Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Chapter 2 - Anthropometricss
time a measurement is made. At least two or three times per year have the accuracy
of the scale checked with a set of standard weights by a local dealer or an inspector
of weights and measures. Equipment for measuring weights is shown in Figure 8.
Technique for Weight Measurement (3,4)
Infants
1. Remove the infant’s clothing and diaper.
2. Center the infant in the scale tray.
3. Weigh infant to the nearest 0.01 kilogram (kg) or ½ ounce (oz).
4. Repeat the measurement until two measurements agree to within 0.1 kg. or ¼
pound (lb).
5. Record the numeric value and plot weight for age and weight for length on the
appropriate growth chart(s).
6. Record any information about conditions that might have interfered with an
accurate weight measure (e.g. infant was moving).
Children (able to stand)
1. Weigh the child with only lightweight undergarments or a hospital gown and no
shoes.
2. Have the child stand in the center of the scale’s platform touching nothing and
with heels together.
3. When the child is standing still, read the scale to the nearest 0.1 kg or ½ oz.
4. Repeat the measurement until two measurements agree to within 0.1 kg or 1/4
pound.
5. Record the numeric value and plot weight for age and weight for height on the
appropriate growth chart(s).
6. Record any information about conditions that might have interfered with an
accurate weight measure (e.g. child was moving).
22 Nutrition Interventions for Children With Special Health Care Needs