How do I know if my baby is growing properly?

Understanding Your Baby’s Growth: What Parents Need to Know

 

 

A baby’s growth is a major concern for parents. Many wonder: Is my baby gaining enough weight? Is my baby growing properly? Questions like “Why is my baby only this tall at their age?”, “Why didn’t they gain weight this month?”, or even “Is my baby too big?” are common.

To clarify these concerns, we spoke with Adeline, a childcare specialist, who helps us understand everything about baby growth and development.

 

 

What Is a Growth Chart Used For?

 

 

Growth charts track weight, height, and BMI (Body Mass Index) and record them on graphs. To determine if a baby is growing well, we consider parental height and the reference guidelines on these charts.

Monitoring growth helps detect healthy development and identify potential health concerns, such as growth delays or even early signs of obesity.

How to Read a Growth Chart?

 

 

Boys and girls have separate growth curves and develop differently. To track your baby’s growth properly, use the chart specific to their sex.

Since April 1, 2018, a new version of growth charts has been implemented in health record booklets to better assess baby’s growth.

 

Close Monitoring from 0 to 3 Years Old

 

Adeline explains that:

• Birth height plays a key role in a baby’s first-year growth
• In the first 3 months, babies grow about 3 cm per month
• From 3 to 6 months, they grow around 2 cm per month
• From 6 to 12 months, growth slows to 1 cm per month

If a baby does not follow this pattern, it may be a cause for concern. However, some babies born small or with growth delays can catch up over time.

We talk about harmonious growth when a baby follows a steady curve, regardless of their starting weight. Concerns arise only when growth harmony is disrupted. If a child’s weight or height shows significant deviations, a medical follow-up can be initiated early.

How Often Should You Weigh and Measure Your Baby?

 

 

Babies are weighed and measured more frequently in their early months, with gradually increasing time intervals:

• From birth to 6 months → Every month
• From 6 months to 2 years → Every 3 months
• From 2 to 6 years → Every 6 months
• From 6 years to the end of growth (around 18 years) → Every year

Growth stops at different ages for boys and girls:

• Boys: Around 16-17 years old
• Girls: Around 15-16 years old

 

 

Why Measure Head Circumference?

 

Head circumference is closely tracked, especially during the first year, to detect any potential neurological issues. This helps ensure that the baby’s brain is developing properly.

What Influences a Baby’s Growth?

 

Several factors impact a child’s growth:

• Physical Activity → Encourage movement and sports once they’re old enough
• Healthy Eating Habits → Avoid excessive snacking and encourage trying new foods
• Parental Genetics → Taller parents tend to have taller children, while shorter parents usually have shorter children
• Hormonal Factors → Some growth delays can be linked to hormonal imbalances
• Regular Pediatric Check-ups → To ensure both physical and mental well-being

What Causes Growth Delays?

 

 

If a child is not growing as expected, several factors could be involved:

• Poor nutrition (not eating enough)
• Intense physical activity (e.g., high-level gymnastics can slow growth)
• Allergies, reflux, or illnesses
• Endocrine disorders
• Stress, depression, or anxiety
• Parental pressure around food (forcing a child to eat can backfire and lead to nutritional deficiencies)
• Socioeconomic factors (access to food, healthcare, and a stable environment)

Sources

• Health Record Booklet
• WHO (World Health Organization)
• Ameli.fr (French Health Insurance)