how to measure height without measuring tape

Another study found that mothers’ overestimation of both child weight and height resulted in an overestimation of the percentage of overweight children by more than 3% in a sample of 1,549 4-year-olds. Similarly, a more recent study of 837 children reported that 16.5% of parents underestimated and 25% overestimated child height by at least 2.5 cm (~1 in). In a study of parent-reported weights and heights of themselves and their obese children, a fifth of children’s heights were overestimated by more than 2.5 cm (~1 in). However, parent reports of child height may not be accurate, especially for young children.

Parent-reported measurement of child’s height and weight is often used in public health research because this data collection method is efficient and cost-effective. Introductionīody mass index (BMI) is calculated using body weight and height measurements. The kit may improve parent measurement of preschooler height, thereby improving accuracy of body mass index calculations, tracking of obesity prevalence, and obesity prevention and treatment. Although no significant differences in accuracy were found between paper and video instructions, observations indicated written instructions were more difficult for parents with less education to use with fidelity. Compared to written instructions alone, parents rated the video as having significantly greater clarity and likelihood of improving measurements. The height kit with written instructions, tape measure, plumb line, and explanatory video helped parents accurately measure child height. In Phase B, a video replaced written instructions and was refined over 4 rounds with 37 parents. In Phase A, 24 parents were observed measuring child height using written instructions and an easy-to-read tape measure after each of 3 testing rounds, instructions were refined based on observed errors and parent versus researcher measurements. The purpose of this study was to develop and test materials to improve parents’ accuracy when measuring their preschooler’s height.

A standardized protocol and tools to improve measurement accuracy are needed. Parent-reported measurement of child height is common in public health research but may be inaccurate, especially for preschoolers.

How to measure height without measuring tape