Every parent has that moment when they look at their kid and wonder if their growth is normal. It’s a fair question, because no two kids seem to grow in the same way or on the same schedule. Some kids grow seemingly overnight, while others grow at a much slower pace.
Below, our pediatric care providers in Highland, Indiana are going to explain what healthy growth usually looks like, and when you should be concerned.
So, what does “healthy growth” look like?
Pediatricians use growth charts to track a child’s height, weight, and sometimes BMI so they can keep an eye on changes over time. They look at these numbers during each visit, for months and even years, to see if there is a steady and healthy growth pattern taking shape.
For example, most babies will double their birth weight somewhere between 4 and 6 months old. By their first birthday, many will have tripled that number.
After the first year, the growth slows down slightly. Toddlers gain around five pounds total throughout the entire second year of life.
As kids move into early school years, from around ages 2 to 10, the growth is steady but slower. Then comes puberty, usually starting between ages 9 and 15, which brings the biggest and final growth spurt before kids reach their full height as teenagers.
Remember that two kids might be the same height at 18, even if one started growing tall at age 10 and the other did not hit their growth spurt until 13.
When should you worry?
Sometimes a child’s growth pattern indicates that something might not be right, and that is when parents should pay close attention. For example, if your child suddenly drops several lines down on the growth chart or stops growing at all for many months in a row, it could be worth checking out.
Sudden weight gain or weight loss that does not match up with height changes, along with frequent illnesses, can also be signs of a problem.
Does that automatically mean something serious is happening? Not at all. But it’s always a good idea to let your pediatric care provider in Highland, Indiana take a closer look and guide you on what to do next.
What affects growth anyway?
Genetics do play a big role in how tall or big a child might eventually get, but that is not the only factor involved. If both parents are over six feet tall, it is unlikely their child will stop growing at 5’. But factors like getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, staying active, and overall health are also very important for proper growth.
Kids who eat a variety of healthy foods and have good sleep routines tend to grow in a much steadier and healthier way. On the other hand, problems like chronic illnesses, hormone imbalances, or not getting enough sleep night after night can slow growth down.
That is the whole point of regular checkups with a pediatric care provider. They can catch any small signs long before they start to affect a child’s growth in any meaningful way.
How do pediatricians track a child’s growth?
At each visit, your pediatric care provider in Highland, Indiana will check your child’s height, weight, and sometimes BMI to get a clear picture of their growth. These numbers are all plotted on a chart that shows if your child is following a healthy pattern over time or if there are any sudden changes.
If the doctor sees something that does not look right, they might order a simple blood test, an X-ray, or even suggest seeing a specialist. Most of the time, though, only small lifestyle changes or a follow-up visit are needed to get things back on track.
Looking for an affordable pediatric care provider in Highland, Indiana?
Are you looking for a qualified pediatric care provider in Highland, Indiana who can answer all your questions about your child’s growth and overall health? If so, our pediatricians at 219 Health Network are the people to see. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to learn how we can help.