Calculate Baby Boy's Height & Weight: WHO Growth Standards

The image below is a simple way to calculate your son's ideal height and weight from birth to five years. Usually, a baby boy's weight gain will be faster up to 1 year/12 months, and the weight gain slows down.

The below growth chart for boys gives the measurement range between the 3rd and 97th percentile of the WHO growth standards for baby boys. Checking that your son fits into this range can reassure you that he is within the normal range of height, weight, and head circumference measurements for his age. Refer WHO chart for Boys from 0 to 5 years for the complete information.

WHAT IS THE GROWTH CHART?

WHO (World Health Organization) developed growth charts for babies and kids after researching growth patterns worldwide, including in India. Health professionals follow these charts from over 100 countries across the world, and it's recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics as well! A Baby's growth can be tracked roughly with these charts.

The growth chart contains the child's age, weight, and height, also comprised of a series of percentile curves that explains the selected body measurements in children. Check the charts and tables in the post for more details and a better understanding.

What does the 3rd and 97th "Percentile" mean in the growth chart?

Percentiles compare your child with other children of the same age. The higher percentile(97th) means the maximum range of weight/height, and the Lower percentile (3rd) suggests a minimum range of height/weight compared to another child of the same age group.

If your child is in the 97th percentile, then it means that he is the 97th heaviest(weight) or tallest(height) out of 100 children of similar age, and if your child is in the third percentile, then it means he is the third heaviest or tallest out of 100.

My child is in the lower/higher percentile. Should I be Concerned?

First of all, don't panic. You must understand that each child is unique and has a growth pattern. Regularly monitoring height and weight over time helps determine your child's growth pattern. A lower percentile doesn't always mean that your baby is underweight; the same is true for a higher percentile. The variation in the chart may be temporary due to a growth spurt (overweight) or sickness (low weight). The growth also depends on more than one factor. For example, if both parents are shorter than average, it would be expected for that child to have a lower percentile for height and weight as they grow up.

If your child's growth rate is lower/higher, then check with your child's pediatrician. He checks out for a bigger difference in percentiles, and he may explore further and let you know the reason for the change in growth over time. If your baby is on solid foods, he might investigate further stool output, food allergy, or any medical condition keeping your child from absorbing enough calories. He may suggest tips to gain weight and a list of healthy weight-gaining foods.

How to Encourage Healthy Eating Habits in Babies & Toddlers

It’s expected that your child is fussy about food and don't be hard on yourself if your child isn’t eating well. Here are some tips on how to encourage eating.

Always offer healthy foods with a balanced diet and variety.
Aim for three to five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.
Encourage self-feeding and try finger foods.
Start including different colors and textures of food.
Involve your child in cooking wherever possible.
Eat as a family and be a role model for healthy eating habits.
Cut down screen time and make sure your child is active and playing enough for a day

Also, Check out the food charts for 7 months to 3 years of Homemade Baby food recipes

Check out various recipes for babies that are suitable for babies from 6 months to 5 years!

Last, If your baby is healthy, active, and happy, that is very important! These growth charts are just a reassurance of your baby's overall health and development!