• Tweet
• Share
• Email

• Tweet
• Share
• Email

The inspiration for this topic came from a wood-working article by a similar title.  But, the focus of the measurement is very different.  In this case, I am referring to measuring a child’s height, weight, and other body measurements at home so that you can a) track your child’s growth and/or b) better navigate clothing brand size charts.  This post talks about the tools to help you do this.

Putting Together a Basic Measuring Kit

To measure your child accurately, you will need a few basic and inexpensive tools and a scale, which might cost a little depending on what you buy:

• Digital weight scale
• Dress-maker’s tape – plastic works best and holds its shape better than more flexible materials like cloth, string, or yarn or cloth (you can use string or yarn if you prefer)
• Steel tape measure or yard stick
• Pencil
• 3×5 cards or other way to store measurements
• 8 ½ x 11 inch paper

Scales

• Whenever possible, you should use a digital weight scale; they are typically more precise and easier to read than other scales.

• Use the same scale over time.  Scales can be calibrated differently and you might see some variation in your child’s weight when using different scales.  By using the same scale, all weight measurements will be based on the same starting point.

• Make sure that the scale has been turned on and is set to “0″ before having your child stand on the scale.

Measuring tapes

• To measure height, you will use a pencil and either a yard stick or tape measure.  These measuring tools work really well for measuring straight lines and flat surfaces, like the distance from the floor to the mark on the wall that is your child’s height.

• To measure all other body measurements, you will need a dressmaker’s tape.  Dressmaker’s tapes are typically rulers that are made from plastic or cloth and can be purchased at your local dollar store or the grocery store very inexpensively.  They are helpful in measuring around your child.  If you do not have a tape, you can also use a piece of yarn to mark a length or circumference and then measure it with a yard stick or other measuring tool.

Pencil and Paper

• Pencils can help you mark a child’s height on the wall, make notes, or mark off foot measurements.  Pencil lead is also easy to erase if you want to change anything.

• 3×5 cards can be used to track you child’s measurements.  Simply write their name and today’s date on the card, along with each body measurement you are taking and the current measurements.  If you prefer, you can also store this information on your computer or a hand-held device, or in your SizeTracker account.

• 8 ½ x 11 inch paper is good for determining foot measurements.  Have your child stand on the paper in their bare feet, trace the foot, and then measure the length and the width to find a correct shoe size.

Now that you have the tools, read more about how to take your child’s measurements to find clothing sizes or shoe sizes, or for tracking your child’s growth.