Growth chart mysteries

5th month, 3rd week

At each visit, your pediatrician measures your child's height, weight, and head circumference and records them on growth charts as dots on a curve. This compares your child's height to that of other boys or girls of the same age.

You must know:

Percentile numbers on growth charts don't look like test scores. Your child cannot fail. They should not be higher than the 99th percentile. It's just how they compare to other kids their age right now.

Healthy children grow steadily. If your child's weight drops rapidly, your pediatrician may want to monitor him more closely.

Your baby's development this week

Your child's eyes are growing. Their eyesight is still maturing, but has already improved significantly. Here's how:

Their eyes work well enough to follow a moving object, like a toy truck rolling across the room.
Their ability to see a wide range of colors has blossomed. They also love intricate shapes and patterns.
Children love to watch something new. So take frequent walks or visit stores for a change of scenery.
Mirrors fascinate kids because the image in the glass is constantly changing. And it's fun to watch your little one realize he's the baby in the mirror.

Month 5, week 3 tips

Don't assume that your child's height predicts their adult height or weight. Their growth chart percentiles roughly match their current rankings.
Never leave a child alone on a sofa, bed or changing table. They could roll or sway to the edge and fall. The crib is still the safest place to sleep.
Adjust your domestic water heater so that the hot water temperature does not exceed 50°C to avoid burns. Never leave them alone while swimming.
To track side effects when switching to solid foods, wait 2 or 3 days before introducing a new food.
Manage your stress: take short breaks to relax. The happier you are, the better for your child. Let the grandparents help!
If you have a partner, share time with your child. This includes bath time, diaper changes, bedtime and play time.

You have so many things to do, but time flies by. Challenge yourself to make your child happy today.