Anthropometric Measurement

- The term anthropometric refers to comparative measurements of the human body. The
anthropometric measurements commonly used as indices of growth and development
for infants include length, weight, and head circumference. Typically, growth is
evaluated by comparing individual measurements to reference standards, represented
by percentile curves on a growth chart. In assessing and monitoring the nutritional
status of a low birth weight infant it is most helpful to evaluate a pattern of
measurements obtained on a regular basis over time. For anthropometric
measurements to be valid indices of growth status, they must be highly accurate,
requiring precision in measuring technique. Accurately measuring children with physical
abnormalities is often a challenge.

Length Measurement

Newborn average head to heel height is 45 to 55 cm ( 18 to 22 inches)

Equipment:

Use a length-measuring device with a fixed headboard and a moveable footboard that are
perpendicular to the surface on which the child is lying. A fixed measuring tape, marked in
millimeters or in 1/16 in. segments, should be attached to the surface with the zero end at the
edge of the headboard. Several commercial versions of length boards are available.

Technique:

Two people are required to measure length accurately:

Person A
1. Hold the head with crown against the headboard so that the child is looking straight
upward.
2. Make sure the trunk and pelvis are properly aligned with the measuring device.
Person B
1. Straighten the child's legs and hold the ankles together with the toes pointed directly
upward.
2. Move the footboard firmly against the soles of the feet.
3. Read the measurement to the nearest 0.1 cm (1/8 in).
4. Repeat the measurement until two measurements agree within 0.2 cm (1/4 in).
5. Record the numerical value and plot length for age on the appropriate growth chart.
6. If the child is uncooperative and you cannot get an accurate measurement, record
your best estimate on the growth chart and note the circumstances of the measurement
Weight Measurement

Birthweight of full term newborn infants range from 6 to 8.5 lbs or 2700 to 4000 g. Average is 3500g.
Birthweight should be recorded immediately after birth because weight loss occurs rapidly. Filipino
infants average weight is 3000 g.

Equipment:
Use a beam scale with non-detachable weights or an equally accurate electronic scale. For
infants and young children who are weighed lying down use a pan-type pediatric scale that is
accurate to within 10 grams or 1/2 oz. Do not use spring-type bathroom scales; with repeated
use, they may not maintain the necessary degree of accuracy.

Frequently check and adjust the zero weight on the beam scale by placing the main and fractional
sliding weights at their respective zeros and moving the zeroing weight until the beam is in
balance at zero. If a pad or diaper is used to make the pan more comfortable, place it in the pan
when the zero adjustment is made; otherwise the weight of the pad or the diaper must be
subtracted from the weight of the child each time a measurement is made. Whichever method is
used to account for the weight of the diaper or pad, note it on the growth chart. At least two or
three times per year, have the accuracy of the scale checked with a set of standard weights by a
local dealer or inspector of weights and measures.

Technique:
1. Remove all clothing including the diaper and place the infant in the center of the
weighing surface.
2. Read the measurement to the nearest 10 grams or 1/2 oz.
3. Repeat the measurement two to three times and, after excluding those that are
obviously wrong, average the values.
4. Record the numerical value on the growth chart and plot weight for age and weight
for length on the appropriate growth chart(s) Note: It's not always possible to plot
weight for length on small infants with lengths below 55 cm.
5. If the infant moves excessively, an accurate measurement is unlikely; postpone the
measurement for a few minutes.
6. If the infant still does not keep still, skip the measurement unless you can make a
reasonable estimate. If the weight you record on the growth chart is an estimate, note
the circumstances on the growth chart.
Head Circumference Measurement

The measurement of head circumference is an important screening procedure for detecting

abnormalities of head growth. Although usually caused by non-nutritional factors, slow head
growth can be a result of severe under nutrition. Children with poor head growth frequently have
poor linear growth as well. Thus knowledge of head size is very important in assessing possible
nutritional factors contributing to short length or stature. Head circumference should be
measured routinely.

Equipment:
Use a flexible, nonstretchable measuring tape.
Technique:
1. Position the child standing or in a sitting position in the lap of the caregiver.
2. Place the lower edge of the measuring tape just above the child's eyebrows, above
the ears and around the occipital prominence at the back of the head.
3. Pull the tape snugly to compress the hair. The objective is to measure the maximal
head circumference.
4. Repeat the measurement twice or until two measurements agree to 0.1 cm (1/8 in).
5. Record the numerical value immediately and plot on the growth chart.
6. If the measurement appears abnormal when plotted, check the accuracy of plotting
and recheck the measurement.
Abdominal Circumference measurement
- Abdominal circumference is approximately the same as chest circumference.
- It is measured just above the level of the umbilicus. It is no longer recommended to
measure abdominal circumference below the level of umbilicus because a full bladder
may interfere with accurate measurement.
- Abdominal circumference is not routinely measured unless there is a suspicion of
abdominal distention due to obstruction in the Gastrointestinal tract. The neonates’
abdomen usuallt anlarges after a feeding due to lax abdominal muscle.