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Training Module: Accurately Weighing and Measuring: Technique

Measuring Infant Length
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4. Infant Measurement: Measuring Infant Length

While the second measurer holds the infants head in the proper position, the measurer aligns the infant’s trunk and legs, extends both legs, and brings the footpiece firmly against the heels. The measurer places one hand on the infant’s knees to maintain full extension of the legs. The infant’s toes are pointing upward.

It is imperative that both legs be fully extended for an accurate and reproducible length measurement. If only one of the infant’s legs is extended during the length measurement, the measurement will unreliable and inaccurate. Correctly positioning the infant for a length measurement cannot be accomplished without two measurers.

Parents may be involved in the length measurement [between the two trained measurers] to provide reassurance and security to the infant.

Infant being measured      
  A measurer aligns the infant’s trunk and legs, extends both legs, and brings the footpiece firmly against the feet  
     


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