Is my child growing the way he or she should be?
			There is a wide range of “normal” growth. Between the ages of 2 and 5, the average child grows about 2 ½ inches taller each year, and also gains 4 to 5 pounds each year.

Growth charts are a good way to monitor your child’s growth and health.

You and your preschooler’s doctor are partners in maintaining your child’s health. Your preschooler’s growth over time is an important sign of good health and nutrition.

Visit your doctor regularly. As part of the visit, the doctor will weigh and
measure your child. He or she can then plot your child’s information on a growth chart. Over time, the curve of the growth chart will show your child’s growth pattern and whether height and weight growth are increasing at the same rate. Your doctor will monitor the growth chart to be sure your child continues to follow the same “curve” over time and the growth pattern does not unexpectedly change.

See where your child compares to others of the same age and sex on a growth chart.

What influences growth?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides more information about growth and growth charts.

 

Last Modified: March 12, 2009 04:09 PM