When it comes to kids and their growth, every parent feels that slight worry now and then, wondering if their child is growing “normally.” I mean, it’s only natural—we want our kids to grow strong, healthy, and at a pace that’s “on track.”
Here, let’s break down what average growth patterns tend to look like in children and help make sense of what’s common across different age groups.
Infants (0–1 Year)
This is a big year for growth. Newborns usually start around 50 cm (about 19.5 inches) at birth.
From there, they grow quickly in that first year, adding an average of 25 cm (around 10 inches) to reach about 75 cm (29.5 inches) by their first birthday. Those tiny little ones are growing fast like little plants shooting up.
Toddlers (1–3 Years)
Between ages 1 and 3, growth slows down compared to the baby phase, but they’re still growing fast enough to make you notice. Most toddlers grow around 12 cm (5 inches) in the second year, then around 8 cm (3 inches) a year later.
By age 3, kids generally measure somewhere between 85–100 cm (33.5–39 inches). This stage is when you’ll start seeing their personality shine as they run, climb, and figure out their little worlds.
Early Childhood (4–6 Years)
From ages 4 to 6, kids continue growing at a steadier pace—about 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) per year. By age 6, most kids are around 100–120 cm (39–47 inches) tall. At this point, growth seems almost “predictable,” and you might not notice it as much year to year.
But if you think back to the doorframe marks or those yearly school photos, you’ll see they’re still making solid progress.
Late Childhood (7–12 Years)
In late childhood, around ages 7 to 12, the growth rate holds steady, with kids gaining roughly 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches) each year. By the time they hit their teenage years, they’ll usually be somewhere between 130–160 cm (51–63 inches).
You’ll also see their energy levels and interests soar during this phase, which can sometimes make it feel like they’re growing up overnight.
Adolescence (13–18 Years)
Teen years are when kids grow the fastest since the baby phase, and this period can be unpredictable. Kids hit their growth spurts, often growing around 8–12 cm (3–5 inches) a year.
By around 18, boys are usually between 165–185 cm (65–73 inches), while girls might be 155–170 cm (61–67 inches). This is the stage where you notice the height changes month to month, especially when they suddenly start looking down at you instead of up!
