7 Factors that Determine How Tall Your Child Will Be

Have you ever wondered how tall your child will be when they are older? Or if you can influence their height in any way? If yes, you need to keep reading. There are a number of different factors that contribute to how tall your child will be when they grow up. Some you can influence, and others are beyond your control.

So, whether you are keen for your child to grow up, and up, and up, or you are simply interested to see how tall they are likely to be when they are an adult, the below blog will tell you everything you need to know.

1.   Genetics

The most obvious and well-known factor that affects your child’s height is genetics. If stature runs in the family, your child is more likely to be tall also. In fact, scientists have identified over 700 different genes that determine someone’s height, with some affecting a person’s growth plates and others affecting the production of growth hormones. That being said, even if both parents are of average height or below, their child can still grow up to be a tall adult.

2.   Gender

As a general rule, boys tend to grow taller than girls. According to the CDC, the average male is 175.2cm tall, whereas the average female is 161.5cm tall. If you want to predict how tall your child will be by the time they reach adulthood, use this handy height predictor tool, which takes into consideration your child’s gender and current age.

3.   Health conditions

There are certain health conditions that can affect a child’s growth, such as Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes those who have it to be very tall. Certain conditions such as arthritis, celiac diseases, and some forms of cancer can all result in your child being shorter than their peers.

4.   Nutrition

Although this does not always predict how tall a child will get by adulthood, children who fall into the overweight or obese category tend to be taller than children who are undernourished. Nutrition during pregnancy also plays a vital role in the future bone health and growth of your child.

5.   Hormones

Hormone imbalances such as a low thyroid or growth hormone levels can lead to a lower than average growth rate and can result in children being either shorter or taller than expected if left untreated. Sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen play a very important role in growth during puberty.

6.   Medications

Some medications, especially the chronic use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can lead to your child being shorter than expected. You should speak to your doctor if you have concerns about medications such as this.

7.   Environmental conditions

A child’s geographical surroundings can affect their overall height, with some areas of the world encouraging growth and others not so much so. For example, Scandinavian people are often very tall, whereas people who live in high altitude areas tend to be shorter.

How can I increase my child’s height during their development?

Although your child’s height is largely predetermined by DNA, there are steps that you can take as a parent to maximize their growth during childhood and into puberty. These include:

• Focusing on great nutrition. Nutritionists recommend that growing children eat a varied and balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as protein and calcium that are both needed for bone health and growth.
• Getting sufficient sleep. When your child is in a deep sleep, this is when their body releases the hormones it needs to grow.
• Taking part in regular exercise. To make sure your child’s physical development is on track and to keep their bones healthy, dense, and strong, ensure that they partake in regular exercise that works for all their key muscle groups.

Can adults increase their height?

Once a person has reached the end of puberty, their growth plates stop making new bone. This means that they effectively stop growing. That being said, by practicing good posture and keeping your core muscles strong, a person can appear to stand straighter and, in turn, look taller.

What should I do if I am worried about my child’s height?

If you are worried about any aspect of your child’s development, including their height, it is always a good idea to see your doctor or pediatrician to put your mind at rest. Nine times out of ten, your worries will be completely unfounded as children grow at different paces and will experience growth spurts at different times. If it is discovered that your child does have a condition that is affecting their growth, the earlier you seek treatment, the better, as overlooking symptoms can lead to a delayed diagnosis and, in turn, delayed treatment.