It’s not always easy to tell if a child is a healthy weight for their age and height. Children and teenagers need to grow, but they are healthiest if they stay within a certain weight range as they grow. This is called a healthy weight for their age.
Find out if your child is a healthy weight
You can find out if a child or teenager is a healthy weight for their age using the Healthy Weight Calculator. This calculator can be used for children and teenagers from 2 years through to 18 years of age.
The calculator uses a child's height and weight to calculate a body mass index (BMI). The calculator then plots your child's age and BMI on the US Centre of Disease Control's BMI for age chart for girls or boys, and uses the chart to determine whether the child is a healthy weight for their age.
We will routinely measure your child’s height and weight
At Southern NSW Local Health District, we measure height and weight in all children as part of a child’s health assessment. Your nurse or doctor will help you measure your child’s height and weight when you attend for an appointment with our services.
How can I help my child maintain a healthy weight?
There are eight simple ways for your family to lead a healthy lifestyle and get back on track. If you follow these simple steps, you will be helping your child to be a healthy kid!
- Drink water instead of soft drink, juice or cordial
- Eat at least 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit every day (For 2–3 year olds, eat 2 1/2 serves of vegetables and 1 serve of fruit)
- Start each day with a healthy breakfast
- Know your portion/serve size
- Choose healthier snacks and fewer treat foods
- Limit screen time (no more than 1 hour a day for 2–5 year olds, and up to 2 hours a day for children 6 years and older)
- Be active for at least 1 hour a day, every day
- Get enough sleep (10–12 hours a night for under 12yrs; 8–10 hours a night for over 12yrs)
For further information
For general information on your child’s healthy weight, please contact Population Health at Southern NSW Local Health District. For specific child health advice, please contact the Central Intake Service on 1800 999 880 or SNSWLHD-CommunityIntake@health.nsw.gov.au