When children are less than 4 years old, they are seen by paediatricians for regular vaccinations and minor illnesses, and milestones are assessed and monitored carefully.
However, as vaccinations cease and illnesses become less frequent, there are fewer doctor visits and less monitoring. So, parents are left to fend for themselves to know whether the kids are growing well for their age.
There are various warning signs that the parent should notice that may indicate that the child is not growing well.
1. The child is not outgrowing their dresses and footwear in 1 year
2. The growth is not in keeping with peers
3. They are the shortest child in the class ( or among the shortest)
4. They are shorter than their younger siblings ( or at par)
5. They don’t follow the growth track of the older child
Parents can keep a mark on the wall with the dates and check whether the kid is at least growing by 5 cm every year. Make it a point to monitor height and weight with a doctor every year and have it plotted on a growth chart. Not all short children require treatment, but it is important to check whether we are missing any serious illness that may be the cause of short stature.
Dr. Mathew John, MD, DM