Q: How often should I measure my child’s height to make sure he’s growing right?

Answered by: Dr. Yap Song Hong, Consultant Paediatrician, Nilai Medical Centre

It depends on your child’s age. For an indication, from birth to age one, your baby’s doctor will monitor weight, length and head circumference every month for the first six, then every two months until age one, to ensure your baby is growing normally. Breastfed babies tend to grow quicker than formula-fed babies in the first six months.  For toddlers ages 1 to 3, the growth rate slows to a steady pace (74cm-94 cm) and will weigh approximately 14kg (or 30 lb). 

For ages 4 to 9, height and weight continue to increase steadily, gaining about 5cm to 7.5cm a year. Do visit your paediatrician or paediatric dietitian to ensure your child’s growth is normal and is eating right.