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Normal Growth

What is considered a normal growth rate?

Growth not only involves length and weight of a body, but also includes internal growth and development. A child's brain will grow the most during the first five years of life, reaching 90 percent of its final size. Growth also affects different parts of the body at different rates; the head reaches almost its entire size by age one. Throughout childhood, a child's body becomes more proportional to other parts of his/her body. Growth is complete between the ages of 16 and 18, at which time the growing ends of bones fuse.

Important indicators in a child's growth and development are height, weight, and head circumference. A child's health status correlates closely to this growth and development. This pattern is plotted on a growth chart. 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, his/her 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, always consult your child's physician.

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