Percentiles are used to estimate growth patterns of children. They indicate the percent of the general population (reference group) that the individual equals or exceeds, thereby ranking the position of that individual. It is important to remember that a child's percentile is not really indicative of how well growth is taking place. Children at different percentiles may be experiencing the same level of growth. A child's growth over time is a more important consideration. Parents that are anxious or worried about their child's growth may discuss the matter with their pediatricians. Also see growth percentile calculator
Growth charts were created from information based on the measurements and weights of thousands of individual children. A national average was then developed for each gender and age. This was plotted as a curved line which was called the 50th percentile curve.
Therefore, in a sample of 1000 boys and girls, 500 of them would be below the curve and 500 would be above the curve. More curves indicating the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles were then developed. Growth percentile charts enable pediatricians to track the growth of children. There are also special growth charts which help to monitor the growth of children born prematurely. These charts are now also widely available on the internet on many child care and parenting websites. Therefore parents can also used baby growth chart at home. Growth percentile calculators for boys and girls are also available. These tools are available on the internet. Parents can enter the child's gender, age, weight, height and head circumference in order to get the child's growth percentile. Parents who are unsure of what their child's percentile ranking indicates, may speak to a doctor. A doctor will be able to provide accurate information about what the particular percentile ranking means and if it is a cause for concern. Parents must keep in mind that pediatricians make used of growth percentile charts to monitor growth trends over time. Therefore seeing a high percentile at a one visit may not necessarily means that there's reason to worry. Much like adults, the weight of children also fluctuates now and again.
There are different growth percentile calculators for boys and girls and the growth charts differ as well. This is because the growth rate and pattern is different for boys and girls. For each gender, there are 2 types of charts; one for babies between the ages of 0 to 36 months and one for children between the ages of 2 and 20.
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