Growth Charts
Growth charts are used by pediatrics to measure the physical development of a child but they can also be used by parents at home to mark their baby’s progress. While growth charts can be a fun way to chart your child’s development it is important to know that every child is unique and that timelines and guides are only meant to give a reference point. Judging your child by how he stacks up to other kids on a chart is only going to cause you unnecessary stress and panic when in fact it has very little to do with the child’s actual development. It’s only natural to want to compare and contrast but know the intricacies of a growth chart before using one.
Growth charts can be a simple marker on a wall to track a child’s getting taller or they can be graphs intended for pediatrics that factor in percentiles, weight and height at particular ages. Be sure you read about how a particular chart works before you purchase one as many parents may find that the graphs on a pediatric chart are too confusing to understand.
Most parents will simply want a basic growth chart that is easy to use. Luckily these come in a wide variety of fun themes and colors so you don’t have to mark up a kitchen wall. Participating with your child as he tracks his growth is a good bonding experience but you should be realistic with him if he asks questions that may be hard to answer. Kids come in many shapes and sizes and just because they aren’t at a certain height or weight by a certain age doesn’t mean there is something wrong or unhealthy.
Many parents are concerned about their child’s growth and development but relying on charts, standards and other kids isn’t always the best way. Your genetics and several other factors that are beyond your control will influence how and when your child grows taller and gains weight.