The Care and Feeding of Children / A Catechism for the Use of Mothers and Children's Nurses

by L. Emmett Holt

What conditions postpone these events?

Prematurity, a very delicate constitution, any severe or prolonged illness, and especially chronic disturbances of digestion making feeding difficult. A common cause of late sitting, standing, or walking is rickets.

Should a child be urged to walk?

Never; he is usually quite willing to do so as soon as his muscles and bones are strong enough. None of the contrivances for teaching children to walk are to be advised.

When do children begin to talk?

Generally at one year a child can say "papa" and "mamma" or other single words. At the end of the second year the average child is able to put words together in short sentences.

If at two years the child makes no attempt to speak, what should be suspected?

Either that the child is a deaf-mute or that it is mentally deficient, although this is occasionally seen in children who are only very backward.

Table showing the Average Weight, Height, and Circumference
of Head and Chest of Boys[^[1] ]

At birth	Weight	7½ pounds.
	Height	20½ inches.
	Chest	13½ inches.
	Head	14 inches.
One year	Weight	21 pounds.
	Height	29 inches.
	Chest	18 inches.
	Head	18 inches.
Two years	Weight	26½ pounds.
	Height	32½ inches.
	Chest	19 inches.
	Head	19 inches.
Three years	Weight	31 pounds.
	Height	35 inches.
	Chest	20 inches.
	Head	19½ inches.
Four years	Weight	35 pounds.
	Height	38 inches.
	Chest	20¾ inches.
	Head	19¾ inches.
Five years	Weight	41 pounds.
	Height	41½ inches.
	Chest	21½ inches.
	Head	20½ inches.
Six years	Weight	45 pounds.
	Height	44 inches.
	Chest	23 inches.
Seven years	Weight	49½ pounds.
	Height	46 inches.
	Chest	23½ inches.
Eight years	Weight	54½ pounds.
	Height	48 inches.
	Chest	24½ inches.
Nine years	Weight	60 pounds.
	Height	50 inches.
	Chest	25 inches.
Ten years	Weight	66½ pounds.
	Height	52 inches.
	Chest	26 inches.