728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › General Health › Baby Weight Percentages

Baby Weight Percentages

What Percentile Is Your Child In, and Does It Matter?

By Lisa A. Goldstein

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Not every doctor thinks parents should keep track of what percentile their children are in. Dr. Bud Zukow, a pediatrician with 43 years of private practice and author of Baby: An Owner's Manual (Beaufort Books, Inc., Sept. 2007), responds to the question, "Should I keep track of what percentile my child is in?" with this: "The fact that the question is being asked illustrates why percentiles aren't a good idea."

"They do very little other than cause anxiety among parents who inevitably compare their child's percentiles with those of their friends' children," Dr. Zukow writes. "As the child grows, that anxiety can be transferred to the child, especially if she becomes aware of constantly being compared to others. If your baby is healthy and showing appropriate weight gain, leave the percentiles alone. You don't need them."

Dr. Lonzer recommends that parents talk to their pediatrician about their child's growth at each checkup visit, so that they may be aware of any risk factors for metabolic or other health problems. Parents can have lots of fun guessing how their kids will end up, but "don't wager lots of cash because lots can change over time!" Dr. Lonzer says.

Baby Weight Percentile Calculator

Keeping in mind that the percentile number is just a guide, it's still helpful – and interesting! – to know what percentile your baby is in. Click here to go to iParenting.com's baby weight percentile calculator to see what it says about your baby.


Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.