About this calculator
This calculator analyses the weight and height of a child according to his age with the accuracy up to the day. In contrast with centile tables this calculator gives complex assessment of the weight in strict accordance to the child’s height and age.
The ranges of values, methods and recommendations based on the methodical materials that were developed by WHO which done the extensive research of healthy children growth of different nationalities and geographical areas.
Please, keep in mind that our calculator forms the results only on the basis of the information that you are specified. If you made the measurements with big errors then the result will be inaccurate. Especially it’s important for the measurement of height (or body length).
If our calculator diagnoses some problems, you shouldn’t have panic: just make height measurement more accurate. In ideal this measurement should do two persons independently from each other.
Height and body length
For babies till 2 years it is accepted to measure body length in the lying position. Children above 2 years old are measured in the standing position. Difference between height and body length can reach 1 cm, it may affect on the assessment’s results. That’s why if you’ll specify height for the child till 2 years old instead of body length (or conversely) then value will be converted automatically to required for the correct calculation.
About Height Assessment (Body length assessment)
Height is the most important parameter which you should control monthly (see the centile tables of height). Obtaining estimates of "stunted" and "Severely stunted" can be caused by prematurity, illness, underdevelopment or inadequate nutrients.
High height typically isn't a problem but the assessment "very high" can point on availability of endocrine disorders: such a suspicion should arise in a case if a very high child has both parents with a normal average height.
The list of potential height's assessments:
- Severely stunted
- Severe growth retardation. It may also lead to obesity or owerweight. It is necessary to attend a specialist to identify and eliminate the causes of stunting.
- Stunted
- Retarded growth. It can also lead to overweight. Is it necessary to consult doctor.
- Below average
- Below average. Height (body length) is in the normal range.
- Average
- This height has the majority healthy children.
- Above average
- Above average. Height (body length) is in the normal range.
- Tall
- Such a great height you can see infrequently, however it does not indicate any problems, so it is the norm. Generally such height is hereditary.
- Very tall (excessive height?)
- Excessive height of the child is usually hereditary and of itself is not a problem. However, in some cases, this growth may be an indication of endocrine diseases. Therefore, to exclude the possibility of endocrine disorders, consult a specialist.
- Height doesn't match the age
- Perhaps you made a mistake when specifying the height and age of the child.
If the growth of the baby is really the same as you have specified, there is a significant deviation from the norm, which deserves special attention of an experienced specialist.
How the Weight matches the Height
The ratio of height and weight provides the most sensible representation of the harmonious development of the child, it is expressed as a number called the body mass index, or BMI for short. According to this value can be objectively determined problems with weight, when they are present. And if they are not, then you should check that the BMI is in a normal range.
Please note that normal body mass index of children is radically different from that of adults, and very dependent on the age of the child. Therefore, this calculator estimates the BMI in strict accordance with the age of the child.
Next you can see the list of situations that are diagnosed by body mass index:
- Severely wasted
- Severely wasted. It needs an expert help to identify and eliminate the causes of underweight. Also it is necessary to correct the feeding on the doctor's recommendations.
- Wasted
- Wasted. It is recommended to correct the feeding on recommendations of the doctor.
- Weight below average
- In the range of norm. The child weight less than most peers.
- Normal
- Ideal ratio of weight and height.
- Increased weight (variant of the norm, but risk of overweight in the future)
- This variant of the norm. The child weighs more than most peers. Possible risk of overweight.
When interpreting risk of overweight, it is helpful to consider the weight of the child’s parents. If the child has an obese parent, this increases the child’s risk of becoming overweight. A child with one obese parent has a 40% probability of being overweight; if both parents are obese, the probability goes up to 70%. It is important to know that overweight and obesity can co-exist with stunting
. - Overweight
- The correction of feeding according to doctor’s appointment is recommended.
- Obese
- The treatment and correction of feeding according to doctor’s appointment is required
- Can not be estimated
- Perhaps you made a mistake when specifying the height, weight or age of the child.
If all data are correct, there is a significant deviation from norms. It requires special attention an experienced doctor.
What weight can be
A simple estimate of weight (based on age) usually gives only a superficial understanding of child development. However, if you got rates "low weight" or "extremely low weight" it is a significant occasion for consultation with a specialist (see Weight tables). The full list of possible estimates of the weight is given below:
- Severely underweight, extremely low weight
- Child have vety low weight. Must be consulted a physician.
- Underweight, low weight
- Child have low weight. It is recommended to consult a doctor.
- Below average
- Weight below average, but it is in the normal range for a specified age.
- Average weight
- What is the weight of the majority of healthy children.
- Above average
- In this case, the weight should be assessed exclusively on body mass index (BMI).
- Much weight
- In this case, the weight should be assessed exclusively on body mass index (BMI).
- Weight doesn't match the age
- Perhaps you made a mistake when specifying the weight or age of the child.
If all data is correct, then the baby may have problems with the development, weight or height. To refine, please see Height and BMI estimates. And be sure to consult an experienced professional.