Recumbent length is measured for children younger than 24 months and
children 24 to 36 months who are unable to stand unassisted.
Equipment:
Use an infant lengthboard with a fixed headboard and moveable footboard
that is perpendicular to the table. The lengthboard should have a
measuring tape marked in millimeters, with the zero end at the end
of the headboard.
Child and Positioning:
Clothing that might interfere (including diaper) is removed. Two
people are required to measure length accurately:
Person A holds the child's head with the crown against the
headboard (Frankfort
Plane) and makes sure that the trunk and pelvis are aligned
with the measuring device.
Person B straightens the legs, holding the ankles together with
toes pointed directly upward, moves the footboard firmly against
the soles of both of the child's feet.
Measurement:
The measurement should be made to the nearest 0.1
centimeter.
