Comparing your baby's growth with others unintentionally?

When meeting a child of about the same age at a parenting plaza or park. "Oh, my child is a head smaller than that child...?" "Doesn't crawl yet, is he/she delayed?"

It is natural as a parent to become anxious like that. However, baby's growth speed is truly "Ten people, ten colors". Birth weight is different, and genetic physique is also different.

The important thing is not "comparison with other children", but to watch over "whether growing at child's own pace". This time, we explain how to use "Growth Curve" which pediatricians always check, and signs that should really be worried about.

Baby Growth AssessmentCheck your child's growth percentiles against WHO health standards.

What is Growth Curve (Growth Chart)?

Growth curve is a distribution map of "how tall and heavy Japanese children are growing" created by the government (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) by conducting a large-scale survey. It is the graph listed in the back of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook.

Let's understand meaning of "Percentile"

Lines such as "3 percentile / 97 percentile" are written on the graph. This represents the rank when 100 children are arranged in ascending order of size.

97 percentile: 3rd from the largest
50 percentile: Just the middle (average)
3 percentile: 3rd from the smallest

If it is within the band of this 3-97 percentile (within the frame), it is "within normal range" whether big or small. There is absolutely no such thing as "It is no good because it is below average (50 percentile)".

Checkpoints Surprisingly Unknown

By looking at not only "point" of weight and height but also following points, you can understand growth deeper.

1. Is it along the curve (slope)?

The most important thing is this. Even if it is in the lower part of the frame (smaller), there is no problem if it is increasing little by little along the curve. Conversely, if it was in the middle until now, but suddenly leveled off or decreased and "falls crossing the curve", caution is required.

2. Balance of Height and Weight (Kaup Index)

Even if worrying "Weight is heavy", actually height might also be tall and "Balance is good (Standard body type)". To measure the degree of obesity in infants, a formula called "Kaup Index" is used, but with Jenee's tool, you can automatically judge just by entering height and weight.

3. "Corrected Age" for Preterm Infants

In case of a baby born earlier than expected date, it is natural to be small if corrected by age from birth (calendar age). Let's see the growth curve with "Corrected Age" based on the original expected delivery date. (Example: Child born 2 months earlier than expected date at 4 months old -> See as corrected 2 months)

Guideline of Growth and Development by Month of Age

Growth needs to be seen from both sides: "Body (Size)" and "Development (What can do)".

0-3 Months Old (Nenne Period)

Body: Increases rapidly at a pace of 25-30g per day. Becomes about twice the birth weight in 3 months.
Development: Eyes meet, laughs when soothed (social smile), neck begins to settle.

4-6 Months Old (Rolling Over Period)

Body: Weight gain becomes slightly moderate (about 15-20g per day). Many people worry here that "gain became bad", but it is natural.
Development: Neck settles completely, rolls over, interested in baby food.

7-12 Months Old (Sitting / Crawling Period)

Body: Because movement becomes active, weight does not increase much. It is a time when height grows and becomes slim instead. Becomes about 3 times birth weight at 1 year old.
Development: Sitting, crawling, standing while holding on, picking up things with fingertips.

1 Year Old ~ (Walking Period)

Body: Changes to toddler body type.
Development: One-word sentence (Manma, Wanwan), walking alone.

Consult Pediatrician in Such Cases

Whether "Wait and see" is okay or should consult. It is a guideline for judgment criteria.

Deviated greatly from Growth Curve: Below 3 percentile or above 97 percentile.
Slope of curve changed suddenly: Weight does not increase at all or decreases for several weeks even though it was going well all the time.
Development milestones are significantly delayed: Neck is wobbly at 5 months old, no words at 1.5 years old etc. (* Since individual differences are large, consultation at checkup is recommended)
Expansion of Head Circumference (Head Size): If only head circumference is increasing rapidly, show it to a doctor considering possibility of hydrocephalus etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Should I add formula even if fully breastfeeding?

A. If weight is increasing along the curve of growth curve, pee and poop are coming out firmly, and mood is good, breast milk alone is enough. "Crying = Hunger" is not necessarily true. Sometimes sleepy, hot, or want to be hugged.

Q. Does not eat baby food much and weight does not increase.

A. There are individual differences in progress of baby food. If drinking breast milk or formula and is energetic, no need to rush. Let's prioritize teaching the joy of eating. If eating too little, consult at checkup as there is a possibility of iron deficiency etc.

Q. I was told "My child's head is big / small".

A. Head shape and size are also hereditary. If within the range of growth curve and there is no extreme change, it is within the range of individuality.

Summary

Growth curve is trajectory of growth of my child itself. It is not for comparing with imaginary child called "Average", but a tool to confirm "how grew compared to my child of yesterday".

If you use Jenee's physique judgment tool, you can check current state objectively without troublesome graph entry. If you can confirm "It's going well", you should be able to enjoy parenting today with peace of mind.