It is important to monitor weight, height and head circumference. The rate of growth should be monitored on percentile charts - a single measurement at any given time cannot always be accurately interpreted. Fifty per cent of children will fall between the 25th and 75th percentile. Weights of individual babies often cross percentiles in the first few months after birth. Length percentiles show a similar trend.
Parental height has a strong influence on the eventual height of their children.
The weight percentiles of breastfed babies differ from those that are bottle fed. In general, breastfed babies tend to grow rapidly in the first 2 to 3 months, but then grow at a slower rate than the current percentile charts. Health professionals may mistakenly believe that the mothers milk production is inadequate and suggest complementary formula be started. Babies are individuals. It is important to look at trends in weight gains over time.