By the end of the first year, newborn height typically increases by about what percentage?

By the end of the first year, newborn height typically increases by about what percentage?

• A. 25%
• B. 50%
• C. 75%
• D. 100%

Answer: (B)

Infant length grows rapidly in the first year. A common guideline is that a newborn’s length increases by about half during this period. For example, a baby born around 50 cm tall typically reaches about 75 cm by 12 months. That 25 cm gain relative to the initial 50 cm is 25/50 = 0.50, or 50%. So the best answer is 50%. A 25% increase would be too small for this stage, while 75% or 100% would imply a much larger, near doubling of length in the first year, which doesn’t occur. Variability exists among individuals, but 50% is the typical expectation for height increase in the first year.

Infant length grows rapidly in the first year. A common guideline is that a newborn’s length increases by about half during this period. For example, a baby born around 50 cm tall typically reaches about 75 cm by 12 months. That 25 cm gain relative to the initial 50 cm is 25/50 = 0.50, or 50%.

So the best answer is 50%. A 25% increase would be too small for this stage, while 75% or 100% would imply a much larger, near doubling of length in the first year, which doesn’t occur. Variability exists among individuals, but 50% is the typical expectation for height increase in the first year.