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It is important for a health professional to measure your baby's growth to see if they are healthy and developing properly.
Your child and family health nurse or doctor can measure your baby and track their growth on a growth chart. There will be a growth chart in your child's personal health record. Depending on where you live, this record might be called the blue, purple, red, green or yellow book.
Your baby's weight
Children grow quickly in the first year of life. Generally, most babies double their birth weight around four months and triple their weight by 12 months of age.
Whenever your baby is weighed during the first 12 months of life, take their clothes off to get a correct measurement.
Your baby's length
Your baby’s length will be measured at the same time your baby is weighed. It's important to check your baby’s weight often as you start feeding with breast milk or formula.
You can find growth charts in your baby's personal health record book. Download the personal health record book here
Your baby's growth over time
You can track your baby's growth by asking a child and family health nurse or family doctor for help. Weight can change a lot on a day-day basis, so it's better to check growth over time.
If possible, get the same person and scales to measure your baby to get the right measurements. This is because baby scales are not identical.
Head circumference (the distance around the edge of the head)
Your child and family health nurse or local doctor will be looking for signs your baby’s head is growing as expected by measuring the head circumference. The head shape and facial features will be looked at.
Are you wondering if something is wrong?
There are several reasons why your baby may not be growing as expected. It’s best to talk to your family doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
You are the one who spends the most time with your baby, so you will be able to explain if things have changed. Perhaps you have a gut feeling something is not quite right. Follow your instincts and seek help sooner rather than later.
