Average Weight for Children by Age

Height and weight measurements are good indicators of child's overall health. Parents are always worried about the health and growth of their kids, especially during the first five-ten years of age. But there cannot be a fixed rate of growth which can be applied to every child. When parents notice a wide variation in the height and weight of 'normal' children, they start worrying. Parents need to know that there doesn't exist any ideal weight for children as such. Growth of a child depends upon his/her diet, physical activities, overall health and genetic factors.

Growing Children and Weight

The height and weight chart for children, available at any pediatric clinic can help you determine whether the growth rate of your child is normal or not. If you notice that your child weighs less than that shown in the chart, don't panic. The charts provide you only guidelines about average weight for children by age.

Some children gain weight slowly while some gain weight very fast. The height and weight gain pattern may vary from kid to kid. In case of older children, body mass index helps know whether a child is growing properly. But with small kids, referring to the charts is the best way. Genetic factors, age, sex, nutrition, physical activity, health problems, environment and hormones, everything matters when it comes to growth (height and weight) of a child. The average weight gain for children also varies according to the factors mentioned above. Take a look at the following charts. You may compare your child's weight with the recommended weight at the given age. Remember, babies born premature are not taken into consideration here.

Average Weight for Children By Age: 1 to 24 Months

Age	Average Weight in Pounds: Boys	Average Weight in Pounds: Girls
Newborn	7.16	7.16
1 Month	9.15	9.15
2 Months	10.91	10.91
3 Months	12.56	12.56
4 Months	14.00	14.00
5 Months	15.43	15.43
6 Months	16.53	16.53
7 Months	17.64	17.64
8 Months	18.74	18.74
9 Months	19.62	19.62
10 Months	20.28	20.28
11 Months	21.05	21.05
12 Months	22.00	21.76
13 Months	22.27	22.27
14 Months	23.26	23.26
16 Months	23.70	23.70
17 Months	24.14	24.14
18 Months	24.58	24.58
19 Months	25.02	25.02
20 Months	25.35	25.35
21 Months	25.79	25.79
22 Months	26.12	26.12
23 Months	26.57	26.57
24 Months	28.40	28.40

Average Weight By Age: 1 to 20 Years

Age	Average Weight in Pounds: Boys	Average Weight in Pounds: Girls
1 Year	22.0	21.76
2 Years	28.4	28.4
3 Years	33.0	30.8
4 Years	35-37	35.2
5 Years	41.8	39.6
6 Years	46.2	46.2
7 Years	50.6	50.6
8 Years	57.2	57.2
9 Years	61.6	63.8
10 Years	70.4	70.4
11 Years	77.0	79.2
12-13 Years	85-100	95-105
14-15 Years	105-125	105-115
16-17 Years	130-150	115-120
18-20 Years	150-160	125-130

Suppose the weight of your child of age 5 matches the average weight for children: age 5. You find that your child grew along the same pattern as shown in the chart, up to 5 years of age, and then if you suddenly notice that the child is growing at a much slower rate than other kids, then you should consult your doctor and discuss the health of your child. But remember, no two children can grow at the same rate. As children approach adolescence, they generally gain and lose weight rapidly. Average weight for children: age 12 can greatly vary from place to place, depending upon the genetic factors, physical activities of the children, nutrition, etc. American kids are usually taller than the Japanese kids of the same age. Growth rate for the Afro-Americans is different from that for the white Americans. Thus, genetics plays an important role in the physical growth of your kids. Adolescent girls usually undergo sudden changes in weight and height.

Childhood obesity is a constant concern today and parents should refer to a obesity chart in case of older children. Parents should measure the weight and height of their children periodically. They should see to it that the kids don't sit in front of the idiot box munching potato chips, all the time. Parents should encourage them for more physical activities and healthy diet. Healthy eating and sleeping habits promote healthy growth. I hope you found the charts showing 'average weight for children by age' helpful.