These ways of measuring height you should avoid since they cause irrelevant health indicators. This may result in two possibilities. First, overlooking stunted children and second, being unable to confirm the growth of children showing signs of stunting. Hence, it’s crucial for moms to actively steer clear of methods that inaccurately measure their child’s height!
1. Measuring Height Using Regular Tape
When measuring a child’s height, it’s crucial to avoid using a garment maker’s measuring tape. The medical field strongly discourages relying on a measuring tape for assessing a child’s height, despite its common usage in Posyandu.
Using a measuring tape to measure a child is typically done for infants or children under two years old. Despite its continued prevalence, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (KEMENKES RI) advocates replacing the measuring tape with an Infantometer Board.
KEMENKES has endorsed the Infantometer Board, a board-shaped tool for measuring a baby’s body length, for the past two years. This recommendation is especially pertinent due to the significant number of stunting cases in Indonesia that necessitate heightened attention.
2. Measuring Height Using Microtoise
Microtoise represents a readily available tool for measuring height. Despite its specific design for height measurement, the Ministry of Health no longer recommends using Microtoise. Employing Microtoise necessitates a wall that is perpendicular to the floor. However, this assurance cannot be guaranteed. Due to the potential errors that may occur, it’s advisable to avoid using Microtoise.
Moreover, Microtoise falls short of covering the 5 Measurement Points. These 5 Measurement Points denote recommended positions for achieving the perfect posture during height measurement. Here are the mandatory 5 measurement points:
- Position the back of the head.
- Assess the back.
- Measure both calves.
- Evaluate the buttocks.
- Examine both heels.
3. Measuring Height Using a Ruler
People still use the method of measuring height with a ruler and pencil, despite a reduction in its practice. In this method, a child needs to stand upright against a wall. Then, a pencil marks the top of their head, and the distance between the floor and the wall is measured with a ruler. This manual measurement method carries the potential for errors, including human error and the unreliable accuracy of the ruler’s scale.
How to Measure the Height of Toddlers or Children > 2 years old
After getting the hang of terms like ‘tinggi badan’ (height) and ‘panjang badan’ (length), Moms probably see that they need different tools for each. Usually, kids over two can stand, so the go-to tool here is a Portable Stadiometer.
Measuring the Height of Child Using a Portable Stadiometer
A Portable Stadiometer is a height-measuring tool recommended by the Ministry of Health. This tool is not only used for toddlers but also for adults. The accuracy of the Portable Stadiometer is beyond doubt. Therefore, Moms can stop using regular measuring tapes to measure the height of their children. Here is the correct way to measure the height of toddlers :
- Remove accessories on the child, such as shoes and hats
- Place the feet on the base or platform of the Stadiometer
- Ensure that the back of the head, back, buttocks, calf, and heel touch the Stadiometer
- Look straight ahead
- Pull the Head Slider of the Portable Stadiometer
- Read the measurement result on the reading window of the Portable Stadiometer
Read More : 4 Ways to Measure Your Child Anthropometry!
How to Measure Length of Baby < 2 Years Old
The condition of a baby who cannot stand yet requires a different approach for measuring their length. Babies need an Infantometer Board or an Infant Ruler to measure their height.
Measuring Length of Baby Using Infantometer Board
The Infantometer Board is a length measuring tool shaped like a board. It provides accuracy up to 1 mm and its usage has been recommended by the Ministry of Health. The board has a sturdy design and comes with a convenient storage bag.
Measuring Length of Infants Using Infant Ruler
The Infant Ruler is an alternative tool for measuring the length of a baby. If the Infantometer Board seems too expensive, Moms can use the more accessible Infant Ruler at home. Moms can obtain the Infant Ruler through an online shop.
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Hence, you can use Infant Ruler at home :
- Ensure a flat surface and place the Infant Ruler on it
- Place the little one on the board and ensure their head touches the headrest.
- Straighten both of the baby’s legs.
- Next, Pull the footrest until it is perpendicular to the sole of the baby’s foot. The measurement result can be seen on the cursor
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Moreover, PT Solo Abadi Indonesia, trusted by the Ministry of Health, has been designated to supply thousands of measurement tools for Posyandu to meet national requirements. Our range of measuring tools is available for Posyandu, Community Health Centers (Puskesmas), Regional General Hospitals (RSUD), and Health Departments
You can obtain our products through admin@soloabadi.com or via WhatsApp at 08510888111, or through our Marketplace.
