What Will Help Babies Grow Taller?

As with other aspects of babies' growth, their height will increase at various rates depending on the baby. Height is often hereditary, so if the parents are especially tall, the baby is more likely to grow taller than other babies of the same age. On average, a baby will grow one to two inches a month for the first three months of life, and another two inches between four and seven months old. There are also ways for you to help increase the rate of growth in your baby.

Breastfeeding

Not only does breastfeeding help prevent illness, allergies and infections, but the vitamins and minerals also help increase the rate of growth in your baby. Breastfeeding is one way to help your baby get taller at a more steady rate if you are able to. Breastfeed your baby from the time she is born up until at least six months or longer if you prefer. This is a benefit that may lead you to breastfeeding as opposed to giving formula.

Introduce Solid Foods

Feeding your baby a healthy, nutritious diet is an important part of his development and growth. To help him grow taller, begin feeding him solid foods between four and six months, or when he shows signs he is ready. These signs typically include holding his head up for long periods of time, sitting up comfortably, showing interest in what you are eating and making chewing motions with his mouth. For growth, you want to introduce healthy solid foods which are pureed such as sweet potatoes, applesauce, bananas, peaches and pears. You may also begin introducing rice cereal to his diet by mixing it with breastmilk or formula.

Encourage Activity

Physical activity is also important in your baby's growth, which includes height and weight. Encourage activity by allowing ample time and space to crawl, scoot and eventually walk. You also want to limit the amount of time she spends in the car seat, stroller, swing and playpen as these typically confine her to small spaces without much room to move around and get more physical activity. Get her to move and crawl more by playing games with her on the floor that require movement as well as getting her toys that she will push around and eventually walk with when she has the ability to do so.

Doctor Checkups

Getting checkups from your baby's pediatrician is important to keeping him healthy and getting up-to-date reports on his rate of growth. His doctor will record and maintain a growth chart each time you bring him in for a wellness visit so this is the time to speak to the doctor about any concerns you have regarding your baby's height and the rate at which he is growing.