6. Height Measure (Length) of a Child Lying Down

Note: See Illustration No. 2

E1 & E2 Place the measuring board on a hard, flat surface, such as the floor or a solid table. Make sure the measuring board is stable.

E2 Put the questionnaire on the ground (Arrow 1) and kneel at the base of the measuring board (Arrow 2).

E1 Kneel at the right side of the child so that you can move the footpiece with your right hand (Arrow 3).

E1 & E2 With the help of the mother, gently lower the child onto the measuring board.

E2 Cup your hands over the child’s ears (Arrow 4). With your arms straight (Arrow 5), place the child’s head against the base of the board. The child should be looking straight up (Arrow 6).

E1 Make sure the child is lying flat in the centre of the board (Arrow 7). Put your left hand on the child’s shins (Arrow 8) and press them gently, but firmly against the board.

E2 Check the position of the child (Arrows 1-8). Repeat any steps as necessary.

E1 When the child’s position is correct, move the footpiece with your right hand until it is firmly against the child’s heels (Arrow 9). Read the measurement to the nearest 0.1 cm and call out the result to E2.

E2 Write the result on the questionnaire and show it to E1 for confirmation.

7. Weight Measure Using a Salter Scale

Note: See Illustration No. 3

E1 & E2 Hang the scale from a tree branch or ceiling beam and suspend the scale at eye level.

Ask the mother to undress the child.

E2 Attach a harness (weighing shorts) to the scale; adjust the scale to zero, then remove the weighing shorts from the scale.

E1 Ask the mother to hold the child. Put your hands through the leg holes of the shorts (Arrow 1). Holding the child’s feet, pass the child’s legs through the leg holes (Arrow 2). Make sure the strap of the shorts is in front of the child.

Hang the strap of the weighing shorts on the hook of the scale. Keep one arm on the child and the other on the strap. Do not carry the child by holding only the strap.

Gently lower the child and allow the child to hang freely (Arrow 3).

E2 Stand next to and a little bit behind E1. Have the questionnaire ready (Arrow 4). Make sure the child is not grabbing or holding on to anything other than the weighing shorts.

E1 Hold the scale and read the weight to the nearest 0.1 kg (Arrow 5). Call out the measurement when the child is still and the needle of the scale is not moving.

Even children who are moving around a lot will become still enough for you to take a reading. Wait for the needle to stop moving.

E2 Write the result on the questionnaire and show it to E1 for confirmation.

E1 or E2 Put one arm around the child and remove the strap of the weighing shorts from the scale.

Hand the child back to the mother and ask her to remove the shorts.