How to measure your child's height
If you are concerned about your child’s growth, don’t hesitate to speak with an HCP. They will be able to complete some measurements and investigate further if needed, potentially referring you on to a specialist. Here we can help you plan for both conversations.
How to measure your child's height2.
Accurate measurements of your child's height are important. Using measurements from your doctor is best. If you don't have these, follow the method described here.
Measuring height.
If you are measuring your child's height at home, it is important to take the measurement using the same method each time, and ideally at the same time of day.
The best results can be found using these steps:
- Attach a measuring tape to a flat surface, such as a wall or door.
- The floor should be a hard surface, and not carpeted.
- Remove your child's shoes.
- Ask your child to stand against the flat surface, with heels, bottom, shoulders, and back of the head touching the wall or door.
- Their feet should be flat on the floor.
- Lower a book or similar object with a right-angle until it touches their head, and then mark that height on the wall or door.
- Read the height on the measuring tape where the mark is.
- Enter the height measurement and measurement date into the entry fields.
Please note: This method should be used to measure height in children after age 2. The method to use to measure height during the first 2 years is different from the method for children over 2 years old.
2. Centers for disease control and prevention. Measuring Children's Height and Weight Accurately At Home. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/measuring_children.html (accessed Feb 2019).
