Reference Guide

Baby Growth and Genetics — What Parents Pass On

Genetics sets the boundaries of a child's height; environment fills them in. Understanding that balance takes the pressure off any single measurement.

Height runs in families

A child's height range is strongly shaped by both parents' heights — that is the basis of the mid-parental estimate. But the range is wide, and many combinations produce healthy outcomes.

The percentile inheritance

A child whose parents were tall or short in childhood often follows a similar path. Your own growth curve is one of the better clues to your child's likely pattern.

Environment fills the range

Nutrition, sleep, and health across childhood decide where within the genetic range a child lands. These are the factors families can actually influence.

See the estimate, watch the curve

GrowChart shows the mid-parental height range and your child's actual curve together, so genetics and reality stay in view at the same time.

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