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Your child's length

Your child’s length may be measured at:

  • birth
  • the 72 hour visit by the public health nurse (PHN)
  • the 2 week check with your GP or practice nurse
  • the 6 week check with your GP or practice nurse
  • each developmental assessment up to the age of 2 years

After the first month, your baby may increase in length by an average of 2.5cm to 3cm (1 inch to 1.5 inches) a month.

Concerns about your child's growth

Your PHN and GP will work with you to monitor your child’s growth. If there are any concerns about your child's growth, they might be measured every 3 months for a while.

Some babies may need to be referred to a specialist for further checks. This could be with a dietitian or a paediatrician (doctor who specialises in children's health).

Page last reviewed: 16 December 2022
Next review due: 16 December 2025