G - Growth

With the growing concerns of obesity, it can be difficult to try to determine if your child is growing properly. We are constantly worried about Monkey. She started off having a hard time gaining weight, and she still struggles off and on. Because she is not lethargic and she is eating, we are not extremely concerned about weight.

For children, it is important to realize that the growth spurts will happen at different times and each child is different. For example, my oldest daughter started itty bitty, but is FINALLY hitting her growth spurts. We think she is about ready for another one too. (thankful for thrift stores).

Infancy –
Most physicians desire a 3-7 ounce weight gain a week during the first six months. After that, it should slow down to 3-5 ounces. Most children will grow about 10-12 inches in the first year.

Pretty sure this is around 6-9 months

Year 2 –
The weight gain will slow even more during the second year of life. Weight may only be about two ounces a week and they should grow about five inches. Physicians will tell you that your child is half their full height by age two, but some kids hit their main growth spurts later so do NOT freak out! (been there, done that for you)

Almost 18 months

Age 2 to 5 –
The toddler years are the hardest, as the child normally goes through food ruts and activity skyrockets. It is common to see only 3-4 pound gains during this year, and sometimes two to three inches of growth.

Age 4

Six and Up –
It is important to help your children understand that rapid weight and height gain is completely normal in this stage. It can be difficult for a pre-teen girl to understand that they are not getting “fat” when they jump from a size 8 to a size 14 because they have grown. (again, been there, done that).

Age 6

Age 10

If you are ever concerned about how much your child has grown, talk to your physician and if need be, a dietician.


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