Question
The baby’s height growth seems to have stagnated. Currently, the height is 76 centimeters, and the weight is 19 jin. The hair has started to turn yellow, and there is a prominent nape bump at the back of the head. They have also had a cold and diarrhea recently, and had two episodes of pneumonia six months ago. Sometimes they get a cold with fever and need to be given intravenous drips. Why isn’t the baby growing taller?
Answer
From birth to adulthood, a baby’s height typically increases by about 110-130 centimeters. However, some babies grow more slowly, even with good diet and sleep, and end up shorter than others. Why is this? There are many factors that can affect a baby’s growth. Firstly, genetic factors play a role; if the parents are short or have family members who are particularly short, the baby may also have a shorter adult height. Secondly, certain diseases such as hypopituitarism caused by insufficient pituitary secretion or cretinism caused by hypothyroidism can also lead to slow growth in babies. Additionally, long-term stress and chronic diseases can also affect a baby’s height. To determine the cause of the baby’s slow growth, it is recommended to undergo a detailed examination at a hospital. How can you help your baby grow taller? According to data, the ideal height for adult Chinese men is 1.80 meters and 80 kilograms; for women, it’s 1.68 meters and 58 kilograms. To help your baby grow taller, parents can provide adequate nutrition, improve sleep quality, and enhance exercise to create favorable conditions for the baby’s growth and development. For instance, encourage your baby to go to bed before 10 p.m. to promote the secretion of growth hormones; choose open activities like swimming or dance instead of compressive exercises like weightlifting;