How to Calculate Body Mass Index for a Toddler

Body Mass Index, commonly referred to as BMI, is a number that is calculated based on a person's height and weight. The BMI number is used to determine if a person is at a healthy weight for his height. According to the Nemours Foundation, a toddler's body mass index not only can help determine if a child is at a healthy weight, but can also be used to compare the child's growth pattern to that of other children of the same age.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure Scale

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove any shoes or heavy clothing from the toddler.

• 2

  Measure the child's height in inches.

• 3

  Use a scale to determine the child's weight in pounds.

• 4

  Divide the child's height in inches by the child's weight in pounds. This number is the toddler's BMI.

• 5

  Compare the BMI to a reliable weight chart for toddlers to determine if the toddler is in a healthy weight range (see Resources).