The percentile grid – description, purpose, interpretation of results

Proven content

It is a method of objectively assessing the development of a child between the ages of 1 and 18. The child’s physicality is assessed, including height, body weight, head circumference (this is about increment).

The history of the creation of the percentile grid

The percentile grid is a universal tool that is valid all over the world. They were created in an unusual way – on the basis of anthropometric measurements performed for 5 years in a group of 8500 children from all over the world. These children were provided with optimal development conditions from the prenatal period, all were breastfed during infancy, and of course all were healthy.

After five years of observation, surprising results were obtained – children from different ethnic groups, from different parts of the world (from all continents!) – grew in an almost identical way.

Also read: Breastfeeding is safe for women after breast cancer therapy

What do percentile grids look like?

Particular attention should be paid to the division of percentile grids, which are divided into female gender (intended for girls) and male gender (for boys).

The percentile grids are constructed in such a way that successive percentile lines determine the percentage of children in each age group below their level, i.e. if the measurement value of the examined feature is at the 10th percentile, it means that at this calendar age 10% of peers are characterized by lower value of this feature. The percentile lines form development channels corresponding to low, medium, or high values ​​of a given trait.

The percentile grids statistically show the percentiles that show how many percent a child weighs and measures. To understand what is going on, you have to cite an example. Let us assume that the child’s weight is 65 percentiles.

It follows that in the case of taking random measurements of 100 children, 65% of this group is lighter than the tested child, and 35% has a greater body weight. This measurement is usually taken every 10 years to get an idea of ​​the development of children, whether the pace is rising or slowing down. The percentile grid is divided into percentile channels (colored lines are used for this). Their task is to control the rate of growth and weight gain of the child.

Also check: Eight-year-old heavyweight

How to use the percentile grid?

First, the child should be carefully weighed and measured at the beginning. In the case of an infant, this process translates into several steps (measured from head to hip, then hip to knee, and finally knee to toe). Older children are measured barefoot. They can wear underwear so that the examination is not embarrassing.

It should be noted that the child has a straight back, and the measurement itself should be performed several times to be sure. In measuring the weight, the bathroom scale is perfectly adequate and fulfills the requirements. Body weight should be monitored at the same time each day as weight is different in the morning and evening.

See: Congenital flat foot – what is it?

Growth grids for boys and girls

The emergence of these two types of percentile grids is due to the desire to achieve objective test results. Boys’ physical development is different from that of girls. Male babies are heavier and reach larger sizes. Without this division, the study would be useless, it would not produce the expected results. Despite the differences between the two grids, the way they are used is exactly the same.

Also read: Fast-growing boys have more testosterone as adults

What if my test result is below the 3rd percentile?

This can be a cause for concern when growth or weight gain has slowed. This may be a warning sign of abnormal physical development of the child being examined.

To find out if everything is okay with your baby, you should calculate your baby’s BMI after the age of 2. Then it will be possible to accurately determine whether we are dealing with underweight or overweight. If the child’s results were close to the 3rd percentile from the start, our fears may be reduced, although vigilance is recommended.

The editorial board recommends: The eating habits of overweight children

How should a small child be measured?

You shouldn’t force your child to do anything. You should take care of the comfort, peace and adequate relaxation of the child. If the child feels unwell, fidgeting, it is recommended to reschedule the measurements. To measure the weight, the baby’s nappy should be removed as it may interfere with the test results. Therefore, the measurement should be as short as possible and the test room should be warm enough.

How often should I perform a percentile survey?

It is not recommended to do this frequently. The changes after the tests will be minimal, which may give the impression that your baby is not developing properly. This can cause unnecessary stress.

How to correctly measure the circumference of a child’s head?

The head circumference should be made with a long, soft and flexible centimeter so as not to injure the head area. The centimeter should be gently wrapped around the head at its widest point (forehead and above the ear line). Take the measurement three times to make it reliable.

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