Growth means increase in size of the body and its various parts.

Growth Chart:

Definition:

Growth chart is the visible display of child’s physical growth and development.
It was designed at first by David Morley and later on modified by WHO.
WHO growth chart has three reference curves(lines)-
I) Upper line- 50^th percentile for the boys (slightly higher than that for the girls)
II) Middle line- 3^rd percentile for the girls (slightly lower than that for the boys)
III) Lower line- 60% of 50^th percentile.

Space between upper and middle lines is known as “The road to health”. The weight of 95% of normal healthy children will fall within this space. Growth line of a normally growing child will be above the 3^rd percentile and will run parallel to the road to health curve.

Uses of Growth Chart:

i) Monitoring of growth of childrenii) Planning and policy making concerning child health care
iii) Helps to identify high risk children and thereby plays role as diagnostic tool
iv) Used as an educational tool for the mother in proper growth monitoring of her child
v) Tools for action- growth chart makes referral easier
vi) Tools for teaching- effectiveness of corrective measures of improving child growth can be evaluated by it.