New Delhi: Every parent treasures their child’s first smile, flip, crawl or step, but alongside joy comes anxiety: Is my little one growing properly? Are weights, heights, and milestones on track?
Experts say tracking growth charts and developmental activities can ease worries and spot issues early.
From birth to 6 months, babies triple birth weight (typically 2.5-4.3 kg to 6.5-9.5 kg), and height surges from 46-53 cm to 63-71 cm. They lift their heads while prone, roll over, and respond to sounds; some sit with support by 5–6 months.
Between 6 and 12 months, exploration kicks in – crawling at 8-9 months, standing, babbling and first steps by 10-12 months. Weight reaches 8.5-11.8 kg, height 71-80 cm.
Toddlers (1-2 years) walk independently, say ‘mama-papa’, and recognise objects. By 18 months: 10-12.5 kg, 79-86 cm; at 2 years: 11.5-14 kg, 84-92 cm.
From 2 to 4 years, full sentences emerge, colours/shapes are learnt, and self-feeding is attempted. At 3 years: 13-15 kg, 90-96 cm; at 4 years: 14-17 kg, 96-103 cm.
School-goers (5-8 years) are slow physically but excel in running, jumping, and memory. At 5: 17-20 kg, 105-112 cm; 8 years: 23-27 kg, 120-130 cm.
If growth lags, check diet (protein, milk, fruits, veggies), sleep, and activity. Consult paediatricians for genetic/nutritional/health causes. Balanced nutrients – calcium, vitamin D, and iron – are key.