Parents

As a constant presence throughout your child’s development, you are in a great position to keep a check on your child’s growth.

Normal height
There is a wide range of what is considered normal height at any given age and on top of that, the heights of a child’s biological parents play an important role in determining their expected final height. As a result, the rate at which a child is growing is often more important than a child’s current height.

Measuring your child’s height
Measuring your child’s growth at home is a good way to check that they are thriving and it can be lots of fun too!

What you will need:

• a book
• a pencil
• a DIY tape measure (preferably metal)

• Ask your child to stand with their shoes off and feet together, with their back against a flat vertical surface such as a wall (make sure that their heels, buttocks and shoulder blades are in contact with the wall)
• Place a book vertically on top of your child’s head with the book’s spine resting against the wall
• Make a light pencil mark where the base of the book’s spine touches the wall
• Measure the distance from this mark to the floor using the metal tape measure
• Record the measurement and the date it was taken.

What to do if you have concerns
If you have any concerns at all about your child’s growth, there are a number of healthcare professionals you can speak to. You can contact your health visitor, school health nurse, practice nurse or GP – all of whom should be able to provide you with further advice.

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