The Use of Growth Charts for Assessing and Monitoring Growth in Canadian Infants and Children

Abstract

Recent changes to commonly used growth charts, including the addition of charts for body mass index, have raised questions on which growth charts to use for Canadian children and how to apply body mass index in the paediatric population. This statement, developed collaboratively by key organizations in paediatric health care, is intended for use as a practice guideline for medical practitioners and clinical and community health (public health, home health) professionals. The desired outcome is the provision of recommendations that will promote consistent practices in monitoring growth and assessing atypical patterns of linear growth and weight gain in infants, children and adolescents.