Growth not only involves length and weight of a body, but also includes internal growth and development. A child's brain will grow the most during the first five years of life, reaching 90% of its final size. Growth also affects different parts of the body at different rates. The head reaches almost its entire size by age 1. Throughout childhood, a child's body becomes more proportional to other parts of their body. Growth is complete between the ages of 16 and 18, at which time the growing ends of bones fuse.
Normal growth is categorized in a range used by pediatricians to gauge how a child is growing. The following are some average ranges of weight and height, based on growth charts developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
| Age | Height-Female | Height-Male | Weight-Female | Weight-Male |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 to 31 inches | 28 to 32 inches | 15 to 20 pounds | 17 to 21 pounds |
| 2 | 31.5 to 36 inches | 32 to 37 inches | 22 to 32 pounds | 24 to 34 pounds |
| 3 | 34.5 to 40 inches | 35.5 to 40.5 inches | 26 to 38 pounds | 26 to 38 pounds |
| 4 | 37 to 42.5 inches | 37.5 to 43 inches | 28 to 44 pounds | 30 to 44 pounds |
| 6 | 42 to 49 inches | 42 to 49 inches | 36 to 60 pounds | 36 to 60 pounds |
| 8 | 47 to 54 inches | 47 to 54 inches | 44 to 80 pounds | 46 to 78 pounds |
| 10 | 50 to 59 inches | 50.5 to 59 inches | 54 to 106 pounds | 54 to 102 pounds |
| 12 | 55 to 64 inches | 54 to 63.5 inches | 68 to 136 pounds | 66 to 130 pounds |
| 14 | 59 to 67.5 inches | 59 to 69.5 inches | 84 to 160 pounds | 84 to 160 pounds |
| 16 | 60 to 68 inches | 63 to 73 inches | 94 to 172 pounds | 104 to 186 pounds |
| 18 | 60 to 68.5 inches | 65 to 74 inches | 100 to 178 pounds | 116 to 202 pounds |
Although a child may be growing, their growth pattern may deviate from the normal. Ultimately, the child should grow to normal height by adulthood. If you suspect your child or adolescent is not growing properly, always consult your child's physician.