Physical Growth in Children

Assessing Growth

To assess physical growth in children, several indicators are considered, including:

• Anthropometric measurements: Height, weight, head circumference, chest circumference, arm circumference, etc.

• Bone age: Determining bone age based on X-ray images of the hand.

• Signs of sexual maturity: Appearance of pubic hair, breast development, voice changes, etc.

• Body composition data: Percentage of fat, muscle, and water in the body.

Monitoring Head Circumference

Measuring head circumference is crucial for monitoring brain development in children, especially during the first 2-3 years of life.

• Head circumference at birth: Typically 31-34cm, with an average of 35cm.

• Head circumference growth:

• First 3 months: Increase by 2-3cm per month.

• 4-6 months: Increase by 1cm per month.

• 6-9 months: Increase by 0.5cm per month.

• Head circumference size:

• End of year 1: 45-47cm.

• 15 years old: 52cm, equivalent to adults.

Chest Circumference

• Chest circumference at birth: Smaller than head circumference by about 30cm.

• Chest circumference growth: Increases slower than head circumference in the first few months, catches up when the child is 2-3 years old, and then surpasses head circumference.

Arm Circumference

• Arm circumference at 1 month: 11cm.

• Arm circumference at 1 year: 13.5cm.

• Arm circumference at 5 years: 15cm.

• Normal arm circumference: Above 13.5cm.

• Arm circumference in malnourished children: Below 12.5cm.

Height

• Height at birth: Approximately 50cm.

• Height at 1 year: Approximately 75cm, increasing by 50% from birth (2.5cm/month in the first 6 months, 1.3cm/month in the following 6 months).

• Double birth height: Children 4-5 months old.

• Average height growth: 5cm/year.

• Height growth during puberty: Boys increase >10cm, girls increase >9cm, an average of 5cm/year.

Weight

• Weight in the first year: Triples birth weight (750g/month in the first 6 months, 250g/month in the following 6 months).

• Weight after 1 year: Increases by an average of 2kg/year.

• Weight during puberty: Increases by an average of 4kg/year.

Note: The information above is general, and each child will have their own unique growth rate. To accurately monitor a child’s development, consult a pediatrician.