Remove any accessories from the infant or child's hair, e.g. clips and hairbands, and undo braids if they are likely to interfere with the length or height measurement.
If infant is ≤2 years old, remove his/her nappy.
Measuring length: for infants ≤2 years old or children who cannot stand
Cover the length board with a thin cloth or soft paper (Figure 4).
Ask the parent/carer to place the infant on the length board.
The infant should be laid on his/her back with his/her head against the fixed headboard, compressing the hair (Figure 5).
Make sure that the infant's head does not move from side to side and is positioned with the infant looking up. Ask the parent/carer to keep the infant's head in this position (Figure 5)
Ensure that the infant lies straight, with his/her shoulders touching the board. The spine should not be arched.
Hold the infant's legs down with one hand and pull the footboard against the soles of his/her feet with the other (Figure 6).
Record the infant's length to the nearest 0.1cm.
If the child is ≥2 years old, but cannot stand, measure length and subtract 0.7cm to convert it to height.
Watch Clinical Demonstration
Measuring Infant Length
Measuring height: for children ≥2 years old or children who will not lie down to be measured
Ensure that the height board is on level ground, or appropriately secured to a wall.
Ask the parent/carer to kneel in order to get down to the level of the child.
Ask the parent /carer to help the child to stand on the baseboard with his /her feet slightly apart and the back of the head, shoulder blades, buttocks, calves and heels all touching the vertical board.
Position the child's head so that it is facing forward, and ensure that it does not move from side to side (Figure 7).
If necessary, push gently on the knees to help the child stand at his/her full height.
Pull the headboard down to rest firmly on top of the child's head and compress the hair (Figure 7).
Record the child's height to the nearest 0.1cm.
If the infant is <2 years old, but will not lie down to be measured, measure standing height and add 0.7cm to convert it to length
