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How to Measure Weight

Children younger than 2 years

You need

  • A baby scale

Follow these steps

  1. Place scale on a flat, hard surface.
  2. Turn the scale on.
  3. Make sure the scale is set to kg.
  4. Make sure the scale reads zero before using.
  5. Remove child’s clothing and, if appropriate, the diaper.
  6. Lay the child centered on the scale.
  7. Read weight off the display and record to the nearest 0.01 kg (e.g. 4.55 kg).

Children 2 years and older who are able to stand

You need

  • A standing scale

Follow these steps

  1. Place scale on a flat, hard surface.
  2. Turn the scale on.
  3. Make sure the scale is set to kg.
  4. Make sure the scale reads zero before using.
  5. Remove child’s shoes and heavy clothes.
  6. Ask the child to stand in the center of the scale.
  7. Read weight off the display and record to the nearest 0.01 kg (e.g. 14.22 kg).

Children 2 years and older who are unable to stand

You need

  • A standing scale
  • An assistant

Follow these steps

  1. Place scale on a flat, hard surface.
  2. Turn the scale on with no load on the scale.
  3. Make sure the scale is set to kg.
  4. Make sure the scale reads zero before using.
  5. Remove the child’s shoes and heavy clothes.
  6. Ask the assistant to stand centered on the scale.
  7. Set the scale to zero by pressing the “Tare” or “Zero” button on the scale.
  8. Hand the child to the assistant to carry.
  9. Read the weight off the display and record to the nearest 0.01 kg (e.g. 14.22 kg).