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Your Childs Growth Rate

How well a child grows tells a great deal about his or her health. Like their parents, children come on a variety of sizes and shapes with each child growing and developing at his or her own unique rate. Growth charts show typical patterns of growth and are helpful in following an individual's child's development. Children may be talker or shorter, heavier or lighter than the general range, but as long as they continue to reasonably grow in height and weight, they are probably growing well.

Typically, infants double their birth weight by 4 to 6 months, and triple it by 1 year. Being fed when hungry helps infants develop a sense of caring and trust that their needs will be met, and helps to develop their sense of hunger and fullness. From 2 to 10 years of age, children's appetites decrease as they become more independent and food likes and dislikes become more defined. During this time, cognitive, emotional, and social development continues at a tremendous rate. Growth spurts, common in the first two years of life and the adolescent years, are associated with an increase in appetite.

Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth, with an increased need for energy and nutrients. Girls mature earlier than boys; girls gain more fat tissues (breasts, thighs, and hips) while boys gain more muscle tissue. Adolescents can be very sensitive about their changing bodies and so it is very important to reassure them that this is a normal process. Healthy eating and regular physical activity will help teens achieve a healthy body weight and body composition.

The most important thing you can do as a parent is look at your child's pattern of growth over time and honor his or her unique pattern: A large child who has always been at or above the normal range is probably just a healthy, large child. A small child who has always been just below the normal range is probably just small. Try to have your child weighed and measured within 1 to 2 weeks of birth; at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months; between 4 to 6 years, and annually until they are adults. This is a good way to see if a child is growing normally.

For more information visit Dietitians Position Growth Charts. http://www.dietitians.ca/news/highlights_position_growth_charts.html

Author: Susan Rutter -- Publisher, Nutritionist, and Instructor who assists patients and the public make healthy choices and changes in their lives. http://www.geocities.com/healthyoubbies/home.html Contact Email:

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