What is the average weight and height for 8 year old children?
On average, an 8-year-old boy stands at 50.4 inches (128 centimeters) and weighs about 56.5 pounds (25.63 kilograms). Meanwhile, an 8-year-old girl will stand at 50.5 inches (128.2 centimeters) and weigh around 57 pounds (25.85 kilograms) [1].
|
Age (years) |
Girls |
Boys |
||
|
Height (inches – centimeters) |
Weight (pounds – kilograms) |
Height (inches – centimeters) |
Weight (pounds – kilograms) |
|
|
6 |
45.5 – 115.5 |
44 – 19.96 |
45.5 – 115.5 |
45.5 – 20.64 |
|
7 |
47.7 – 121.1 |
49.5 – 22.45 |
48 – 121.9 |
50.5 – 22.9 |
|
9 |
52.5 – 133.3 |
62 – 28.12 |
52.5 – 133.3 |
63 – 28.58 |
|
10 |
54.5 – 138.4 |
70.5 – 31.98 |
54.5 – 138.4 |
70.5 – 32 |
|
11 |
56.7 – 144 |
81.5 – 36.97 |
56.5 – 143.5 |
78.5 – 35.6 |
|
12 |
59 – 149.8 |
91.5 – 41.5 |
58.7 – 149.1 |
88 – 39.92 |
|
13 |
61.7 – 156.7 |
101 – 45.81 |
61.5 – 156.2 |
100 – 45.36 |
|
14 |
62.5 – 158.7 |
105 – 47.64 |
64.5 – 163.8 |
112 – 50.8 |
|
15 |
62.9 – 159.7 |
115 – 52.16 |
67 – 170.1 |
123.5 – 56.02 |
What factors control the averages?
Genetics, hormone production, and environment are important factors that affect growth from the womb to adulthood. Besides, chronic diseases that influence the respiratory, intestinal, or cardiac systems negatively affect growth and overall health.
There is a group of glands in our body that allow growth. Amongst them, the pituitary gland is the most important one. Also, the thyroid gland, the adrenal gland, the hormones produced from the testicles in boys, and the ovaries in girls are other hormones necessary for growth.
People often claim that short fathers and mothers have short children and vice versa. Although not 100% sure, our height is mainly determined by genetic factors (about 60 to 80%). In addition, balanced and nutritious diets play a role in supporting our height potential.
So, what should kids at 8 eat to grow taller? Keep scrolling to know!
Healthy foods for 8-year-old children
Fruits, vegetables, and legumes
These foods give your kids energy, antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and water that protect them from disease later in life. Encourage them to choose 2 or 3 kinds at every meal and for snacks. However, some might be fussy about eating vegetables and legumes. As parents, you should help them by being a healthy eating role model. If they see you “eating a rainbow” of these foods, they are more likely to try them.
Tip: Wash these foods carefully to remove chemicals and dirt, and leave on any edible skin as the skin also contains nutrients.
Dairy and dairy alternatives
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are the top three choices rich in protein and calcium. Try to give your child different types of reduced-fat dairy every day; for instance, cheese slices, glasses of milk, or bowls of yogurt. In case you think of plant-based milk, you should talk to your pediatrician or healthcare professional.
Meat and meat alternatives
Lean beef, lamb, pork, goat, veal, chicken, turkey, fish or eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, chickpeas, and nuts are rich in protein and necessary for your kids’ growth and muscle development. These foods are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Cereals and grain foods
Bread, flatbreads, tortillas, noodles, pasta, couscous, rice, quinoa, corn, oats, barley, cereals, etc. are good choices to give children the energy they need to grow and develop. Choose whole grain foods whenever you can because they contain a low glycaemic index to provide your kids with longer-lasting energy and keep them full longer.
Healthy drinks
Water is the healthiest drink, not only for children but also for adults. It is also the cheapest option.
Foods and beverages to limit
Parents should limit the amount of “sometimes” food children often eat, allowing them more room for healthy daily foods.
“Sometimes” foods include junk food, fast food, and takeaways like potato chips, hot chips, burgers, pies, pizza, cakes, biscuits, pastries, lollies, etc. These foods are often high in sugar, saturated fat, and sugar, and low in fiber. Eating them regularly might increase the risk of health issues like obesity and type II diabetes.
Is there anything else?
You should limit sugary drinks for your child, including sports drinks, flavored waters and milk, fruit juice, soft drinks, etc. as they are low in nutrients and high in sugar. Drinking too much can result in unhealthy tooth decay, weight gain, and obesity. Moreover, they fill up your child and make them less hungry for healthy meals. And if they often consume these sugary beverages when they are young, this can kick off an unhealthy lifelong habit.
Other factors that play a role in supporting the height growth of kids at 8
Exercise
8-year-old children have developed a decent amount of motor skills, strength, and coordination – enough to run with proper form, jump rope, ride a bike, or hang from a bar for 10 seconds or more. The recommended time is 60 minutes of exercise daily or an hour of muscle strength three times per week.
Sleep
Kids at this age need about ten hours of sleep a night and tend to be sound sleepers. As long as they spend more time on physical activities during the day, they will be sleepy at bedtime. Make sure to protect this time because it is when your children grow and when their brain reinforces and organizes the new information it absorbs each day.
Nutritional supplements
If your kid falls into one of the “at-risk” categories for nutritional deficiencies, supplementation might be an ideal choice. This is because nutrient deficiencies in children might contribute to issues like stunted growth, weakened immunity, cognitive delay, etc. Giving them the necessary supplements might help increase their energy, improve concentration in school, boost mood, and enhance the immune system.
For kids at 8, you can consider our NuBest Tall Kids, a multivitamin for kids from 2 to 9 to support their overall health, or NuBest Tall Protein if you need comprehensive support for kids to teens.
Consulting with a healthcare provider – Should or Not?
Of course, yes.
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can be necessary for 8-year-olds, who are at a critical stage in their growth and development. They might ensure your kids are meeting important developmental milestones and even identify any potential health concerns early on. Importantly, they provide helpful advice on nutrition, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors necessary for overall growth and wellness.
Final thoughts,
Knowing the average weight and height of their 8-year-old kid can help parents assess whether their child is growing well or needs special care. Learn how to feed them daily as well as encourage them to stay active to support their overall growth and development. And in some cases, you can consult your doctor’s advice.
