One of the concerns of parents is the weight of their children. It is important to ensure that the child’s weight is within the recommended range for their age and height.

Overweight or obese children are at risk of developing health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases. On the other hand, underweight children may suffer from malnourishment. In this article, we will provide tables that show the ideal weight range for children based on their age.

Factors that Affect a Child’s Weight

There are several factors that can affect a child’s weight. Genetics plays a role in determining a child’s weight. If both parents are overweight, their children have a higher risk of becoming overweight as well.

Eating habits also affect a child’s weight. Children who consume more calories than they burn through physical activity will gain weight. On the other hand, children who consume fewer calories than they burn will lose weight.

Physical activity is another significant factor in maintaining a healthy weight. Children who engage in regular physical activity burn more calories, and therefore, have a lower risk of becoming overweight or obese.

It is important to encourage children to engage in physical activities such as playing outside, sports, or dancing.

Ideal Weight by Age Tables

Below are the ideal weight ranges for children based on their age. The values are based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts.

Girls

Age (years)	5th percentile weight	50th percentile weight	85th percentile weight	95th percentile weight
2	22.4 lbs	28.4 lbs	33.7 lbs	36.8 lbs
3	24.4 lbs	31.2 lbs	36.4 lbs	39.8 lbs
4	26.1 lbs	33.7 lbs	38.9 lbs	42.4 lbs
5	27.6 lbs	35.8 lbs	41.2 lbs	44.8 lbs
6	28.9 lbs	37.6 lbs	43.3 lbs	46.9 lbs
7	30.2 lbs	39.2 lbs	45.1 lbs	48.8 lbs
8	31.2 lbs	40.6 lbs	46.8 lbs	50.6 lbs
9	32.1 lbs	41.9 lbs	48.4 lbs	52.2 lbs
10	33.0 lbs	43.2 lbs	50.0 lbs	53.8 lbs
11	34.0 lbs	44.5 lbs	51.6 lbs	55.3 lbs
12	35.0 lbs	45.8 lbs	53.1 lbs	56.8 lbs
13	36.0 lbs	47.1 lbs	54.7 lbs	58.2 lbs
14	37.0 lbs	48.4 lbs	56.2 lbs	59.6 lbs

Boys

Age (years)	5th percentile weight	50th percentile weight	85th percentile weight	95th percentile weight
2	22.4 lbs	29.1 lbs	34.9 lbs	38.0 lbs
3	24.4 lbs	32.1 lbs	37.8 lbs	41.2 lbs
4	26.2 lbs	34.6 lbs	40.3 lbs	43.8 lbs
5	27.9 lbs	36.7 lbs	42.7 lbs	46.2 lbs
6	29.4 lbs	38.4 lbs	44.8 lbs	48.4 lbs
7	30.8 lbs	39.9 lbs	46.7 lbs	50.4 lbs
8	32.0 lbs	41.2 lbs	48.5 lbs	52.2 lbs
9	33.1 lbs	42.5 lbs	50.1 lbs	53.8 lbs
10	34.2 lbs	43.8 lbs	51.7 lbs	55.4 lbs
11	35.3 lbs	45.1 lbs	53.2 lbs	56.9 lbs
12	36.4 lbs	46.4 lbs	54.7 lbs	58.3 lbs
13	37.4 lbs	47.7 lbs	56.2 lbs	59.7 lbs
14	38.4 lbs	49.0 lbs	57.6 lbs	61.1 lbs

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight for Children

Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy weight for children:.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Children should have a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit their intake of sweets, processed foods, and sugary drinks.

Encourage Physical Activity

Encourage your child to engage in physical activities for at least an hour every day. You can enroll them in sports, dance classes, or simply let them play outside.

Limit Screen Time

Limit your child’s screen time, including TV, computer, and mobile phone use. Screen time should be no more than two hours per day for children aged two to five, and no more than one hour per day for children aged six and above.

Lead by Example

Parents should lead by example and maintain a healthy lifestyle themselves. Children are more likely to adopt healthy habits if they see their parents doing it too.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for children’s overall health and well-being. By following the recommended weight range for their age and adopting healthy habits, parents can help prevent childhood obesity and other health problems.

Encouraging healthy eating habits and physical activity can help children establish a foundation for lifelong health.