At one point or another, all parents likely wonder if their child’s height, weight, growth and development are on track, off the charts or behind the curve. But the truth is that every child’s growth is going to be unique.

“The most important thing is the trend in the curve for your child or your baby,” Dr. Jessica Najarian-Bell, a pediatrician, says. “So the 15th percentile, that may be wonderful for your baby based on their curve, and for some babies that may be concerning based on their curve.”

How do you figure out your child’s curve? Well-child visits are recommended at specific times during your child’s life to help make sure their growth and development are on track. Using standardized growth charts is just one tool your child’s doctor will consider when determining if your child is right where they should be.

These height and weight charts for kids show average growth curves for boys and girls at different ages. But because your child’s growth is affected by a lot of different factors such as genetics, nutrition and activities, these charts are a helpful guide rather than milestones your child needs to hit.

Dr. Jessica, as her patients like to call her, sat down with us on the For Health’s Sake podcast to discuss height and weight charts for kids, as well as other developmental topics including:

• When to expect growth spurts
• When girls and boys stop growing in height
• What to do if you think your child is overweight or underweight
• Other factors that can affect development
• How to estimate how tall your child will get based on mom and dad’s height

Make sure your child is on track

Whether you think your child is growing too fast or on track to be a late bloomer, their normal height, weight and growth rate will be unique to them.

“There’s going to be children who are in the 10th percentile and children who are in the 90th percentile,” Dr. Jessica says. “And [in both cases], if they’re following their own curve, [they] are perfectly healthy and growing just right for them.”

Scheduling regular well-child visits is the best way to make sure that your child is following their curve. These visits also give you an opportunity to voice any questions or concerns you have about your child’s growth.