Accurate length measurements require two measurers. One measurer holds the infants head, with the infant looking vertically upward and the crown of the head in contact with the headpiece in the Frankfort Horizontal Plane. The head of the infant is firmly but gently held in position. The measurer gently cups the infants ears while holding the head. Make sure the infant's chin is not tucked in against his chest or stretched too far back.
While the second
measurer holds the infants head in the proper position, the measurer aligns
the infants trunk and legs, extends both legs, and brings the footpiece
firmly against the heels. The measurer places one hand on the infants
knees to maintain full extension of the legs. The infants toes are
pointing upward.
Parents may participate in the length measurement [between the two trained measurers] to provide reassurance and security to the infant. Should length or stature be measured for a child aged 24 to 36 months? The best guideline is to think about the physical abilities of the child. Generally, if the child can stand unassisted and follow directions for proper positioning, a stature measure should be taken. However, if there are concerns about the child's growth and the previous measure was length, then length should be measured again. (See the CDC training materials: Case Example 5 for more information about transitions between charts.) Maintaining a record of the childs length on the "Birth to 36 months" chart may be helpful in circumstances where it is necessary to monitor small increments of growth. |