Measuring weight and height at home for a child over two years old

Your child’s clinic appointment might have been converted to a telephone or video consultation. However, it is still important that your child’s growth is assessed. Please find some suggestions below for measuring your child, aged two or above, at home. When you are asked for the information at the clinic appointment, please let them know which method you have used.

Weighing scales

Digital bathroom scales are likely to give you the most accurate weight reading. If you do not have digital scales, you can always use mechanical ones.

How to check your scales

Ensure that the scales are on a flat, safe surface, for example the kitchen or bathroom floor. Avoid putting them on a carpet.

If the scales are not reading zero when you turn them on, then reset them to zero or adjust the dial accordingly.

If you are not sure about the accuracy of your scales, you can test them using a known weight. For example, weigh a 1kg bag of sugar and you should get a reading of around 1kg.

General tips

• Weigh your child whilst they are wearing light clothing without shoes and socks
• If your child is wearing a nappy, remove it before weighing
• If you are planning to take regular weights, aim to weigh around the same time of day
• If possible, weigh before a meal
• Have a pen and paper ready
• Ensure your child is standing still, calm, and not holding onto a wall or any objects
• Make a note of the date and the weight in kilograms
• If you are unable to measure in kilograms, measure in stones and pounds. However a degree of accuracy could be lost when converting to kilograms

Other weighing options

Carrying the child

1. Firstly, using digital or mechanical bathroom scales, take the weight of the adult in kilograms and write it down.
2. Then weigh the adult carrying the child and write that down too.
3. Finally, subtract the weight of the adult to give the weight of your child.

Measuring height

1. You can measure your child’s height against a flat wall or door frame.
2. Your child’s shoes should be removed and they should stand as straight as possible with their heels and shoulders touching the wall. Make sure your child is looking straight ahead.
3. Using a flat surface such as a piece of cardboard or chopping board, place on your child’s head and mark their height against the wall with a pencil.
4. Then use a tape measure to measure the distance from the mark on the wall to the floor.
5. Record the date and height measurement in centimetres.

Other resources

• Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (opens in a new tab)

There are short videos available online.