This study aimed to create updated reference standards for the growth of Turkish infants and children and to compare these values with growth data on US children and with previous local data. Weight, height and head circumference measurements were obtained in 2391 boys and 2102 girls who were regular attenders of a well-child clinic. Weight and height measurements were obtained in 1100 boys and 1020 girls attending schools in relatively econonically well off districts in İstanbul. Mean number of measurements per child was 8.2±3.6 in the 0-5 years of age group and 5.5±3.3 in the 6-18 years of age group. All children were from well-to-do families and all were healthy. All measurements with the exception of measurements at birth, which were based on reported values, were done by trained personnel. The LMS method was used in the analyses and in the construction of the percentile charts. The results showed that height growth of Turkish infants and children of well-to-do families conforms to the updated US growth data and shows an upward secular trend from the earlier data. Weight for age and body mass index values for age values indicate an increase starting in prepubertal ages, indicating an increasing trend for obesity. The relatively larger head circumference values were interpreted to reflect a genetic characteristic.

Keywords: büyüme, boy uzunluğu, ağırlık, baş çevresi, persentil eğriler, growth, height, weight, head circumference, percentile charts