General information only. This Parent Resource explains WHO growth standards and does not interpret an individual child’s height, weight or growth pattern.
What age range do the WHO child growth standards cover?
WHO states that the 2006 child growth standards describe growth from birth to 5 years of age.
Where did the standards come from?
WHO developed the standards using the Multicentre Growth Reference Study, which included 8,440 children from Brazil, Ghana, India, Norway, Oman and the United States.
Are the standards intended for one ethnicity or feeding type?
WHO states that the standards can be applied to children everywhere regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status or type of feeding.
Do the standards diagnose a condition?
No. Growth standards provide a reference framework and this Parent Resource does not interpret an individual child’s measurements or diagnose a growth disorder.
References
- World Health Organization. Child growth standards, 12 February 2025. Source reviewed 4 September 2026.