Bringing a baby into the world is an amazing experience, and it can be wonderful to watch your little one grow, develop and learn new things. In fact, many moms and dads like to specifically track how fast their kids are growing, and baby growth charts can help with that.
Baby growth charts are like oversized measuring tapes that you usually hang or stick onto the wall to track your child's growth over time. They're suitable for kids of various ages, from infants through to toddlers and beyond.
But which is the right growth chart to buy and use in your home? In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top baby growth charts for 2024.
Next, let’s take a closer look at how you can use baby growth charts to measure your children, as well as some tips to follow when picking which chart you want to buy.
You might be wondering whether or not it’s really necessary to measure your baby or toddler. Well, many experts argue that it is. In fact, a lot of doctors and scientists recommend parents to measure the growth of infants, toddlers and older children, too. This is because measuring the growth of your children is one of the best ways to check that they are developing correctly.
Baby growth charts also allow you to see if your child’s development is progressing as it should. It also gives you the chance to look out for any warning signs or issues that may need addressing with your child’s pediatrician. When you measure your child repeatedly, you’ll find it easier to spot signs like short stature or faltering growth.
You can also weigh your child at the same time as measuring them to see how their weight is developing. This will let you look for any signs that your child might be underweight or overweight.
Finally, it’s worth noting that using growth charts is quite simply an enjoyable way to spend some time with your child and do something interesting together. Many young children enjoy the process of using a measuring chart and like to see how tall they’re getting, so this can become a great bonding exercise.
Not sure how to get started with your growth chart? Here are some simple tips to help out.
If you’re using a growth chart for a baby, you won’t want to hang it up on the wall right away. Instead, it’s a good idea to lay the chart flat on the floor or across a bed. You can then position your baby beside the chart to measure their height.
Once your child is capable of standing up on their own two feet, it’s possible to set up the chart on the wall. To do this, you’ll usually need to insert a hook or nail into the wall and hang the chart from it.
Before you start, you need to get the measurements right. Use a measuring tape to calculate the correct distance from the ground so that the chart provides accurate readings.
While some charts start at 0, others can start higher than this. This is why it’s vital to check the details of your chart and place it in the right position. You can also use a separate measuring tape to address this.
Once the chart is in position against the wall, your children simply stand beside it with their feet together and backs against the wall. Then you can check their height using the chart and make a little mark on it or note it in a separate book or journal.
Kicking things off, we have this baby growth chart from Mibote. Offering enough length to be used for many years, it provides clear and visible markings for easy readings. You can use this chart for infants, toddlers, elementary school children, and teens. It’s crafted from soft canvas cloth, making it fully waterproof and durable enough to last for years of use. With its soft wood ends and simplistic design, it can blend in with any nursery or kids’ room environment—and its sturdy design makes it the best growth chart for children.
Next up, we have this super cute chart from JJGoo. This chart is decorated with adorable animals, including a lion, owl and giraffe. Kids can work their way up the chart as they grow and meet new furry friends along the way, and its extended height will allow you to use this chart for years and years. Thanks to its cute and colorful design, it blends in nicely as a great piece of nursery décor. It even comes with its own hook, making it super simple to set up in your home.
Kids often enjoy using growth charts, as they like watching the numbers go up and tracking themselves as they get taller and taller. It’s even better if the chart has fun images that make it easier and more engaging for kids to see how big they’re getting. This chart from Outivity is perfect for that, and it’s decorated with a picture of a tall giraffe with other little animals climbing up its neck.
Kids can chart their progress up the giraffe’s neck, too, hoping to eventually reach its head someday. Crafted from high-quality canvas with strong wooden ends, this chart will last for years of use. It’s ready to chart your child’s progression as they get older and it’s super simple to set up, with a rope at one end for hanging over a hook.
Here’s another lovely baby growth chart, this time from Beinou. Like many other charts, it measures 7.9 inches across and reaches a total height of 79 inches. It’s made of canvas, with wooden slats at each end that hold the tape in place and a piece of rope at the top for hanging. One of the best things we love the most about this chart is its huge range of colors and styles. You can pick from over 10 different options, including one with a floral print, one decorated with balloons and animals, and even a space-themed chart for any little astronauts in your family.
Each chart is lovingly designed and decorated with bright colors and cute images. They’re all easy to set up and use, too, and the brand’s customer service is ready to help out if you have any issues.
If you want a baby growth chart that will really add some color, life and style to your child’s nursery or bedroom, you might be interested in this one from Sylfairy. Available in various designs, this chart is very nicely put together. Kids will love looking at the fun images and tracking their progress, making it even easier for you to measure them whenever you want. As an added plus, these charts are great to look at and a joy to use. They’re durable, waterproof and easy to install—requiring you to hang them over a hook or nail
A: Up to the age of six months, babies usually grow between 1/2 an inch and a full inch per month.
A: Many experts recommend using these charts to keep track of your baby's development. In the case of stunted growth, for example, your child’s doctor will be able to recommend a protein or growth supplement that will be able to help with this.
A: Absolutely! Many growth charts go up to a height of six feet and beyond. Growth charts are especially helpful for those who have a general interest in tracking their development or are battling a health issue that may impact their height.
A: By all means, if your child is not growing at a normal rate you should contact their pediatrician.