How to Measure Baby's Height?

Overview

Measuring a baby’s height may seem easy, but it’s actually not that simple. Babies are always moving around, kicking their legs or bending them, which makes it hard to keep them fully straight and can lead to inaccurate measurements. Nowadays, parents often use a baby measuring mat to help. Let’s take a closer look at how it works!

What’s Infant Length Measuring Mat?

An infant length measuring mat is a simple tool used to measure a baby’s length or height accurately while they lie down. It is generally used for babies from birth up to about 1–2 years old. The mat usually has a flat, firm surface with a built-in ruler or scale, and sometimes a movable headpiece to make sure the baby’s head stays in the right position.

It helps parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals get consistent measurements, even when babies are wiggly or hard to keep straight. Using a measuring mat makes tracking a baby’s growth easier and more reliable than trying to measure them with just a tape measure or by hand.

Baby Infantometer Height Ruler Measuring Mat By Medarchitect

The Medarchitect infant length measuring mat comes in three colors: white, blue, and pink. It’s suitable for use in hospitals, clinics, or at home, and can be used by doctors, healthcare staff, or parents to measure a baby’s length easily and accurately.

• White Color Baby Infantometer Height Ruler
• Pink Color Infant Length Measuring Mat
• Blue Color Baby Height Measuring Mat

How to Measure a Baby’s Length (0–2 Years Old)?

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the measuring area
Make sure the surface is flat and clean, and lay out the baby measuring mat.

2. Lay the baby on the mat
Place the baby’s head against the headpiece and try to keep their body naturally straight.

3. Align the head to the Frankfort plane
The Frankfort plane means the line from the bottom of the eye socket to the top of the ear should be parallel to the ground. This helps keep the baby’s head from tilting forward or backward.

4. Gently straighten the baby’s legs
Babies often bend their knees naturally. Gently hold the knees to straighten the legs without forcing them.

5. Position the feet against the footboard or scale
Make sure the heels touch the base of the mat, and the feet are as close to 90° as possible.

6. Read and record the measurement
The length from the headpiece to the footboard is the baby’s length.

7. Safety tips during measurement
- Keep one hand on the baby’s head or have someone assist
- Never forcefully stretch the baby
- Keep the environment warm so the baby stays comfortable

8. Compare with growth standards
After measuring, you can check the baby’s length against the latest WHO 2025 baby growth standard charts for 0–2-year-olds to track their development.

Summary

Using an infant measuring mat is an easy and accurate way to measure your baby’s length. For best results, try measuring your baby once a month to keep track of their growth and development. This helps you notice any changes and ensures you always have a clear record of your baby’s progress.