What is Normal Growth for a Child?
Growth involves length and weight of the body, and includes internal growth and development. A child's brain grows the most during the first five years of life, reaching 90% of its final size. Growth also affects different parts of the body at different rates; the head almost reaches its entire size by age 1. Throughout childhood, a child's body becomes more proportional. Growth is complete between the ages of 16 and 18, when the growing ends of bones fuse.
Pediatricians use a range to describe normal growth for a child. The following are some average ranges of weight and height, based on growth charts developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
| Age | Height Females in Inches |
Height Males in Inches |
Weight Females in Pounds |
Weight Males in Pounds |
| 1 | 27 to 31 | 28 to 32 | 15 to 20 | 17 to 21 |
| 2 | 31.5 to 36 | 32 to 37 | 22 to 32 | 24 to 34 |
| 3 | 34.5 to 40 | 35.5 to 40.5 | 26 to 38 | 26 to 38 |
| 4 | 37 to 42.5 | 37.5 to 43 | 28 to 44 | 30 to 44 |
| 6 | 42 to 49 | 42 to 49 | 36 to 60 | 36 to 60 |
| 8 | 47 to 54 | 47 to 54 | 44 to 80 | 46 to 78 |
| 10 | 50 to 59 | 50.5 to 59 | 54 to 106 | 54 to 102 |
| 12 | 55 to 64 | 54 to 63.5 | 68 to 136 | 66 to 130 |
| 14 | 59 to 67.5 | 59 to 69.5 | 84 to 160 | 84 to 160 |
| 16 | 60 to 68 | 63 to 73 | 94 to 172 | 104 to 186 |
| 18 | 60 to 68.5 | 65 to 74 | 100 to 178 | 116 to 202 |
Although a child may be growing, their growth pattern may deviate from the normal. Ultimately, the child should grow to normal height by adulthood. If you suspect your child is not growing properly, consult your child's doctor.
