Many parents are concerned about their children's growth and want to learn more about growth and growth problems. They want to know when to see a healthcare provider and when not to worry.
Although most children who are very short or very tall are healthy and normal, some children have diseases or conditions that affect their growth. A child's rate of growth is a more important clue to the presence of a growth problem than is his or her size. For this reason, regular, accurate measurements plotted on a pediatric growth chart are very important. A change in the child's growth rate may provide the first hint of an underlying problem.
The following questions can serve as guidelines for parents who are worried about their children's growth. While not necessarily indicating a problem, a "Yes" answer to any of these questions* signals a need to discuss the question with your child's healthcare provider.
- Is my child the shortest or tallest in the class?
- Is my child still wearing last year's clothes or outgrowing clothes much faster than usual?
- Is my child unable to keep up with other children of the same age in play?
- Is my child growing less than 2 inches or more than 3 inches a year?
- Is my child complaining about his or her size?
For more information on these guidelines contact:
Human Growth Foundation
997 Glen Cove Avenue
Glen Head, New York 11545
Or call toll-free: (800) 451-6434
One of the most important things parents can do to protect a child's health and growth is to have their child examined regularly by a pediatrician or another qualified healthcare provider.
