 12 month old in the U.S. are lighter and 25% are heavier than your toddler.

These charts are only a general guide. I wouldn’t worry much about the numbers. Focus on the fact that your toddler is growing consistently and developing very well. This is the most important factor of all.

The Measurements

Weight -

The nurses would have me undress my toddler, and even remove their diaper. Your child is then placed on the traditional beam scale. Once your toddler can stand on their own then some pediatricians will use the upright scale. You want them to get an accurate reading. My son used to get really upset and did not want to sit on the scale. The nurse managed to do her best.

Length or Height -

Until your toddler can stand on their own, they will be measured lying down. My son hated this part. The device looked almost like a bed with a headboard and foot board. I think it was scary to him. When he was able to stand on his own they did move him to the wall toddler growth chart and would measure him that way.

Head Circumference -

The pediatrician will measure your child’s head by using a measuring tape. They will then place the tape just above the eyebrows and ears, around the back of the head. The goal is to measure the head at the spot where it has the largest circumference.

You can track your toddler’s growth yourself from home. I never did this because it seemed like the check- ups were so frequent that I didn’t feel the need to. However, it is good to practice keeping track yourself. I have also found a great site that gives you a great ideas for making your own toddler growth chart.

How to track your toddler’s growth at home:

• Weigh your toddler on your home scale. If this is hard for you to do, then weigh yourself holding your child. Then weigh yourself alone. Subtract the two weights and you will have the weight of your child. This may not be a completely accurate reading but it gives you a rough estimate.
• To get an accurate height, measurement, lie your child down flat and use a measuring tape. You may need to ask Hubby for help but again, it is giving you a rough estimate.
• For head measurements, wrap the measuring tape around your toddler’s head just above their eyebrows and ears, then around the back where their head slopes up prominently from their neck. The goal is to measure at the spot where it has the largest circumference.

You can take these measurements and make your own toddler growth chart at home. With simple materials such as graph paper you can make your very own chart. I found this great site that shows you how to make your own growth chart.

Check this site out for a great idea to make your own chart!!

http://www.essortment.com/all/makeagrowthch_tvni.htm

You can also buy a really cute toddler growth chart to hang on the wall. These really track the height and then you can write in the weight. Older toddlers think they are neat especially when they have their favorite cartoon characters on them. It’s amazing if you start marking on the growth chart as soon as possible. It’s great to watch them grow!! At the same time it makes me sad that my little boy is growing up…:(

I hope that this information has helped. Toddler growth charts are an important resource to track toddler development. Remember to have FUN and enjoy your toddler. They will grow before your eyes and you will miss their little faces.

* I am not a Doctor or Licensed Professional in the field of toddler development. I am a stay at home Mom passing on tips, advice and information that are based on my opinions. Always remember to consult your pediatrician with serious questions concerning your child and their development.*

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