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In order to identify if there is a problem with your child’s growth, it is important to understand how standard growth can vary by age.
It is estimated that around 80% of a child’s growth will occur before puberty and during puberty there is a rapid period of growth, called the pubertal growth spurt, which is when adult height should finally be reached. For girls, puberty usually starts at around 11 years old, and for boys, puberty starts at about 13 years old.
There is a guide referred to as the ‘rule of fives’ that outlines the typical growth rate of a child. It suggests:
From birth to 1 year, babies grow in length 25 cm
From 1 to 4 years of age, children grow at a rate of about 10 cm per year
From 4 years of age to puberty, their growth slows to about 5 cm per year
Learn about Growth by Age
Growth in babies (age 0-1 year)
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As a new parent, the amount of information out there about growth can feel overwhelming – all you want is for your baby to be happy and healthy. During these early stages of development, any issues with growth may not be showing themselves which is why it is vital to keep track of your baby’s growth, in order to identify early if there is a problem.
As a reference, from birth to 1 year, babies grow about 25 cm.
Growth in toddlers (age 1-4 years)
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Your little baby has all of a sudden become a toddler, and it seems out of nowhere! The last year has been a blur of health visits, doctors and vaccinations! Over the last year you have probably been good at keeping up with your baby’s growth but you may be wondering if you child is where you would expect them to be for their age.
As a reference, from 1 to 4 years of age, children grow at a rate of about 10 cm per year.
Growth in children (4-10 years)
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Your little one may be attending nursery or school and you may have started noticing some signs that perhaps your child is not growing as they should. Have you started to notice that perhaps your child is not as tall as other children of the same age? Are they shorter than a younger sibling, or a sibling when they were the same age?
As a reference, from 4 years of age to puberty, their growth slows to about 5 cm per year.
Growth in teens (10-16 years)
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Moving from childhood to teenage years is tricky for the whole family! Puberty is a time for rapid growth and also when any potential growth disorders may become more obvious. Are they shorter than classmates, wearing out clothes before outgrowing them, being teased about their height, mistaken for being much younger, are they shorter than you/your other children of the same age? At this age they may be more independent as such, understanding and sensitivity around the subject of height can really help.
As a reference, it is estimated that around 80% of a child’s growth will occur before puberty. During puberty, there is a rapid period of growth called the pubertal growth spurt, which is when adult height should finally be reached. For girls, puberty usually starts at around 11 years old; and for boys, puberty starts at about 13 years old.
Get prepared for talking to your doctor
If you are concerned about your child’s growth, don’t hesitate to speak with an HCP. They will be able to complete some measurements and investigate further if needed, potentially referring you on to a specialist. Here we can help you plan for both conversations.