How does a growth chart work?

Growth charts were introduced for babies born in Ireland after January 1st 2013. The lines or curves that are on a growth chart are used to plot your little one’s development. The growth charts have been adapted for Ireland from materials originally developed by the WHO and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in the UK. The charts describe optimal rather than average growth.

The growth chart measures your little one on something called a centile. For example, if you’re child was on the 50th centile for height, it would mean that half of the children they are compared with would be shorter than them and half of the children would be taller.

After the age of 2, a growth chart can also be used to measure your little one’s Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI reading is used to estimate the amount of body fat that your little one has.