General Discussion of Growth Charts
The growth charts that we have featured at Birthcare are based on the updated charts put out by the CDC and NCHS in 2000 for the length
and weight of infants in the US. They work best if used for infants that do not have very low birth weight (less than 4 lbs.)
or who are very premature. The data collected for these charts does not take into account certain medical problems which may alter
your child's growth such as heart disease or Downs Syndrome. If you have any questions regarding the growth of your child always
consult your doctor for specifics.
The data used in these new charts was collected from both breastfeeding and formula feeding infants in the U.S.A. The breakdown of
breastfeeding vs. formula feeding is similar to the number of infants who are breastfed vs. formula fed in the US, making these growth
charts appropriate as assessment tools for both groups of infants. It is helpful to know that breastfed infants grow differently
than formula fed infants. Exclusively breastfed infants usually gain weight more quickly than formula fed infants for the first
few months of life. However, from 6-12 months the weight gain of the breastfed infants is less than formula fed infants.
What does the percentile mean?
There is a wide band of normal growth shown on these charts for both boys and girls. Our charts are divided into percentiles starting
at 5% to 95% of the population. This means if your child's weight plots at 25% your child is as heavy or heavier than 25% of the
infants in the US and weighs less than the remaining 75% of infants. Our charts are color coded, making it easy to spot which
percentile your child falls under.
How do I read the chart?
Now that you have entered some weights or lengths into the monthly blocks our charts will plot a line on the appropriate growth chart.
You should begin to see a trend. In general an infant's growth percentile may fluctuate from birth to around eighteen months.
However, from eighteen months on the percentile should not change much. Remember, bigger is not always better. Your infant's
actual percentile is not as important as a consistent rate of growth. Call your doctor if you have concerns about your child's growth.
What factors influence growth?
There are a variety of factors that determine whether you are short, tall, heavy, or thin. It is important to take these into
consideration when looking at your child's growth chart. Genetics is one that many people consider. If your family is above
average height it is to be expected that your child will also be above average height. Another thing to consider is activity level.
Very busy, active children tend to be thinner from using up more calories than those who are content to sit and play quietly. Along
with activity is the nutrition of the child. If your infant always carries a bottle or cup of juice with them they may weigh more than
the average child from the constant ingestion of sugar in the juice. A final consideration must be given to any medical conditions or
health issues your child is facing. Certain diseases or syndromes are associated with lower than normal growth in the children who have them.
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