Which statement about growth charts is true?

• A. CDC growth charts are used for children under 2 years.
• B. Growth charts track only height.
• C. Growth charts are optional.
• D. Under age 2, WHO growth charts are commonly used.

Answer: (D)

Growth charts are reference tools that track a child’s growth over time against standardized benchmarks. For infants and toddlers up to age two, the World Health Organization growth standards are used because they reflect how healthy children grow under optimal conditions across diverse populations. As children get older, the CDC growth charts are used for ages roughly two to twenty years. These charts assess more than height alone; they include weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, weight-for-length (in infants), BMI-for-age, and sometimes head circumference, giving a fuller view of nutrition and growth. They are standard practice in pediatric care, not optional, because they help identify growth faltering, obesity, or other concerns early. Therefore, under age two, WHO growth charts are commonly used.