GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Average Newborn Head Size

The average newborn head size is approximately 13.5 inches in circumference.

Last Updated: June 23, 2024

How we write

In this post, we explore a collection of statistics related to newborn head size, shedding light on the average measurements, variations between genders, factors influencing head circumference, and implications for infant health. From the differences in head size at birth to the growth patterns observed within the first year of life, these statistics provide valuable insights into the fascinating world of neonatal development.

Statistic 1

"The average newborn head circumference is approximately 34 to 35 centimeters (13.5 to 14 inches)."

Statistic 2

"Baby boys tend to have slightly larger heads than baby girls, but the average difference is less than 1 cm at birth."

Statistic 3

"Most full-term babies (born between 37 and 40 weeks gestation) have a head circumference of 14 inches (35.5 cm)."

Statistic 4

"Determinants of newborn head size also include maternal age, weight, height, and ethnicity."

Statistic 5

"The measurement of head circumference in premature infants shows that the average birth size is 27 cm."

Statistic 6

"By one year, the average baby head size usually increases by about 12 cm to 47 cm (18.5 inches)."

Statistic 7

"An abnormally large or small head size is often a sign of conditions like macrocephaly or microcephaly."

Statistic 8

"The average head circumference in full-term newborns (39–40 weeks) is 36–38 centimeters."

Statistic 9

"The average newborn head size shows less variability than the birth length or weight."

Statistic 10

"In the United States, the average head circumference at birth in boys is 36.4 cm, while for girls, it is 35.5 cm."

Statistic 11

"In the United Kingdom, the median head circumference at birth is estimated to be 34.9 cm for boys and 34.2 cm for girls."

Statistic 12

"The average newborn head size is about one-quarter the size of an adult's head."

Statistic 13

"Ethnically, Asian infants have been found to have slightly smaller head circumferences (about 1 cm less) than Caucasian and African infants."

Statistic 14

"Typically, a newborn's head is about half of their body's length."

Statistic 15

"At 6 months old, a baby’s head circumference increases by about 1 cm per month."

Newborn head size varies based on factors such as gender, gestational age, maternal characteristics, and ethnicity. On average, newborns have a head circumference of 34 to 35 centimeters, with boys typically having slightly larger heads than girls. Full-term babies generally have a head circumference around 35.5 cm, showing less variability compared to birth length or weight. Abnormal head sizes may indicate underlying conditions like macrocephaly or microcephaly. As infants grow, their head size increases significantly, reaching about 47 cm by one year old. These statistics highlight the importance of monitoring head circumference as part of newborn healthcare to ensure proper development and early detection of any potential health concerns.