This is a follow up to Part 2 :)
Reading Tim's Percentages:
 |
| Tim's Percentile Chart
We are referencing Tim's percentile chart (above). Let's look at Tim's Length.
This part is different because we are looking at the top of the chart, not the bottom. Ignore the bottom. I have plugged in 3 points to use as Tim's length and will explain each one.
To begin, I plugged in all the missing months (optional but helpful) Using inches (not cm but it is the same exact process) I looked for the correct number of inches ~22 in at birth.
I marked where both of these numbers meet (1).
I then followed the percentile line with my finger to see where he landed (95%).
I used this same method to plug the other two lengths.
*It does happen that numbers fall between percentile marks, look where your child landed, between the numbers, and try to judge which percent your child is closest to. Using that number, estimate your child's percentage (Please see the examples). |
Reading Tim's Percentages:
*At birth - Tim's Length: 22 inches (~55 cm) - See Number 1 in Length Area
Looking at number 1 on the Length percentile area and following that to the percentage area, you see that Tim's length has landed him above the 95th percentile mark.
When Tim's length is compared to other babies, Tim's length is the same or more than 95 percent of boys at birth. 95 percent of boys measure less than he does.
~Let's look at that a little closer:
Tim landed closest to the 95% mark and is the same length or longer (*Same or more) than 95% of babies (Tim is taller than 95% or more of babies at his age).
~Let's look at that a little closer:
Tim landed closest to the 95% mark and is the same length or longer (*Same or more) than 95% of babies (Tim is taller than 95% or more of babies at his age).
95 percent of babies measure less than Tim (95% of babies are shorter than Tim).
*The term same or more is
used so that it fits all numbers. For example, an infant is not at
exactly at the 50 percent mark, but at the 54 percent mark, it can be
difficult to get to such a precise percent. Getting to the closest
percentile is what matters, not hitting the exact number. That infant
would be closer to 50 percent than the next percent which is 75 percent.
Ideally, a growth chart should show a trend in an infants growth by showing the baby getting heavier and taller, over time. But I'll show different lengths over time.
Back to Tim:
*At 3 months - Tim Length 25 inches (~65 cm) - See Number 2 in Length Area
Tim's length landed him above the 75th percentile mark and bellow the 90th percentile. I would estimate he was around the 80 percent mark. In the mathematical sentence bellow, you can plug in either 80 or 75 percent. I chose to plug in 75 percent.
When Tim's length is compared to other 3 month olds, Tim's height is the same or more than 75 percent of boys at this age. 75 percent of boys measure less than he does.
~Let's look at that a little closer:
When Tim's length is compared to other other 3 month old's, Tim's height is the same or more than 75 percent of boys at this age. We know Tim's length landed him between 75 and 80 percent, the term same or more makes sense. Choosing to plug in 75 percent vs. 80 percent does not exclude Tim's actual length. 75 percent of boys measure less than he does.
*At 6 months - Tim Length is 30 inches (~75 cm) - See Number 3 in Length Area
When Tim's height is compared to other 6 month olds, Tim's length is the same or more than 50 percent of boys at this age and 50 percent of boys measure less than he does.
I definitely suggest keeping your own set of medical records for your child. by making your own chart, or asking if your doctor can supply them. I keep my son's paperwork in the Kaiser Permanente Diaper bag we were given at the hospital. It helps me remember where his paperwork is and I know I wont be using that bag for anything else. Having those handy can help if you move or if you decide that your child's pediatrician is not a good fit. Either way, you are prepared. Asking for your child's medical record is not always easy. Clinics are required to supply their patients medical records, but a patient or guardian often has to wait a couple of business days for their paperwork.
Thank you for reading,
-km
Thank you for reading,
-km