In the spotlight these days is the "Growth Standards for Children Under 7 Years Old," with many claiming it to be the latest standard for children's height. Actually, it is the newest version, but it has been in effect since 2023.
The "Growth Standards for Children Under 7 Years Old" specifies height, weight, and other indicators for children under 7 years old (less than 84 months) to assess their growth and development.
Age refers to the period from birth to just under 7 years old (less than 84 months), rounded to the nearest year or month.
Length is applicable to children under 2 years old, measured as the length from the top of the head to the heel in a lying position.
Height is applicable to children aged 2 to 7 years old, measured as the vertical height from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet in a standing position.
Px represents percentile statistical values, where a child's height falling within the range of P3 to P97 is considered normal, including P3, P25, P50, and P97, representing the percentage of children below that value, with P50 being the median.
For children aged 8-18 years old, the National Health Commission has also issued the "Evaluation of Height Development for Children and Adolescents Aged 7-18," with a median for each age group, as well as -2SD, -1SD, +1SD, and +2SD, all within the normal range.
Generally, a full-term baby's average height at birth is about 50 centimeters, growing approximately 25 centimeters in the first year, and around 9-10 centimeters per year from ages 1 to 3. From 4 years old to puberty, the average annual growth is about 5-6 centimeters.
For boys aged 17-25 and girls aged 16-23, it's the final stage of height growth, with an average increase of about 2-3 centimeters per year. After this period, growth is mostly finalized.
