How to Read a Baby Growth Chart
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: A baby growth chart plots weight, length and head size against WHO growth standards, which the CDC recommends for children under 2. A percentile shows how your baby compares with healthy peers: 40th means 40 of 100 babies weigh less. What matters is steady growth along a curve, not a high or low number.
TL;DR
- WHO charts are used for children under 2.
- Any percentile can be healthy.
- Crossing two major lines is worth a talk with your doctor.
Your pediatrician plots your baby on a baby growth chart at every visit. Here's how to read it yourself.
Which chart?
The CDC recommends WHO growth standards for children from birth to 2 years, because they describe how healthy breastfed babies grow in optimal conditions. Separate charts exist for boys and girls. Premature babies are plotted by corrected age; see the corrected age calculator.
What percentiles mean
| Percentile | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 50th | Median: half of babies are bigger, half smaller |
| 3rd-97th | The range most healthy babies fall in |
| Below 3rd or above 97th | Worth reviewing with your pediatrician |
Check any measurement with the growth percentile calculator.
The curve matters more than the number
Babies tend to track along their own curve. A baby on the 10th percentile who stays there is growing well. Crossing two major percentile lines up or down, or a drop in weight gain with poor feeding, is worth a conversation.
Weight, length and head
Weight responds fastest to feeding. Length shows longer-term growth. Head circumference reflects brain growth; your doctor measures it at early visits. See average baby weight by month.
Logging growth in Tot
Enter weight and height after each checkup and Tot shows growth charts over time. Tot shows WHO percentiles.
Related: growth chart tracker · baby development month by month · baby growth spurts
Download Tot free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Sources
- WHO: Child Growth Standards: www.who.int (accessed 21 October 2026)
- WHO: Weight-for-age standards: www.who.int (accessed 21 October 2026)
- WHO: Length/height-for-age standards: www.who.int (accessed 21 October 2026)
- CDC: WHO Growth Charts for children under 2: www.cdc.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
What percentile is normal?
Anywhere from about the 3rd to 97th can be healthy; steady growth matters most.
Why did my baby drop percentiles?
Small shifts are common, especially in the first months. Bigger drops are worth a check.
Are WHO and CDC charts different?
Yes. WHO charts are recommended under 2 years; CDC charts from 2 years.
Should I weigh my baby at home?
Home scales can be inaccurate; rely on clinic measurements.
Do breastfed babies grow differently?
WHO standards are based on breastfed babies, so they fit both breastfed and formula-fed infants.
Related guides
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