Growth: 52% of parents don't know how often to measure their child

Nearly 24% of parents (source 1), do not regularly monitor the growth of their offspring. Result: growth delays are often diagnosed too late. In order to raise their awareness of this issue, the Danish health company Novo Nordisk, in partnership with the association Grandir and the French Society of Pediatrics (SFP), recently presented the results of a survey on the subject.

“Growth is a very important indicator of child health. It reflects his general condition, confirms Pre Agnès Linglart, endocrinologist-pediatrician at Bicêtre hospital in Paris and member of the SFP. It is therefore essential to have it measured regularly by a health professional from birth until the acquisition of its final size.

How often to measure your child?

According to the study, more than one in two parents (52%) do not know how often it is recommended to measure their child. The younger the child, the more regular the follow-up should be: quarterly until the age of one year; two to three times a year from the age of one year to four years; then once or twice a year from age 4 until puberty. Finally, nearly 30% of parents have already worried about the growth of their toddler.

Three signs should alert:

The Pr Linglart concludes: “The earlier one diagnoses, the greater the chances of catching up with growth retardation. If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult.

Source 1: B3TSI survey "The French and the growth of children" for Novo Nordisk, the association Grandir and the French Society of Pediatrics carried out from June 10 to 24, 2021.

Association GrandirFrench Pediatric SocietyNovo Nordisk