How is growth typically measured in infants?

Growth in infants is typically measured by changes in height and weight because these physical measurements provide objective data on their growth and development over time. Pediatric healthcare providers utilize growth charts that track an infant's weight and height compared to standardized percentiles for their age group, allowing for a clear assessment of whether the infant's growth falls within a healthy range.

Height and weight are crucial indicators as they are less subjective than other factors, such as social interaction or developmental milestones. While these other aspects are important for understanding an infant's overall development, they do not provide a direct measurement of physical growth. By focusing on height and weight, healthcare providers can identify potential concerns such as malnutrition or growth disorders, ensuring that infants are meeting their developmental needs appropriately during the critical early stages of life.