GROWTH PATTERN OF CHILDREN'S

Growth during the first year of children  is  very rapid and we should see the birth weight is get tripled by the end of the first year. Like wise height should increase by 50 % by the end of the first year.

There is 2-3 kg increase in weight per year until the age of 9-10 year old when the rate of increase , signalling the approach of puberty. Height would increase by 6-8 cm per year from 2 years of age until puberty.BOYS & GIRLS grow at different rates and girls tend to be smaller than boys therefore expect girls to meet the lower end of the range.

Growth proceed at a steady and slow pace during the preschool and primary school age but it can be erratic with periods of no growth followed by growth spurt. These growth pattern coincide with the increase and decrease in appetite and food intake. Periods of slow growth and lack of appetite can cause anxiety for some parents leading to parent child struggles at meal times.

Body proportions change significantly after the first year with little growth in head circumference and trunk length and increased length of the limbs leading to a more mature upright body. Muscles mass increases to support standing and walking. Fat stores gradually decreases during preschool and children and reach its minimum at around 4- 6 years . as children approach puberty their fat stores start to increase and difference in fat deposition can be seen in the male and female bodies. Males tend to be leaner and have a higher muscles mass and females have a higher fat mass.

Children are constantly growing it is important to monitor their growth periodically. These periodic assessments allow any problems with growth to be detected and treated early.  A complete assessment of nutritional statues includes the collection of height and weight measurements. Care should be taken to employ standardised equipment and measuring techniques.