How is your child growing? Is he or she overweight? Just right? Underweight? Not sure?
As parents, we are often concerned with our children’s growth, especially during their formative years. Many worry when they notice their children being different from others who are of the same age. It is important to remember every child grows at his or her own rate. Comparing your child with someone else’s would lead to unnecessary worry.
So how do you gauge your child’s growth?
How well your child grows is influenced by several factors—nutrition, genetics and hormones. The best way to keep track of your child’s growth is by mapping out a growth chart. This way you can monitor his growth according to his age group and detect under-nutrition, overweight and obesity and other growth-related conditions at an early stage.
There are different weight and height charts relative to age for boys and girls because their growth rates and patterns differ. Children under age 3 are usually measured at least every 6 months; children over 3, every year. If there is any concern about growth, measurements may be made as often as every 3 months until a growth pattern becomes clear.
All you need is a reliable weighing scale, a measuring tape (you can stick this to a wall from floor level) and the appropriate weight-for-age and height-for-age growth charts. Visit World Health Organisation’s website (The WHO Child Growth Standards) to download and print the latest growth charts. Specific instructions are available online to show you how to properly measure your children’s height, weight and how to plot your results on the chart.
If you are concerned about your child’s growth, talk to your paediatrician. The paediatrician will be able to detect if there’s something wrong with your child and address the problem early on.
Growth Alert!
Here are some things to watch out for when you’re plotting your child’s weight and height against a growth chart:
1. Sudden weight drop or increase
Is he eating well? Is he lacking any nutrients? Parents should also see if the child is suffering from any illnesses (i.e. urinary tract infections, a chronic illness).
2. Overweight
How do you tell? For instance, a year ago, the child’s weight was in the 50th percentile and the figure climbed up to the 60th percentile 3 months later and up to the 70th percentile in another 3 months. This clearly means an increasing weight problem.
3. Underweight
Similar to the point above, if the child’s weight seems to be declining at each measurement, you need to take action.
4. Too tall
Is he unusually tall for his age? This could be due to genetic factors or hormone problems.
5. Too short
This too is influenced by genetics. However, you may be concerned if your child doesn’t register any height increases for 2 consecutive measurements.
Superior Nutrition for Great Kids!
According to nutritionists, even a child who is of normal weight, can still be micro-nutrient deficient. A deficiency in nutrients like iron, calcium and even iodine often causes health problems and can even affect school performance.
Drinking at least 2 glasses of milk a day, especially with picky eaters can help prevent any deficiency. That is why Snow Brand SUPER KID-plus, the most nutrient enhanced growing-up milk formula features a balance of nutrients essential to the proper physical and mental development of a growing child which also includes—Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Sialic Acid (SA), Oligosaccharide, Choline, Tryptophan, essential vitamins and minerals with a high content of Omega 3 and Omega 6. It also contains Nucleotides for stronger immune function as well as Taurine and Ferum for added nutritional value.
With no added sugar or flavouring, Snow Brand SUPER KID-plus retains the all-natural taste and goodness of milk that children love!
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