Height predictors – How tall will I be when I grow up? The growth chart Using a growth chart during routine checkups is a simple method to predict a child’s future height via a set of curved lines of weight, height, and head circumference [1]. For instance, if the pediatrician says that your child is in the 25th percentile for height, that means he is taller than 25% of the children at their age in the U.S., yet shorter than 75% of the rest. Also, following the growth chart can help the doctor discover warning signs about underlying health conditions. For example, if your child is steadily growing, and then suddenly has dips or spikes on the chart, that information might send a signal for further testing. Although this method is good for the average, it is inaccurate when accounting for genetic conditions, different ethnicities, and other factors. Bone age method To perform this method, the pediatrician will take an X-ray of the child’s left wrist, hand, and fingers. Then compare these images to the ones in the standard atlas of bone growth to point out the age of the child’s bone and age. Also, they can predict how tall and what age the child will grow, as well as what age he will enter puberty. Is there anything else? The doctor identifies conditions that might lead to extreme stature (hormone-related diseases) or abnormal development of the arms (genetic disorders). Khamis-Roche method This method is quite popular in predicting height and is used for kids from 4 to 17. It is calculated based on the mother and father’s height, the gender of the child, and the child’s weight, height, and age. You can try it here! Although this method is about 90% accurate, its correctness is limited to Caucasian kids with no known health conditions affecting their growth. Mid-parental method This method only uses the parents’ heights to calculate the child’s height. Add the father’s and mother’s height and divide this number by 2. Subtract 2.5 inches to get a girl’s future height or add 2.5 inches to get a boy’s future height. 2x2 method That said, this is the simplest and easiest method to guess the height, though there is no evidence for its accuracy. All you just do is to measure the height of your daughter when she is 1.5 years old and your son when he is 2 years old. How tall would a child be? The average amount of growth you can expect to see, including: Toddlers between ages 1 and 3 grow about 4 inches per year. From 3 to pre-puberty, children’s growth slows to about 2 inches each year. But this is normal, so do not worry much. Children at puberty will gain about 3 inches or more per year. Girls often enter puberty earlier than boys (about 8 to 13 years old), while boys start at about 9 to 14. Then their growth slows in the two years following the beginning of puberty and stops when puberty ends. Have a look at the table below! Ages Height (inches) Weight (pounds) Females Males Females Males 1 27 – 31 28 – 32 15 – 20 17 – 21 2 31.5 – 36 32 – 37 22 – 32 24 – 34 3 34.5 – 40 35.5 – 40.5 26 – 38 26 – 38 4 37 – 42.5 37.5 – 43 28 – 44 30 – 44 6 42 – 49 42 – 49 36 – 60 36 – 60 8 47 – 54 47 – 54 44 – 80 46 – 78 10 50 – 59 50.5 – 59 54 – 106 54 – 102 12 55 – 64 54 – 63.5 68 – 136 66 – 130 14 59 – 67.5 59 – 69.5 84 – 160 84 – 160 16 60 – 68 63 – 73 94 – 172 104 – 168 18 60 – 68.5 65 – 74 100 – 178 116 – 202 If your child is not growing as expected, the doctor might suggest getting bloodwork and/or an X-ray. And in case they are still concerned, they might recommend a pediatric endocrinologist for further testing. What factors affect a child’s growth? Genetics Kids inherit genes from their parents, and these DNA strands can bring a considerable influence on their physical growth. As mentioned above, genes determine between 60 and 80% of a person’s adult height. Also, genes affect head circumference and childhood intelligence [2]. What’s more, genes build children’s physical and mental health. Some might be born with genetic disorders like Down syndrome or spina bifida that might disturb their growth and development [3]. Nutrition If you want your children to grow, make sure to provide them with adequate nutrition. So, what is a balanced and nutritious diet for healthy growth? Below is guidance from the Academy of Nutrition of Dietetics. Choose whole grain foods to obtain carbohydrates, fiber, and B vitamins. Opt for fruits and vegetables to get a range of vitamins and minerals. Consume low-fat dairy to support the body with protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. But this might be challenging for those who are picky eaters. So, parents need to give them multivitamins or dietary supplements (remember to consult the doctor’s advice before using). Gender You can see the difference between boys and girls in the table above, especially when they approach puberty. Although girls mature first and faster in adolescence, boys are taller and physically stronger than girls. Hormones Hormones, produced by different glands placed in particular parts of the body, play a vital role in affecting various bodily functions. These hormones include growth hormones, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones. Exercise Engaging in exercise regularly is vital for proper physical growth because it supports the health of muscle tissues and bones. Children should get at least an hour of exercise a day and spend time outside to absorb vitamin D naturally. Sleep Sleep is extremely important in helping the body release the necessary hormones for growth. If a person does not get enough sleep over a long time, this might hinder their healthy growth, hinder the ability to focus, learn, and participate in life, as well as cause health issues. Emotional well-being It might sound strange but kids reach their full growth potential if they are living in a nurturing, loving, and supporting family environment. Emotional disrespect and excessive anxiety or tension can hinder growth. In the end, Now you know no crystal ball can show you how tall your child will be. Their height mainly depends on the genes they receive from their biological parents. Besides, other factors like good nutrition, exercise, and sleep support healthy growth and development. And if your child is not growing as expected, parents should take them to the doctor for a checkup. NuBest
