Proper nutrition, balanced hormone levels, and a loving environment are essential for healthy growth. Normal growth is assessed using growth and weight charts based on a child’s age and gender. Growth standards may vary between societies, so it’s important to evaluate a child’s development according to growth charts specific to the local population. The fastest growth phase occurs between birth and one year of age. During the first year, a baby typically grows 24 cm, and from 1 to 2 years, growth averages 12 cm. In the following years, the growth rate slows to 5–6 cm per year.

Main causes of growth delay include:

• Chronic illnesses
• Irregular or monotonous diet
• Parasites in the body
• Physical inactivity (hypodynamia)
• Psychological trauma
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Heredity, etc.

What can be done to promote a child’s growth?

• Proper, balanced nutrition
• Regular physical activity
• Healthy sleep patterns
• Sunlight exposure
• Fresh air, and more.