The baby's growth parameters are not only height and weight, but also the baby's head circumference. This examination is important because the size of the head circumference baby abnormal can be a sign existence health problems.
As a parent, you must have understood that a baby's weight and height describe his health and growth. But apart from these two things, head circumference also has the same role.
Therefore, checking the baby's head circumference also needs to be done regularly when your little one undergoes a health check and evaluates their growth and development.
The Importance of Baby Head Circumference
Some health experts and pediatricians recommend checking head circumference regularly until the child is 2 years old. Head circumference measurement is an important part of routine health checks for infants.
When doing a head circumference examination, the doctor will also usually measure the baby's weight and height, and assess the baby's development based on his age.
Abnormal growth of head size can be a sign of a baby suffering from a disease. For example, a baby's larger head size can indicate hydrocephalus, while a smaller baby's head size can indicate microcephaly.
Normal Baby Head Circumference
The average head circumference of a term newborn is about 35 cm. The increase in the size of a normal baby's head circumference varies, depending on the sex and age of the baby. The following is the size of a normal baby girl's head circumference:
- 0-3 months old: 34-39.5 cm. If at the 3rd month the size of the baby's head circumference is smaller than 38 cm or greater than 41 cm, then it could be a sign of a health problem.
- 3-6 months old: 39.5-42 cm. The head circumference of a 6-month-old baby can be said to be abnormal if it is less than 41 cm or more than 43.5 cm.
- Age 6-12 months: 42-45 cm. The baby's head circumference is considered abnormal if the baby is 12 months old, the growth of his head circumference is below 44.5 cm or more than 46 cm.
Meanwhile, the normal head circumference in baby boys is:
- 0-3 months old: 34.5-40.5 cm. The baby's head circumference is considered abnormal if the baby is 3 months old, the size of the head circumference is less than 39.5 cm or more than 42 cm.
- 3-6 months old: 40.5-43 cm. If at the 6th month the head circumference is still less than 42 cm or more than 45 cm, then the baby may be suffering from health problems.
- 6-12 years old: 43-46 cm. Abnormal head circumference at 12 months of age is less than 45 cm or more than 49.5 cm.
Measuring a baby's head circumference is not always the same way. If your baby is born prematurely, there is a special calculation method to measure and determine a normal baby's head circumference.
Therefore, to find out whether your baby's head circumference is normal or not, take your little one to the pediatrician. In addition to getting accurate results, doctors can also immediately take care if your baby is detected having health problems.
Things That Affect Your Baby's Growth
Every baby goes through different stages of growth and development. To support its growth and development so that it can run well, there are several things that can be done, namely:
1. Nutrient intake
The type and amount of food consumed by the baby will affect its growth. During the period of growth and development, make sure he gets enough calories and nutrients. If he is still under 6 months old, give your little one breast milk regularly.
After the baby is over 6 months old and can be given complementary foods, breastfeeding can be continued while supplemented by the intake of healthy foods for babies, such as yogurt, cereals, fruit, vegetables, fish, eggs, and nuts.
2. Health conditions during pregnancy
Your health during pregnancy certainly affects the condition of the fetus in the womb. Therefore, during pregnancy, you are highly recommended to eat good food for pregnant women, exercise regularly, and stay away from unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
3. Hereditary factors
The baby's growth is also influenced by genetic factors that are passed down by parents. If both parents are tall and fat, chances are that the baby will also have a similar posture to their parents.
Similarly, if both parents are thin, the baby may also have a thinner body shape.
4. Your health after the baby is born
It also affects how your baby grows. If you suffer from postpartum depression, it may be more difficult for you to care for your little one. As a result, the baby will experience slower growth than it should.
5. Certain health conditions
Some medical conditions that affect the baby, such as infection or malnutrition, can also hinder the baby's growth and development. However, the baby's growth and development will usually return to normal as the baby recovers and recovers from his illness.
Even though the size of your baby's head circumference is normal, it doesn't mean that his growth and development is completely normal as well. You need to remember, the size of the head circumference is only one of several things that can reflect the condition of his health.
Therefore, take your little one to the pediatrician regularly for a health check. In addition to monitoring the growth and development, the doctor will also suggest efforts that can be done so that the health of your baby is maintained.