Cebu City – As mentioned in the first part of the Tips on how to weigh infants aged 0-59 months, this article will talk about how to get the right reading or measurement when weighing children. There are two kinds of measuring equipment for weighing children.  There is a mechanical scale and a digital one, and here are some tips for each.

For mechanical scales, in order to have a good reading make sure that the child is still or does not make any movements. Ensure that the dial is also not shifting or fluctuating. The measurer should stand in front of a mechanical scale at an eye level. 

Using a digital scale, the weight will appear on the scale's or the device's digital display. With the assistance of the helper or parent/caregiver, remove any heavy materials (e.g. pants, full diaper) off the child, lift the child by carrying their body and removing heavy clothing including the shoes. 

The one assisting the measurer should fill out the OPT Plus Recording Sheet by writing down the child's weight (to the nearest 0.1kg) and the measurer should read aloud while reading the scale. Once the weight has been recorded by the assistant, check the accuracy of the recorded weight with the measurer. These are only a few basic tips and guidelines on how to ensure a good reading when measuring a child. Follow these guidelines and the data recorded will be of good quality. // DMO II Christine Lopez , RND