Prepare a measuring board with a sliding foot piece. Lay the measuring board flat on a table and then cover it with a thin cloth or paper before undressing Nkosi. Explain all procedures to Nkosi’s parents and enlist their help before measuring her length.

Undo braids and remove hair ornaments if they will interfere with the measurement.

Remove her coat, shoes and socks.
The measurement will be most accurate if the child is naked. But if the child is cold, only remove outer clothing, socks and shoes.

One measurer should position Nkosi lying on her back, supporting and placing her head against the headboard. Hold her head with both hands and tilt upwards so that her eyes face up. The other measurer should support her trunk as her head is positioned, making sure that the shins or knees are gently but firmly pressed and knees are straightened. Apply gentle pressure to the knees to straighten the legs as far as they can go without causing injury. Remember that it is not possible to straighten the knees of newborns to the same degree as older children. Their knees are fragile and could easily be injured, so apply minimum pressure. If Nkosi or any other child is extremely agitated and both legs cannot be held in position, measure her with one leg in position. Next, place the foot piece firmly against her feet so that her soles are flat on the board and pointing up. If Nkosi bends her toes preventing the footboard from touching the soles, scratch the soles slightly and slide in the footboard quickly when Nkosi straightens her toes.

Read to the last completed millimetre.

Once you have finished reading the measurement, wrap Nkosi up immediately and reset the measuring board.