How to Measure Length & Height | Count Me In

Please choose the most appropriate situation.

Children younger than 2 years, or children who are unable to stand

Place length board on a flat surface (floor or a steady table).
Remove child’s shoes, hats and hair ornaments.
Lay child flat and centered on the length mat/board.
Stand to the side of the child where the length board numbers show.
Ask the assistant to stand behind the headpiece. The assistant’s head should be straight over the child’s head, looking directly into the child’s eyes.
Ask assistant to align the top of the head against the fixed headpiece. Head should be positioned so that the child’s line of sight is perpendicular to the base of the board.
Straighten the child’s legs by placing your hand on the child’s shin or knees and pressing them firmly but gently against the board.
Adjust foot piece so that the child’s feet are flat against it.
Read and record length to the nearest 0.1 cm (e.g. 86.4 cm).

If you are standing to the right of the child, hold the child’s shins or knees with the left hand and the foot piece with the right hand.
The person standing to the side of the child, not the assistant, should be the one reading the measurement.
The head and the foot pieces should press firmly against the child’s head and feet.
Before reading the measurement make sure all of the child’s body parts are properly positioned.
Do not measure length using a measuring tape or ruler taped to a baby scale or floor.
Do not use the length board on children older than 2 years who are unable to stand if they are longer than the board.

If using height board, place on flat floor surface against a wall.
Remove child’s shoes, hat and hair ornaments.
Ask the child to stand in the center and against the base of the board or wall.
Stand or kneel to the side of the child where the height board numbers show.
Ask assistant to kneel on the side opposite of you.
Ask assistant to make sure legs are straight and heels and calves are against board or wall.
Make sure the child’s shoulders are level, hands are at the child’s side, and the head, shoulder blades and buttocks are against the board/wall.
Place your hand under the child’s chin and gently close your hand. Do not cover the child’s mouth or ears.
Ask child to look straight ahead until line of sight is level with the ground. Adjust child’s head as needed.
Slide the headpiece downwards through the child’s hair.
Read and record height to the nearest 0.1 cm (e.g. 112.8 cm).