Most newborns grow about 25 cm in their first year. From preschool to puberty, children continue to grow at a steady but slower pace. Parents should monitor their child's height to ensure they are growing as expected.

While no method can precisely predict a child's future height, there are ways for parents to estimate their 3- to 10-year-old child's potential adult height.

Bone age X-rays

Every child has a bone age, which can be determined by an X-ray of the hand or wrist. From the X-ray, an orthopedic specialist can assess how many more years a child will continue to grow before reaching their adult height.

Doctors don't typically recommend hand X-rays solely for height prediction. However, if a child needs an X-ray for an injury or medical condition, parents can discuss the child's bone age and its implications for future height with their doctor.

Parental height

The average height of the parents can provide a clue about their child's future height.

For boys: (Mother's height + Father's height + 13) / 2.

For girls: (Mother's height + Father's height - 13) / 2.

Growth spurts

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a growth spurt is a rapid increase in a child's height and weight, often associated with puberty. These typically begin around the age of 9 or 10.

Elementary school-aged children grow about 2.7 kg and 5 cm each year. The rapid growth typical of mid-puberty can double these figures.

Common signs of a growth spurt

Increased appetite: Growing children often feel hungry and eat more. Parents should have healthy meals and snacks rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals available.

Fatigue and sleep deprivation: Children need enough sleep because growth-controlling hormones are released during sleep. Children who don't get enough sleep may not grow as well, experience mood problems, and become more susceptible to illness. Children aged 3 to 5 need a total of 10 to 13 hours of sleep per day, while children aged 6 to 12 need 9 to 13 hours.

Le Nguyen (From Parents)