Predicting Your Child’s Height

Parents and family friends often ask, “How tall do you think your child will be?” You may ask yourself, “Will they be short, tall, or average?” While there is no magic way to look into the future to see how tall your kiddo might be when they grow up, a number of methods exist, according to the Mayo Clinic, and none are definitive. However, it can be fun to guess what your child’s height will be, and for some kids, it may be medically necessary. As long as you can track a few statistics, you can gauge the potential range for your child’s full height.

• Child’s Height Predictor – Predict your child’s future height based on his or her genetic potential (which is based on the parents’ mid-parental height), fill in the following form with the height of each of the child’s parents. Your child has a 68% chance of being within 2 inches and a 95% chance of being within 4 inches of this predicted height. Keep in mind that other factors may influence your child’s growth, including his overall health and nutritional status. Click HERE to take this quiz.
   
• Numerous methods of predicting adult height have evolved over the past several decades. The methods have become increasingly accurate, but the improvements in accuracy are largely due to the volume and types of data used to make the calculations. One of the earliest methods was to simply multiply the child’s height at age 2 by a factor of two. This method, however, was typically only accurate to within about 2 inches for males and 3 inches for females. As more data became available from the Fels Longitudinal Study, this method was refined to a series of equations based on height at age 2 as well as sex. This refinement improved the accuracy to within 1.3 inches for both males and females.

 Step 1
Measure the child’s height as close to age 2 as possible. If the child is more than 2 years old, then use previously recorded data from as close to her second birthday as possible.

Step 2
Convert the child’s height to units of inches by multiplying feet by 12 and adding any additional inches. For example, a height of 2 feet 11 inches would be [(2 ft) * (12 inches/ft)] + 11 inches = 35 inches.

Step 3
Calculate the predicted height by substituting the height in inches at age 2 into the appropriate equation. For boys, multiply height at age 2 by 1.37, then add 22.7. For girls, multiply by 1.17, then add 25.0. For example, for a boy that was 35.0 inches at age 2,
[(35.0 * 1.37)] + 22.7 = 71 inches.
For a girl who is 35.0 inches at age 2,[(35.0 * 1.17)] + 25.0 = 66 inches

Step 4
Convert the predicted height to feet and inches by dividing by 12 and taking the remainder as inches. Using the examples from step 3, (71 inches) / (12 inches/ft) = 5 feet 11 inches, or 5′ 11″
(66 inches) / (12 inches/ft) = 5 feet 6 inches, or 5′ 6″. 

• Automatic Child’s Height Calculator – Note: A wide variety of medical conditions and ethnic backgrounds can cause a child to reach an adult height different from that predicted using this tool. If you are concerned about your child’s height or think that your child may be growing too fast or too slowly, consult your pediatrician. Click HERE to find out how tall your child might be.

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Mimi’s for Kids: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We are super excited to have interviewed the new children’s boutique owner/founder, Mimi Lonski, of Mimi’s for Kids in Newport, Rhode Island this week for our “Premier Store Spotlight.” She gives us an inside look into opening her first children’s boutique, planning her upcoming “A Party with Carl” event, and her best style and parenting advice for parents and kids. Read more to find out about the chicest boutique in Newport, Rhode Island!

Join Mimi’s for Kids Facebook page and click HERE

1.    What was your inspiration behind starting your children’s clothing store – Mimi’s for Kids?
Mimi:  A grandmother’s job is to spoil her grandchildren and “Mimis” are the some of best grandmothers. Because I am a real Mimi and a Grandmimi, I was inspired to open a shop and fill it with special Grandma gifts for the little ones. We have wonderful clothing, accessories and toys for infants, toddlers and little girls 4-6X.

2.    Tell us about any special events that you have planned at your store and fun deals we can expect.
Mimi: Our store is only one month old so we have been very busy getting to know our customers but we are planning “A Party with Carl” in July when the season is in full swing. Carl is a huge plush sheep from Jellycats who has become our mascot (see above) and frequent window dressing.

Mimi's store front featuring Rabbitmoon's 'Empress' Collection (far left)

3.    Describe the neighborhood of Newport, Rhode Island where your store is located. Tell us about Newport. What made you pick this location and did you grow up in the local area?
Mimi: Newport is a beautiful town, surrounded by water, filled with historic homes, some of which date back to 1720s, and wonderful gardens with big old trees. We are located on Mill Street just off Bellevue Avenue, where all the famous mansions are located. We look out on Touro Park and the Old Stone Mill. The Park is spectacular this spring with all the cherry trees blooming. Newport is a very ‘walkable’ town, which we love. We are only a few blocks from the waterfront and harbor and in the opposite direction, a few blocks from the beach.

4.    Memorial Day and summer break for kids is just around the corner. What are 3 vacation clothing must-have items that are in your store for summer?
Mimi: Although the weather has been quite cool this spring, summer is on its way and Newport is a resort town. Our must-haves for summer include our cool ribbon-trimmed flip flops, fabulous sun hats by Jamie Rae and swimsuits and cover-ups for the beach by Le Top, of course!

5.    Where are your favorite family hangouts in the Newport, Rhode Island area?
Mimi: My grandchildren love kite flying at Brenton Point State Park and of course Easton’s Beach and the carousel that is just a short walk from our shop.

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Mimi: Before I had kids and grandkids, I never thought I would become so much like my mother. It always makes me smile to hear her exact words and expressions come out of my mouth.

7.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Mimi: The day we opened, the first customer came in and looked around and said, “I’m soooo glad you are here!” and then made a purchase.  Everyone has been so welcoming that we are soooo happy to be in Newport, too!

Inside Mimi's for Kids featuring some of Le Top's playwear and Baby collections

8.    What do you think are the 3 perfect ingredients if there was a “recipe” for dressing a stylish child? Always having solid basics? The perfect tutu? Great jeans that are durable for the everyday play of boys? Tell us your ‘secret recipe’ on style.
Mimi: My secret recipe for dressing a stylish child is a pinch of pizzazz, a dash of fun, a cup of comfort, and then mix it all up with lots of color.

9.    Tell us your best parenting tip or mom advice that your mom passed on to you that you would like to share with a new parent.
Mimi: I have three younger brothers, the two youngest being twins, so her advice to me was: have a good sense of humor and try to be consistent.

Le Top 'Poppies!' collection

10.    What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Spring/Summer 2011?
Mimi: I love Le Top’s ‘Poppies’ Collection umbrella top and capris for girls and the ‘Sunny Ducky’ Collection short set for boys. Both are just too cute!

 Mimi’s for Kids
154 Mill Street
Newport, RI 02840
401.619.1130

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