What percentile should my baby be at on the growth chart?

Any percentile between the 3rd and 97th is considered normal. Percentiles are not grades - a baby at the 15th percentile can be just as healthy as one at the 85th. What matters most is that your baby follows a consistent growth curve over time.

When should I be concerned about my baby's growth?

Contact your pediatrician if your baby crosses 2 or more percentile lines in either direction, falls below the 3rd or above the 97th percentile, shows sudden changes in head circumference growth, has no weight gain for 3+ months, or experiences unexplained weight loss.

How often should baby weight and length be measured?

Babies are typically measured at each well-child visit: at birth, 1-2 weeks, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months. Consistent conditions (same scale, before feeding, minimal clothing) help ensure accurate tracking.

What is the difference between WHO and CDC growth charts?

WHO charts (recommended for ages 0-2) are based on breastfed babies from multiple countries and represent optimal growth. CDC charts describe how US children grew in the 1970s-1990s. The AAP recommends WHO charts for children under 2, then CDC charts for ages 2-20.

Baby Growth Chart Guide

Understanding your baby's growth chart can feel overwhelming at first. Learn how to read percentiles and track your baby's healthy development.

1. What is a Growth Chart?

A growth chart is a graph that compares your baby's weight, height (length), and head circumference to other children of the same age and sex. These charts are based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which collected measurements from healthy, breastfed children from multiple countries.

2. Understanding Percentiles

Percentiles show where your baby falls compared to 100 other babies of the same age and sex.

50th percentile: Right in the middle (average)
75th percentile: Larger than 75% of babies (top 25%)
25th percentile: Larger than 25% of babies
97th percentile: Among the largest
3rd percentile: Among the smallest

Important: Percentiles are NOT grades! The 50th percentile is average, and anywhere between the 3rd and 97th percentile is considered normal. A baby at the 10th percentile is just as healthy as one at the 90th.

3. Types of Growth Charts

Weight-for-Age

Tracks your baby's weight over time. Useful for monitoring nutrition and feeding.

Length/Height-for-Age

Measures lying-down length (under 2) or standing height (over 2). Shows skeletal growth.

Head Circumference-for-Age

Tracks brain development. Measured until age 2-3. Important for neurological health.

Weight-for-Length (BMI)

Shows if weight is proportional to height. Helps identify underweight or overweight.

4. How to Read Growth Charts Correctly

Track the Trend, Not Individual Points

The most important thing is following your baby's growth curve over time, not focusing on a single measurement. A baby consistently at the 25th percentile is growing just as well as one at the 75th percentile.

Good sign: Baby follows the same percentile curve consistently
Needs attention: Crossing 2 or more percentile lines downward
Needs attention: Sudden rapid increase (possible overweight)

Examples

Baby A: Born at 50th percentile, stays at 50th at 6 months and 12 months. Normal growth.

Baby B: Born at 75th percentile, drops to 50th at 6 months, then 25th at 12 months. Needs evaluation.

Baby C: Born at 25th percentile, stays at 25th consistently. Normal growth (just smaller build).

5. Average Growth by Age (Reference)

Weight

Birth: About 6.5-8.5 lbs (3.0-3.5 kg)
3-4 months: Double birth weight
12 months: Triple birth weight (20-22 lbs / 9-10 kg)
24 months: Quadruple birth weight (26-29 lbs / 12-13 kg)

Length/Height

Birth: About 19-20 inches (48-51 cm)
12 months: About 29-30 inches (74-76 cm)
24 months: About 33-34 inches (85-87 cm)

Head Circumference

Birth: About 13.5-14 inches (34-35 cm)
12 months: About 18 inches (46-47 cm)
24 months: About 19 inches (48-49 cm)

6. When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

Contact your doctor if you notice:

Crossing 2 or more percentile lines in either direction
Below the 3rd or above the 97th percentile
Sudden changes in head circumference growth
Weight and height percentiles are very different (disproportionate growth)
No weight gain for 3+ months
Weight loss (except the normal newborn weight loss in first week)

7. Tips for Accurate Measurements

Consistent conditions: Measure before feeding, with diaper only or naked
Same scale: Home and clinic scales may differ slightly
Use well-child visits: Regular checkups ensure proper tracking
Keep records: Use an app or notebook to track measurements with dates
Measure at the same time: Weight can fluctuate throughout the day

8. Common Misconceptions

Q: Is my baby unhealthy if they're not at the 50th percentile?

A: No! The 3rd to 97th percentile range is all normal. Genetics, sex, and individual variation mean babies naturally fall at different percentiles. A baby at the 15th percentile can be perfectly healthy.

Q: Does a low percentile in infancy mean my child will be short as an adult?

A: Not necessarily. Infant percentiles don't directly predict adult height. Growth patterns change, especially during puberty. Parent height and nutrition play significant roles in final adult height.

Q: Is it good if my baby's percentile keeps going up?

A: Not always. Rapidly climbing percentiles could indicate overfeeding or potential weight issues. The goal is steady growth along a consistent curve, with weight and height remaining proportional.

Q: Should I compare my baby to other babies?

A: Compare your baby to their own growth curve, not other babies. Every child has their own genetic growth pattern. What matters is consistent progress along their personal trajectory.

9. WHO vs. CDC Growth Charts

The WHO charts (recommended for ages 0-2) are based on breastfed babies from multiple countries and represent how children should grow under optimal conditions. The CDC charts describe how children in the US did grow in the 1970s-1990s.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using WHO charts for children under 2, then CDC charts for ages 2-20.

Sources: World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)