Discovering the world one measurement at a time is a motto every parent follows when it comes to their child’s growth and development. One of the essential measurements is head circumference, which can reveal a lot about a baby’s well-being.
Read on to learn more about your baby’s head size and what it might mean for their health.
Overview of Baby Average Head Circumference
Importance of Head Size Monitoring:
- Head size is routinely monitored by pediatricians from birth to 2 years old
- It is an important indicator of growth and development.
Average Newborn Head Circumference:
- The average head circumference of a newborn is 13.5 inches (34.2 cm).
Significance of Above-Normal Head Size:
- An above-normal or significantly different head size may indicate health concerns
- It may require consultation with a neurologist.
OFC and Brain Development:
- The fronto-occipital circumference (OFC) measurement is used to evaluate brain development in babies.
Increase in Head Circumference Over Time:
- The average head circumference of a newborn is 13.47 inches (34.2 cm) and increases over time.
Timing of Head Circumference Measurements:
- Head circumference of newborns is measured immediately after birth
- It is measured at each well-baby and well-child appointment for the first two years.
Guidelines for Head Circumference Measurements:
The World Health Organization (WHO) established guidelines for infants from birth to 24 months, and doctors use charts developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for children ages 2 to 3.
Growth Charts for Head Circumference:
Doctors use growth charts to compare a baby’s head circumference to the usual ranges for their sex and age.
Head Circumference In Girls From Birth To 13 Weeks
| Age (weeks) | Head circumference | |
| 0 | 33.9 cm | 13.35 inches |
| 1 | 34.6 | 13.62 |
| 2 | 35.2 | 13.86 |
| 3 | 35.8 | 14.1 |
| 4 | 36.4 | 14.33 |
| 5 | 36.8 | 14.49 |
| 6 | 37.3 | 14.69 |
| 7 | 37.7 | 14.84 |
| 8 | 38 | 14.96 |
| 9 | 38.4 | 15.12 |
| 10 | 38.7 | 15.24 |
| 11 | 39 | 15.35 |
| 12 | 39.3 | 15.47 |
| 13 | 39.5 | 15.55 |
Head Circumference In Boys From Birth To 13 Weeks
| Age (weeks) | Average head circumference | |
| 0 | 34.5 cm | 13.58 inches |
| 1 | 35.2 | 13.86 |
| 2 | 35.9 | 14.13 |
| 3 | 36.5 | 14.37 |
| 4 | 37.1 | 14.61 |
| 5 | 37.6 | 14.8 |
| 6 | 38.1 | 15 |
| 7 | 38.5 | 15.16 |
| 8 | 38.9 | 15.32 |
| 9 | 39.2 | 15.43 |
| 10 | 39.6 | 15.59 |
| 11 | 39.9 | 15.71 |
| 12 | 40.2 | 15.83 |
| 13 | 40.5 | 15.95 |
Head Circumference In Boys From Birth To 24 Months
| Age (months) | Head circumference | |
| 0 | 34.5 cm | 13.58 inches |
| 1 | 37.3 | 14.69 |
| 2 | 39.1 | 15.39 |
| 3 | 40.5 | 15.95 |
| 4 | 41.6 | 16.38 |
| 5 | 42.6 | 16.77 |
| 6 | 43.3 | 17.05 |
| 7 | 44 | 17.32 |
| 8 | 44.5 | 17.52 |
| 9 | 45 | 17.72 |
| 10 | 45.4 | 17.87 |
| 11 | 45.8 | 18.03 |
| 12 | 46.1 | 18.15 |
| 13 | 46.3 | 18.23 |
| 14 | 46.6 | 18.35 |
| 15 | 46.8 | 18.43 |
| 16 | 47 | 18.5 |
| 17 | 47.2 | 18.58 |
| 18 | 47.4 | 18.66 |
| 19 | 47.5 | 18.7 |
| 20 | 47.7 | 18.78 |
| 21 | 47.8 | 18.82 |
| 22 | 48 | 18.9 |
| 23 | 48.1 | 18.94 |
| 24 | 48.3 | 19.02 |
Head Circumference In Girls From Birth To 24 Months
| Age (months) | Head circumference | |
| 0 | 33.9 cm | 13.35 inches |
| 1 | 36.5 | 14.37 |
| 2 | 38.3 | 15.08 |
| 3 | 39.5 | 15.55 |
| 4 | 40.6 | 15.98 |
| 5 | 41.5 | 16.34 |
| 6 | 42.2 | 16.61 |
| 7 | 42.8 | 16.85 |
| 8 | 43.4 | 17.09 |
| 9 | 43.8 | 17.24 |
| 10 | 44.2 | 17.4 |
| 11 | 44.6 | 17.56 |
| 12 | 44.9 | 17.68 |
| 13 | 45.2 | 17.8 |
| 14 | 45.4 | 17.87 |
| 15 | 45.7 | 17.99 |
| 16 | 45.9 | 18.07 |
| 17 | 46.1 | 18.15 |
| 18 | 46.2 | 18.19 |
| 19 | 46.4 | 18.27 |
| 20 | 46.6 | 18.35 |
| 21 | 46.7 | 18.39 |
| 22 | 46.9 | 18.46 |
| 23 | 47 | 18.5 |
| 24 | 47.2 | 18.58 |
Girls: Head Circumference Between Ages 2 And 3
| Age (months) | Average head circumference | |
| 23.5 | 47.41 cm | 18.67 inches |
| 24.5 | 47.54 | 18.72 |
| 25.5 | 47.66 | 18.76 |
| 26.5 | 47.78 | 18.81 |
| 27.5 | 47.89 | 18.85 |
| 28.5 | 48 | 18.9 |
| 29.5 | 48.1 | 18.94 |
| 30.5 | 48.19 | 18.97 |
| 31.5 | 48.28 | 19.01 |
| 32.5 | 48.37 | 19.04 |
| 33.5 | 48.45 | 19.08 |
| 34.5 | 48.52 | 19.1 |
| 35.5 | 48.6 | 19.13 |
| 36 | 48.63 | 19.15 |
Boys: Head Circumference Between Ages 2 And 3
| Age (months) | Average head circumference | |
| 23.5 | 48.60 cm | 19.13 inches |
| 24.5 | 48.72 | 19.18 |
| 25.5 | 48.83 | 19.22 |
| 26.5 | 48.94 | 19.27 |
| 27.5 | 49.04 | 19.31 |
| 28.5 | 49.13 | 19.34 |
| 29.5 | 49.22 | 19.38 |
| 30.5 | 49.31 | 19.41 |
| 31.5 | 49.38 | 19.44 |
| 32.5 | 49.46 | 19.47 |
| 33.5 | 49.53 | 19.5 |
| 34.5 | 49.59 | 19.52 |
| 35.5 | 49.65 | 19.55 |
| 36 | 49.68 | 19.56 |
When to Consult with Your Doctor?
- High head circumference: Healthcare professional examination is recommended.
- **Low head circumference: **May indicate abnormal brain growth and may require a pediatric neurologist or neurosurgeon.
- Microcephaly: A pediatric neurologist or neurosurgeon may be recommended.
- Large head circumference: May indicate hydrocephalus, brain tumors, or hereditary disorders and should be diagnosed and treated by a pediatric neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Conclusion
Your baby’s healthcare provider will also record the baby’s height and weight. However, there is more to your baby’s development than just looking at growth charts. Consult your healthcare provider to learn more about your child’s overall development on a monthly basis.
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