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| |    Growth Charts: Beyond the Basics by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. Each time a child is measured, you can add another X to the growth chart. Over time, children tend to grow along a particular growth curve. That means that if you connect all of the Xs, the child's growth line will lie pretty much in between the same two percentile lines. Faster weight gain If the child's line crosses percentile lines going upward, it means he's gaining weight faster than most children his age. This could be a good thing if he started life as an underweight premature baby and is catching up; it could be a problem if he's putting on unneeded fat. Slower weight gain If the child's line crosses percentiles going down, it means his weight gain is slower than most others his age. This could be good if he was overweight to start with and is making an effort to cut down on potato chips and cake. Or it could be a sign that he is not taking in enough calories, or has another health problem leading to slowed growth. Especially in infants and very young children, it's important to consult a doctor if you notice your child's growth line crossing percentiles downward.
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