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Training Module: Accurately Weighing and Measuring: Technique

Measuring Head Circumference
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5. Measuring Head Circumference: Procedures

Any braids, barrettes, or other hair decorations that will interfere with the measurement should be removed.

The infant or child may be more comfortable in the arms or on the lap of a parent.

The tape is positioned just above the eyebrows, above the ears, and around the biggest part of the back of the head. The goal is to locate the maximum circumference of the head.

The tape is pulled snugly to compress the hair and underlying soft tissues.

The measurement is read to the nearest 0.1 cm or 1/8 inch and recorded on the chart.

Child's head circumference being measured
 		  Check Position the tape just above the eyebrows, above the ears, and around the biggest part on the back of the head
  Check Pull tape snugly to compress the hair
  Check Read the measurement to the nearest 0.1 cm or 1/8 inch
  Check Write measurement on the chart
   
 


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