Now think about when you should measure height instead of length.

If you are measuring a child who is aged 2 years or older, you should measure his or her height unless the child is unable to stand. You can also measure the height of a child who is <2 years old if the child cannot lie down to enable you to measure his or her length. Measure the child’s standing height and add 0.7cm to convert it to length. You have learnt that standing height is about 0.7cm less than recumbent length. This difference was taken into account when developing the WHO growth standards, so it is important to make the appropriate adjustment if length is taken instead of height, and vice versa.

Just like measuring length, make sure that the equipment is properly calibrated and in good working order before you start measuring the child. Like measuring length, to get accurate results at least two people should work together for the measurement and the child’s parent can serve as the second measurer.

Let’s try the steps for measuring height with Kofi, who is 4 years and 6 months old.