Did you know that in fact, there are measurements that are important to apply to children. For young mothers, and society. This is very important to know. Because the purpose of this measurement is so that children have proper and appropriate growth and development?
Anthropometry is the study of the measurement of the human body. In measuring system, infants aim to assess nutritional status by involving three components : body length, weight, and head lenght. By measuring it, we hope that the growth and development of children can be monitored and disorders or diseases that may exist can be detected early, for example, such as stunting.
Measurement of Babies with Anthropometric Method
On this occasion, we will explain how to check baby growth using the anthropometric method? So, basically, measurements in infants using the anthropometric method can be carried out on children from the age of 0-18 years. In Indonesia itself, the anthropometric assessment from the Ministry of Health refers to WHO parameters which are based on 4 indices or types of measurements, namely:
- Weight by age
- Length/height according to age
- Weight by length/height
- Body mass index by age
The four anthropometric examination indices are used to determine the health of infants such as low weight, risk of excess weight, poor nutrition and obesity. On this occasion, we will explain about the four indices.
Three Kinds of Measurements in Babies
1. Measuring Baby’s Body Length
Baby length measurements are usually used to measure the height of children under 1 year old. The process of developing this baby has begun to form since the beginning of pregnancy, until the baby is even 2 years old. Measurement of the length of the baby’s body can use a measuring instrument called an infantometer.
How to use this Infantometer is very easy. Infantometer has the advantage that this measurement tool is more accurate than measuring body length from ordinary aluminum with a manual system. Infantometer itself currently has a variety of shapes and materials that are tailored to the needs of measurement.
2. Measuring Baby’s Ideal Weight
Furthermore, one of the most important things to measure is the baby’s weight. Baby weight is needed in measurement because we can assess nutritional adequacy and nutritional deficiencies in children. The baby’s weight can be measured using a child’s scale. Currently, there are various brands of baby scales that can be adapted to various needs. By knowing the ideal weight of the baby can ensure the child’s health condition.
To calculate the child’s weight, we can use the following formula:
- Formula for babies aged 1-6 Months: weight at birth (in grams) + (age x 600 grams)
- Formula for babies aged 7-12 months: (Age/2) + 3 (unit of yield in Kg)
3. Measuring Head Circumference
Usually, in addition to measuring the length of the baby and the baby’s weight. It is no less important to monitor the baby’s growth and development is to measure the head circumference. Why? This is due to the condition of protein deficiency, insufficient breast milk intake and chronic malnutrition that can be seen from the size of the baby’s head.
To measure head circumference, the method is very simple, that is, it can be done using a measuring tape. The tape must be flexible, but made of a non-elastic material for accurate measurement results.
The Importance of Measurement in Babies
Some of the measurement methods above can be done regularly and periodically, moms, so that moms at home can monitor the growth and development of your little one. In addition to routinely carrying out medical check-ups for children, pay attention to the nutritional needs of your little one.
By fulfilling balanced nutrition as well as physical monitoring can minimize the risk of various diseases in children such as stunting, malnutrition, malnutrition or obesity.
