Measuring weight and length at home for an infant less than two years old

Growth checks are important for all infants. However, we are aware that your usual method of doing this may be restricted or unavailable. Below are some suggestions for measuring your infant at home if they are less than two years old.

Baby scales

Digital baby scales are likely to give you the most accurate weight reading, however prices can vary from £15 to £200. Alternatively, your health visitor may be able to assist. Enquire if they are able to drop some scales off to your house and then take them away again.

Remember to check that your infant’s legs do not extend off the end of the scales because this will decrease the accuracy.

How to check your scales

1. Ensure that the scales are on a flat, safe surface for instance the kitchen or bathroom floor. Avoid putting them on carpet.
2. If the scales are not reading zero when you turn them on, then reset to zero.
3. 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 the infant naked
• If you are planning to take regular weights, aim to weigh around the same time of day
• If possible, weigh before a feed or meal
• You can use a light blanket for comfort, but remember to set the scales to zero after laying the blanket on the scales
• Ensure you are not leaning on, or touching the scales
• Have a pen and paper ready
• If the infant moves around a lot, try and wait for the scales to stabilise
• Make a note of the date and the weight in kilograms

Other weighing options

Using a baby bath on standard bathroom scales

1. Place the baby bath on digital or dial scales and reset to zero. Please note that if the baby bath is too long and hangs over the edge of the scales, or touches the floor, then this method is not suitable for your scales.
2. Place the naked infant in the bath and note the weight.

Carrying the child

1. Firstly, using standard bathroom digital or dial scales, take the weight of the adult in kilograms and make a note.
2. Then weigh the adult carrying the naked infant and note this.
3. Finally, subtract the weight of the adult to give the weight of your infant.

Measuring length

You may find it easier to obtain this measurement with two adults supervising as your infant is unlikely to stay still.

1. Place a clean towel or blanket in a suitable area on the floor at a right angle to a wall.
2. Place a tape measure alongside the towel or blanket, making sure the start of the tape measure is touching the wall.
3. Gently lay your infant on the towel or blanket, ensuring their head is right up against the wall. Keeping their head against the wall, straighten your infant’s legs by gently pressing on their knees.
4. Using a firm surface such as a hard back book or chopping board, place it at the base of your infant’s feet, with their toes pointing up to the ceiling.
5. Follow the line of the book or chopping board across to the tape measure and make a note of the point where your infant’s heels are.
6. Record the length in centimetres if possible.

Other resources

• Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (opens in a new tab)
• Watch: Infant Toddlers Forum - How to measure growth in infants and toddlers: Weight (opens in a new tab)

There are other short videos available online.