How to Determine What My Child Should Weigh

Obesity is becoming an increasingly common problem among children and teens and can cause diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and can increase risk factors for heart disease. A child who is underweight may not be getting proper nutrition or could have health or emotional problems. Determine your child's ideal weight range and make adjustments to his physical activity and eating habits if necessary to help him become a strong, healthy and active adult.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Digital scale
• Child and teen BMI chart

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Instructions

• 1

  Obtain a child and teen BMI calculator or growth chart. You can ask your pediatrician for this; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provide a calculator on its website.

• 2

  Remove your child's shoes and any bulky clothing.

• 3

  Measure your child's height. Have her stand up straight with her back to a wall, her heels touching the floor and the wall. Make a small pencil mark where the top of her head meets the wall.

• 4

  Use the measuring tape to measure the distance from the floor to the pencil mark. Measure accurately and write down the number to the nearest 1/8 inch.

• 5

  Stand your child on the scale. Measure her weight and write it down.

• 6

  Plot your child's weight and height on a growth chart or enter the numbers on a child and teen BMI calculator. The BMI calculator will give you an instant result. If you plot on a growth chart, find your child's age at the top and her weight or height on the right or left side. Mark the spot where her age and weight or height meet.

• 7

  View your results. Your child's height and weight should fall between the 5th and 95th percentile.

• 8

  Contact your pediatrician if the results concern you or if you have any questions.