Which growth chart is recommended for use in children aged 2 years and older?

The CDC growth chart is the recommended standard for tracking growth in children aged 2 years and older in the United States. This chart is based on a large, representative sample of the population and reflects the growth patterns of children within the United States. It provides accurate percentile curves for weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age, which are essential for assessing growth and determining whether a child is growing appropriately.

The CDC growth charts help healthcare providers identify potential growth issues early on, allowing them to intervene when necessary. The emphasis on the CDC charts is particularly relevant for children and adolescents, as it takes into account the specific growth data of U.S. children rather than using international data.

While the WHO growth chart is excellent for monitoring growth from birth to age 2 and emphasizes breastfeeding and optimal growth conditions globally, the CDC growth chart is tailored for those aged 2 years and older, making it the appropriate choice for this age group. The other growth charts, such as AAP and NCHS, have historical significance but are either less commonly used or not specifically designated for the same comprehensive tracking as the CDC chart for children aged 2 and above.