Information on the Normal Height & Weight for Children

One of the first things parents want to know following the birth of a child is the height and weight of the baby. Parents continue to be concerned about their child's height and weight for many years to come. While there are guidelines indicating normal height and weight for a child's age, all children are different and as a result they grow at different rates.

Significance

• Doctors routinely check a child's height and weight in an effort to see if the child is growing and developing normally.

Types

• Children have different body types. According to Kid's Health, muscle development and body type will effect a child's weight. Children with a high muscle content may have a higher-than-normal BMI (body mass index), so muscle mass should be taken into consideration.

Identification

• Physicians use the BMI formula to identify if a child's height and weight are appropriately matched and to determine if the child is overweight or obese.

Effects

• Children who have a BMI that is under the 5th percentile may need strategies to gain weight. Children with a BMI greater than the 95th percentile may need to eat a more healthy diet and get more exercise. Those children who are obese are more likely to develop serious problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Warnings

• Children should never consume a severely restricted diet because they may not get enough nutrients to promote proper development.