Every mother wants to know that her child, if not the best, then at least normal. It grows and develops correctly. Mothers communicate with each other, exchange data, compare and either rejoice over themselves or cry into the pillow if it seems to them that their child is somehow behind the rest. Comparison is made in all respects, and sometimes mothers are proud that, in theory, they should have caused concern and, on the contrary, are nervous because they are actually a variant of the norm.
To avoid such situations, it is necessary to thoroughly study the stages of development of the child and all the main parameters, which include, including height, weight, chest circumference and head circumference. Knowledge of these parameters and their “normal” values significantly facilitates the life of the mother. The word “normal” is in quotation marks in connection with the ephemerality of the very concept of norm and a huge number of individual factors affecting the development of the body. This article will discuss one of the most important parameters that determine the development of a child, namely, growth.
At different ages, children grow in different ways, the fastest - in the first year of life. At this time, the child’s growth is measured by months, in connection with which monthly visits to the doctor are necessary. Of course, it can be measured at home. However, in this case, the probability of error is high, because in the clinic for measurement, a special stadiometer is used.
In the first month, children add about 3 cm, about the same in the second, then the growth rate gradually slows down, until six months, children gain about 2.5 cm per month, and closer to the year this figure drops to 1.5 cm.
What should be the growth of the baby at birth? Children whose growth is 50-52 cm are considered normal. Premature babies are usually much smaller, depending on the age - 36-45 cm. By the way, premature babies grow a little differently, not like healthy ones. The first months are very slow, and then even faster than the rest. During the first year of life, children born on time gain about 25 cm, and premature babies up to 40, thus compensating for what they did not receive in the womb.
Normally, the growth of a boy at the age of a year ranges from 72 to 80 cm, girls, in turn, from 70 to 77 cm.
Then the child’s growth slows down, and on average, children add 4-5 cm per year. Accordingly, in two years, normal growth for boys is from 85 to 90 cm, and for girls it is from 83 to 88 cm. At three years, boys reach 93-97 cm, and girls - 91-95. The growth of a child at 4 years is about 100 cm.
However, it is important to remember that, firstly, each child is individual, and his development may depend on a number of factors. Heredity plays a role. Everyone knows that each race has its own characteristics. The growth of the child depends on how healthy he is, how he eats, in what climate he lives. Secondly, you can’t evaluate children by only one parameter, weight, girth of the chest and head are also monitored. If the baby is slightly higher or lower than normal, but at the same time it is developed proportionally, then there is nothing to worry about.
In addition, a deviation from the indicated figures of 3% is considered absolutely normal. A reason to consult a doctor may be a 10% deviation from the norm. In this case, the child may have any health problems, for example, genetic disorders.
The maximum height that a person can achieve under ideal conditions is calculated using the following formulas, which differ for girls and boys:
P (boy) = (P (father) + P (mother)) + 5 cm;
P (girl) = (P (father) + P (mother)) - 5 cm.
Where P stands for growth.
I would also like to emphasize the importance of proper nutrition for harmonious development. So, at the age of one year, the growth of a child directly depends on the amount of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins, especially vitamin D, which contributes to the absorption of calcium. The best option for a child of this age is breastfeeding. In this case, the growth of the child directly depends on the diet of the mother.