Is it true that babies who are long when they're born will grow up to be tall?

Not necessarily. Long babies may well grow up to be tall, but genes can also have an influence. If you and your partner are tall then your baby is likely to be tall too, even if he was a small baby.

There are no guarantees, however. Some children grow up to be shorter adults than their parents, and others taller.

Your baby's length will be measured lying down until he's two years old. This will be done regularly by your child health nurse or GP and recorded in his personal health record. While he's very young, your baby's length won't show if he's going to be tall when he's older.

After the age of two your little one's height can be measured standing up. His height after this age gives a better indication of how tall he will be when he becomes an adult.

You can compare your baby's height against the standard length and height charts in his personal health record book. So you'll be able to see how his height compares to other children his age as he grows.

Talk to your GP or child health nurse if you have any concerns about your baby's growth and development.

Reviewed for BabyCenter Australia by Lionel Lubitz, paediatrician.