If age is not known, children shorter than 87 cm are measured lying down. Height and length mean the same thing: how tall the child is. Children more than two years old are measured standing up (height). Children less than two years old are measured lying down (length). Measurements should be read aloud clearly and recorded immediately to avoid error. If the parent or carer is close by, she or he can reassure the child. Two people are required to take each measurement (particularly height). To reassure the caregiver, try to measure in private (for instance by using a screen). Shoes should be removed when measuring height. Clothes and shoes should be removed when measuring weight. 
It is important to be as accurate as possible when taking measurements. If measurements show that a child is wasting, thin or swollen, the child may have acute malnutrition and must be referred for nutritional care and treatment. Measuring height and weight helps to show whether a child is growing well. ASSESSMENT:įor infants and children under 2 years of age, lying length is to be measured, with the help of 2 caregivers. This is a measurement of distance from the top of the head to the soles (heel) of feet when the child is lying down.įor children 2 years of age or older who can stand and maintain the correct erect posture against a wall, standing height is to be measuredĪssess readiness for measuring an accurate height and weight by reviewing the following supplies that are needed for the procedure:įlat, uncarpeted floor and vertical wall (preferably without baseboards) for standing height OR a flat, hard surface the child can lay on that is directly against an upright wall or headboard for lying length.Why is measuring height and weight important? These anthropometrics are often used to calculate medication dosages or dietary requirements. 
nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes), it is important to have accurate and up-to-date measurements of height and weight for every visit with their health care providers.
For children with medical complexity, particularly those who have enteral tubes (e.g. Accurate measurements of height and weight are key elements in evaluating a child's health status.
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