Your baby's measurements

A well-baby exam usually begins with measurements. You'll need to undress your baby so he or she can be weighed on an infant scale. Length will be measured by placing your baby on a flat surface and stretching his or her legs out. Special tape will be used to measure his or her head circumference.

The measurements will be plotted on a growth chart to create your baby's growth curve. This will help determine if your baby is growing normally and show how his or her growth compares with other children's growth of the same age.