Some Physical Measurements (Weight, Length, Head Circumference and Chest Circumference) in Healthy Swedish Children in the First Two Years of Life1

Summary Weight (naked), recumbent length, head circumference and chest circumference have been measured in 1361 healthy Swedish children (701 boys and 660 girls) within the age range of 1 to 24 months. The children were born in the period 1948–1951 and their parents came from both urban and rural populations and lived in modern areas of Stockholm. Means and standard deviations of the four body measurements are given for different ages. With the material grouped according to age there are significant systematical sex differences, hence the means and the Standard deviations are given separately for boys and girls. When grouped in length classes, the weight, head circumference and chest circumference show less marked sex differences, so means and standard deviations are given together for boys and girls. A graphical comparison with some earlier investigations in Sweden and other countries is presented. Our data indicate that in clinically evaluating the growth of a child, the length should be correlated to age, and the weight correlated to length. Head circumference and chest circumference should also be correlated to another body measurement. We are grateful to Miss Zita Olsson, R.N., who performed the measurements faithfully during the two periods of study. Our thanks are also due to the nurses of the welfare clinic whose co‐operation was invaluable.