What growth chart should be used to assess weight status in children less than 2 years old?

The WHO weight for length growth chart is the appropriate tool for assessing weight status in children less than 2 years old because it is specifically designed for infants and young children. This chart is based on a global reference that reflects breastfed infants and is considered to provide a more accurate representation of healthy growth patterns in this age group.

Using the WHO charts helps in identifying undernutrition and overnutrition effectively, considering that growth patterns during the first two years of life are critical for long-term health. The emphasis on breastfed infants in the WHO data means that the growth percentiles reflect those who are nourished in a manner that is commonly recommended for this age range, resulting in a better assessment of growth and nutritional status.

Other chart options may not provide the same level of accuracy for this age group. For example, the CDC growth chart, while widely used in the United States, is based on data from a population that does not specifically focus on breastfed infants and may lead to inaccuracies in growth assessments for children under 2. Similarly, the American Academy of Pediatrics reference focuses on different parameters and populations, and the NCHS growth chart does not cater specifically to the unique growth patterns observed in infants, which can lead to inappropriate evaluations.

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