Incremental growth charts

Abstract

Serial data from 818 normal American white children have been used to construct 6-month increment charts for weight (0 to 18 years), head circumference and recumbent length (0 to 3 years), and stature (2 to 18 years). The attained growth status of these children is very close to that shown in the National Center for Health Statistics charts at all ages. Consequently, the present increment charts are widely applicable; it is expected secular changes will not affect their usefulness in the near future. The need for accurate anthropometric techniques is emphasized and guides to the interpretation of findings are presented.